An Open Letter from the Grand Basileus Regarding the Death of George Floyd
June 8, 2020
An Open Letter:
Greetings on behalf of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., a business and professional women’s organization, affiliated with the National Council of Negro Women and the Black Women’s Agenda. We are “Empowered Women, United as Sisters for Justice, Health and the Family.”
The members of Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., mourn the senseless harassment and deaths of unarmed African American people across this country. We support the right of every citizen to assemble lawfully to seek redress from the government. And we stand side-by-side with the peaceful protesters marching around the globe.
We say the names of the fallen: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arberry, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray, and countless others. We demand justice in their memory. We also know that protest alone is not enough. We must follow and support words with action.
Therefore, Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., calls upon all people to take two simple first steps. Stand up and be counted.
First, exercise your right to vote. Terrance Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, called upon us recently to honor his brother by exercising our right to vote. Most of the decisions that impact our daily lives are made at the local level. This is where District Attorneys, Sheriffs, and Police Chiefs are elected and appointed. Vote at the State and National levels too. Vote for politicians who will represent your values and appoint people who have your best interests at heart. Vote like your life depends upon it. It does.
Second, complete your census. Accurate counts in the census determine how resources are distributed across this country. From the number of electors your State will control in a Presidential election to how funds are allocated to the local school board, every person counts. Historically, minorities are under-counted and consequently our communities are under-funded. This is one way we can ensure that we are seen.
Over the past weeks, we have witnessed history as people of all races, ages, genders, and religions stand together to demand justice for Black and Brown people. They are honoring the names of our fallen brothers and sisters and uplifting the issues that plague all people of color. We can and should do our part to make sure that their efforts are not in vain.
Dr. Ditra Stanford Scruggs
22nd Grand Basileus
Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc.