DEI “Darty” Posts

6.30.2024: Emma Kidwell, MC ’22

HAPPY PRIDE ETA THETA! 🌈✨

While today is the last day of June, know that Eta Theta loves and supports you always! To our lovely sisters that are a part of the community, we hope you had the best month and know we continue to be here for you. You are so so loved! If you or someone you know may be interested in seeking LGBTQ+ resources there are so many awesome ones locally and nationally:

• Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org and 1-866-488-738

• PFLAG St. Louis: PFLAGSTL.org

• St. Louis Queer Help Line: TheSQSH.org and 314-380-7774

• Pride Center of St. Louis: PrideSTL.org

While these are just a few, know there can be hundreds more found at the Queer Resource Directory (QRD.org) for you, a loved one, family members, allies and more! On a final note, happy pride to my amazing LGBTQIA+ dg’s ♥️🧡💛💚💙💜 You are loved, you are seen, you are heard!

4.22.2024: Jayden Radtke, MC ’21

Happy Earth Day Eta Theta!!! 🌎 ☀️ This DEI Darty is gonna be all things Earth Day, and how to celebrate Earth Day even in a small way! Earth Day is every April 22nd, and was first held across college campuses in 1970. It was started to encourage teach ins about how to spark change. The first Earth Day helped rally support and awareness for two landmark environmental laws, The Clean Air Act and The Clean Water Act.

How to Celebrate Earth Day!

• Watch a nature documentary to learn more about our wonderful mother earth! There are tons of free ones on youtube!

  • Our Planet - Netflix

  • FreeDocumentaryNature - Youtube

  • Down to Earth with Zac Efron😙 - Netflix

• Start doing Meatless Mondays! As a longtime vegetarian (now pescatarian), being mindful of our meat consumption is one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint!

• Calculate your carbon footprint at https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx Calculating your carbon footprint can help you think of areas to improve your impact on our Earth!

• Read! Read books about climate change or wild life ecology to learn more about nature and how you can make a difference!

  • Braiding Sweetgrass written by Indigenous American Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer

  • Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

• Podcasts! Listen to a podcast about ecology! Episodes I recommend

  • Ologies: Bryology (Moss) with Dr. Robin Wall Kimerer

  • On Being: The Intelligence of Plants

Thanks for giving this a read! If you watch/read/listen to any of these resources, let me know your thoughts as they’re some of my favorites! If you’re thinking about going plant based, I would also LOVE to talk about it! Have a wonderful Earth Day, and remember to always Respect your Mother 🌎 <3

3.8.2024: Emma Kidwell, MC ’22

Hi, amazing Delta Gamma Women!! <3 <3 <3 HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!!

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women's Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement. This day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. Overall, it is a day to celebrate the amazing things women have accomplished and how our fight continues!

How can we celebrate?

Go visit a woman owned business!

• Food

• Stores

Also check out @stlsupportlocal instagram for more businesses!

History:

We are celebrating women’s accomplishments! This day celebrates the movements that demanded women’s rights to vote and better working conditions.  March 8th was marked as Women’s Day by the United Nations in 1975 and was officially recognized two years later. Check out this link for year by year history of Women’s History!

2.26.2024: Emma Kidwell, MC ’22

Hi Friends!

Wednesday’s Panhellenic DEI Discussion is going to be amazing and super educational! I highly recommend everyone who can attend, does! Before the event, however, Delta Gamma wanted to share some history on Mill Creek Valley and hear some of the voices of Mill Creek Valley. History of  Mill Creek Valley:

It was home to 20,000 people. Sixty-four years ago, a predominantly Black neighborhood that was demolished. In 1954, the mayor of St. Louis announced plans to clear the 465-acre predominantly Black neighborhood. After World War II, St. Louis voters approved $100 million to demolish the neighborhood to attract newer homes and businesses. In February 1959, bulldozers fired up. Dozens of historic churches were torn down. U.S. Highway 40 was built in Mill Creek Valley’s place. People who lived there often could not move to the suburbs because of segregation and redlining. Many people had to move to apartments in the city, like Pruitt–Igoe. Which failed, shortly after its beginning. 70% of the businesses that were in Mill Creek Valley closed. The demolition of Mill Creek Valley was considered an urban redevelopment failure, with no regard for the Black people and the culture that once thrived there.

How has Mill Creek Valley been destroyed and gentrified?

Like many Black neighborhoods and other communities of color across in both the United States and Canada in the 1950s and 1960s, Mill Creek Valley became a victim of urban renewal policies that cleared entire neighborhoods in the name of economic and commercial development, forcing families out of their homes. This could be a new highway in place of a neighborhood, or new residences or public spaces built in the name of “slum clearance.” Sometimes, both. In St. Louis, $10 million in bonds were set aside to raze Mill Creek Valley, which its 1958 redevelopment plan labeled as a “slum clearance.

Voices of Mill Creek:

“I can’t tell you how often when I’m speaking, someone says to me, I never heard of it. Where was it?,” Gibson recalled. “20,000 people. That’s incredible. That’s a lot of people you haven’t heard of in a city where you live” - Vivian Gibson

“When people say show me where you used to live … I say I can’t, because of the highway,” - Horne-Wells

“The principal of the school … came around to every classroom and said that the neighborhood was deteriorating and the reason it was deteriorating was because black people were moving in,” - Moore

“People knew that we were coming from Mill Creek, and there was that immediate prejudice about ‘Oh, you’re from that rundown slum that I’ve been reading about?’” - Moore

Watch this. Read this.

Resources & References:

• https://beltpublishing.com/products/the-last-children-of-mill-creek

• https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/what-mill-creek-valley-st-louis-citypark-brickline-greenway/63-5ca18972-e138-427e-9721-f4bbdeb41b66#:~:text=Early%20history,the%20neighborhood%20and%20factories%20encroached.

• https://stlargusnews.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-mill-creek-valley-st-louis-missouri/

• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/in-st-louis-a-neighborhood-destroyed-and-the-children-who-remember

6.30.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

Last day of Pride!! 🌈🌟💗

Although today marks the end of LGBT+ pride month, that does not mean the fight for equity and equal opportunities for all LGBT+ individuals end today. LGBTQ+ individuals have had an incredibly impact on the United States.

Here is an awesome article from CNN about important LGBTQ+ figures!

A couple of great pointers from Rachels presentation...

• Our language sets the tone for our community. Take the time to educate yourself and take notice of the words you use in everyday conversation. Are you being inclusive through the words you use in reference to marginalized groups, specifically LGBT+? What can you do to improve?

• Allyship begins with self reflection. Do the views of your close circles contrast your own? If so, maybe think about having an open conversation to learn new perspectives.

• Most importantly, support one another!

• Link to Rachel Hawke's presentation

• Youth.gov article

• SLU Queer & Trans Wellness Clinic

6.19,2023: Lydia Mulugeta, MC ’22

Happy Juneteenth!

Quick History Lesson: The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln on January 1st, 1863, but many slaves were still held until 2 ½ years later, on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery and the Civil War in Galveston, Texas. Although it has been celebrated since 1866 with large gatherings and sporting events, it was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021.

Why Should it Matter to You/How Should You Recognize: Not only is Juneteenth a new holiday to some, many non-Black people may feel that it does not hold significance to them and feel weird about recognizing it. Juneteenth is often referred to as America’s second Independence Day and we can all help support that. Find local celebrations, visit a museum, support Black-owned businesses! We all share a nation, and therefore, take part in each other’s history and can contribute positively to a more equitable society.

Let’s continue to make the statement that Black history is American history and that we can come together to honor the struggle for freedom that continues from systemic racism.

An Important Note: June is also National Gun Violence Awareness Month. I want to recognize the shootings over this weekend in which 6 people have lost their lives, including in my home state of Washington, as well as in St. Louis and Willowbrook, a Chicago suburb, at a Juneteenth celebration. In addition, gun violence has a disproportionate effect on Black communities. Contact elected officials, participate in local community gun-violence prevention, and donate to organizations that speak to your views. We should have the right to celebrate these holidays and live in this nation without fear of becoming victims of gun violence.

Photo-essay from Boston University about the meaning of Juneteenth

Gun-Violence Prevention Organizations:

• The Brady Campaign

• Everytown

• Giffords Law Center

• Sandy Hook Promise

4.9.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

EASTER 🐣

Today is Easter, otherwise known as Resurrection Sunday, is celebrated by people of the Christian faith of most denominations (like Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, etc)!

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, who is said to be the Son of God according to the Bible (the Christian text)! Basically, according to the Bible, Jesus is wrongfully sentenced to death but then miraculously returns back to life after three days. Because of that, Easter Sunday signifies hope, freedom, and celebration! Many people of the Christian faith will celebrate by attending church and spending time with family.

Like Ramadan and Passover, the day Easter is celebrated varies each year. Easter's exact date is determined by phase of the moon; it will always be on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. Fun fact, Ash Wednesday will always be 46 days before Easter!

Some fun terms to know about Easter for further research or if you have friends that celebrate!

• Mardi Gras: meaning "Fat Tuesday" which denotes the last day before Lent begins!

• Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent!

• Lent: A season of fasting to commemorate the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert.

• Holy Week: refers to the week leading up to Easter Sunday!

I hope everyone has a great rest of their break, and if you observe any of these special holidays that you do so with so much fun and joy!! 🌷🐇

4.8.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

PASSOVER!! 🎉

Passover is a seven/eight day celebration (We are currently in the middle of it! This years celebration dates from April 5th to April 13th) where people of the Jewish faith come together to commemorate the emancipation of Israelites (a term often used to denote Jewish people!) from slavery in Ancient Egypt.

This celebration is observed for 7-8 days, beginning on the 15th of Nisan/Nissan (the first month on the Jewish calendar!), which typically falls around March/April and is also why there are varying dates for it each year on most calendars used in the U.S. (the Gregorian calendar!).

Here are some terms to know if you are doing further research or have Jewish friends that celebrate!

• Chametz: meaning leavened food. It is said that the Israelites (Jewish folk!) did not have time to let their bread rise before they escaped Egypt, so getting rid of any leavened food (including breads, alcohols [fermented!], pastas) in the household is done to commemorate newfound freedom.

• Matzo/Matzah: is an unleavened flatbread. Commercialized matzo/matzah has more of a crispy, cracker-like crunch to it because of the short shelf-life that homemade matzo/matzah has (more similar to pita bread)!

• Seder: is a special dinner on the first and/or second night of Passover where prayers from the Haggedah (the Jewish text used for Passover) are read and specific symbolic foods are on the table for family to enjoy!

• Torah: is composed of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Fun fact: Ramadan, Easter, and Passover typically occur at the same time THREE TIMES within 100 years... but this is the second consecutive year where all three religious events overlap one another! How awesome is that!

I apologize for the late Darty post, I had the wrong dates on my personal calendar! Happy Pesach, and well wishes to those who celebrate to make this week joyous! And of course, if there is every anything inaccurate or poorly described in this post or past posts; do let me know right away! 🕊️😁💐💝

4.6.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

I'M STILL HERE by Austin Channing Brown 📚😁

Thank you Emily & Erin for collaborating with DEI to make this book club happen! Here is some more about this book:

In her highly-acclaimed memoir "I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness,", Austin details her experiences as a Black, Christian woman growing up in a predominantly White middle-class America. This book is a fairly short read, a little under 100 pages.

Heres one quote I really enjoyed:

In reference to her wanting to make her college experience more diverse, equitable, and inclusive; Brown realizes that "The role of the bridge builder sounds appealing until it becomes clear how often the bridge is your broken back," (42). This quote reminds me of the constant conversations I have had with members of our chapter on how DEI should be made a priority within our chapter and ways to make our spaces as accessible as possible.

Brown does incredible work in defining microaggressions, identifying internalized racism, and the heavy importance of working towards being anti-racist rather than claiming "I am not racist,". As members of Delta Gamma, we should be standing strong but never standing still when it comes to having conversations about racism; and we should always enter them with a respectful, and open perspective.

This book club is definitely not one to miss, so we (Emily, Erin, and I) hope to see you at the meeting!

4.3.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

LET’S TALK SOCIAL CHANGE! 🤩

Policy affects nearly everything we do. Because of policy, it is hard for us to feel as if we have any control when it comes to tragedies and disasters that occur around us. Here are some ways to combat that feeling, and to have more autonomy in making social change to benefit us and generations to come.

• SLU offers free subscriptions to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal! Take advantage of these subscriptions to read articles and opinion pieces on current events to stay informed.

• When speaking with someone who has a differing opinion than yours, remember to ask for further clarification and to seek productive conversation. Engaging with friends and family over controversial topics is hard and can be hurtful, but do your best to seek common ground and to be cognizant of your own tone as well!

• Register to VOTE! Vote, vote, vote! Your vote is your voice! I cannot say it enough.

• RESEARCH local political candidates and take time to figure out where they stand. A lot of change will stem from voting politicians that support your personal beliefs at the local level, rather than on a national level.

• Use social media... in a smart way! Sometimes, reposting graphics on Instagram is not enough. Take time to ensure the content you repost and consume has reliable and TRUE information! Be sure to ENGAGE with friends about what you repost!

Here is a link to an awesome opinion piece from the NYT about women being underrepresented in basically everything; also how we can better engage one another in debate!

3.22.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

RAMADAN MUBARAK!! 😊🌙💖🥳

Today begins a month-long observance of Ramadan where people of the Muslim faith fast from sunrise to sundown and involves prayer, spending time with friends and family, community, and celebration. It is a season of giving and being charitable! This holiday follows the lunar calendar, meaning the days are dictated by the phases of the moon, so the first day of Ramadan will always move back about 11 days each year. Some vocab you may see used by your Muslim peers or if you do further research!

• Eid: literally means "festival" or "feast". There are two of these in the Islamic Calendar!

• Eid al-Fitr: means "festival of breaking the fast"! It marks the end of Ramadan where large gathering occurs within the community, gifts are given to one another, and giving to the less fortunate.

• Eid al-Adha: means "festival of sacrifice" and refers to the Quranic tale of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God. This is considered the greater Eid and is also a day to celebrate with community, wearing your best attire, and exchanging gifts!

Also, for anyone with a meal plan & celebrates: Grand has meals available from sunset to 9pm all throughout this month! Check out DineSLU instagram for more!

Again, Ramadan Mubarak everyone!! 🌙🫶💖

3.8.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY!! 💐

TW: I will be using primarily female-identifying language in this darty! However, many topics I mention can also be applicable to individuals who identify otherwise :)!

When I think of IWD, I first think of my mom. In my household family, I have four brothers and my parents; so as far as estrogen goes, it's just me and my mom. My mom also only had brothers. So did my grandmother on my mom's side. My grandmother still lives in the Philippines, so we facetime her frequently from our home in Naperville. I cannot imagine the strength it took for my grandmother to send her only daughter off to the Philippines, and for my mother to pave her own way in the States.

Similarly.. when I think of IWD, I think of the strength it takes for woman to even get up to face the day; a day that is affected by patriarchal values, a day where she may have to feign kindness to someone undeserving to get her foot in the door and as to not be perceived as "needy" and "bitchy", a day where she may not have access to the resources she needs to further thrive and grow. I think about all of the inspirational women in our lifetime: Malala, Michelle Obama, Greta Thunberg, Serena Williams, Lizzo, and so many more!

I open this darty detailing little tidbits on my family history to highlight this years theme: Embrace Equity.

Emily did an extraordinary job of demonstrating the difference between equity and equality in one of our dialogues earlier in this semester, so I wont rehash the differences and similarities now but have a resource provided below for anyone curious. My mom immigrated to the States and was scared out of her mind of what would happen when she got here. She was already at a disadvantage with her intersecting identities of being Filipino, being a mother, being an immigrant, being a /woman/.   She worked from the ground up, doing so that she could set up a better life with broader opportunities for her children.

Heres the thing: she should have had equal opportunity in the first place. I should have equal opportunity in today's world of emerging technologies and methods of accessibility. But I don't, and she didn't.

When we #EmbraceEquity, we do so to create more inclusive spaces so that we can celebrate all communities, particularly women today. There is a seat for you at every table. There is someone advocating for you to succeed, and if you think you don't: text me and I will prove otherwise. We make a promise to Delta Gamma to be champions to one another even in their absence, so on todays International Womens Day with the theme #EmbraceEquity: I encourage everyone to take the time to show gratitude to the women in your life who have worked hard for you or who have been champions to you.

Some links!

• https://www.internationalwomensday.com/EquityEquality

• https://blog.cloudflare.com/international-womens-day-2023/

• https://blog.hurree.co/international-womens-day-2023-how-to-embrace-equity?hs_amp=true

2.11.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

Happy International Day of Women & Girls in Science!! Today, we recognize the importance and significance of having women and girls in science, a primarily male-dominated field. Take the time to text a DG in any science/STEM related major that you love & appreciate them! We especially appreciate the following women in history who have made leaps & bounds in their fields of expertise...

• Rosalind Franklin (a British biophysicist that contributed significant data towards the discovery and understanding DNA)

• Katherine Johnson (one of the first African American women to work as a NASA scientist and whose calculations of orbital mechanics were critical towards the success of landing on the moon)

• Isabella Aiona Abbott (a Chinese Hawaiian-native ethnobotanist who was the first woman of color to be a professor of Biology at Stanford University and is considered one of the world's leading experts in Hawaiian seaweeds, discovering over 200 species!)

Some awesome links to check out below!

• https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/sep/05/forgot-black-women-nasa-female-scientists-hidden-figures

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

• https://womenshistory.si.edu/stories/marine-botanist-isabella-aiona-abbott-and-more-women-know-asian-american-and-pacific-islander

2.4.2023: Lydia Mulugeta, MC ’22

As you guys probably know, February is Black History Month! Bear with me because this will be a little long but read the end for recommendations on how to participate. I’m also placing a trigger warning here for discussion about death and incarceration:

For a little history lesson, in 1915, Carter G. Woodson, co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, declared the second week of February–coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass–to be Negro History Week. Carter "fervently believed that Black people should be proud of their heritage and [that] all Americans should understand the largely overlooked achievements of Black Americans". The week of celebrations and education then evolved into month-long festivities, often on college campuses, acknowledging the history and culture of Black Americans; it was then officially recognized by Gerald Ford in 1976. The theme of Black History Month 2023 is ‘Black Resistance’ which denotes how Black people have been subjected to historical and ongoing systemic racism and violence and have resisted in order to create space in this country for progress and the right to a self-determined life. I would like us to take this opportunity to highlight notable Black figures and movements in the fight for racial equality, but also spread awareness for the issues that still affect this community today.

Issue Spotlight:

Black Maternal Health Disparities: Black women are over 3 times more likely to suffer pregnancy and childbirth-related death than white women and those with advanced degrees experience infant death at higher rates than white women without high school diplomas. Black maternal health is also worsening, with poor access to reproductive healthcare and chronic stress linked to the effects of racial discrimination over a lifetime being two primary contributors. Great article and source here!

Movement Spotlight:

Black Lives Matter: In 2013, George Zimmerman was acquitted of second-degree murder in the trial regarding the shooting of 17-year old Trayvon Martin; in direct response to the his death, the #BlackLivesMatter movement began and garnered more national participation after the murders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, both unarmed black men killed by police officers. Black men ages 20-24 are three times more likely to be killed by police and young Black Americans experience the highest rate of death of gun homicides. The movement serves to underscore and fight against the long history in America of racist policing, poor legislation, and inequality within the criminal justice system that feeds into the overall disregard for Black life in this country.

Figure Spotlight:

The Black figure I would like to highlight today for her courage and activism, even as a young child, is Ruby Bridges. While she is still only 68 years old today, at 6 years old Ruby Bridges was the first African-American student to attend her all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although she endured a lot of racist vitriol, with federal marshals having to walk her and her mother to school every day for the first year, Ruby graduated high school in a desegregated school and founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation which advocates for equality and inclusion in education. She also serves as a reminder that we are not that far from the age of Jim Crow and segregation. Foundation website here!

How Can You Contribute You May Ask?

St. Louis is an amazing city to support some great Black-owned businesses and learn some Black History!

1. Here’s a list of Black-owned restaurants that you can hit-up: https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/black-owned-restaurants-you-can-support-in-st-louis/Slideshow/37134880/39386967

   • My personal recommendations are Meskerem Restaurant (try Ethiopian food🫶) and Pharaoh’s Donuts if you have a sweet tooth like me!

2. Go to a free event at the Missouri History Museum called Black Resistance: Extraordinary Black Missourians on February 27 at 11:00 A.M. or any other event linked on the city’s website

3. Volunteer! St. Louis Public Schools and St. Louis Area Foodbank are great organizations to give your time to that serve a large minority population in this city. You can also volunteer through campus organizations like Overground Railroad and Campus Kitchen!

4. If you don’t want to leave your dorm/apartment in this freezing weather: order-in some food from any of the great Black owned restaurants above and enjoy some Black media. My recs:

   • Movies & Television: 13th, Hidden Figures, Malcolm X, Love & Basketball, Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse Girlfriends, When They See Us, Black-ish, Abbott Elementary

   • Music: lots of options but for more old school we have “Queen of Salsa” and Afro-Latina icon Celia Cruz and Pioneer of Reggae Bob Marley. My current, personal favs are J. Cole, H.E.R, Bryson Tiller, and Kehlani.

   • Books: ‘Sister Outsider’ by Audre Lorde, ‘Kindred’ by Octavia E. Butler, ‘Between the World and Me’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates, ‘The Trayvon Generation’ by Elizabeth Alexander (I’m reading this one right now!)

Finally, celebrating Black resistance does not mean we have to sacrifice the acknowledgement that racial trauma places a significant mental health burden on African-Americans and recognizing what we have built is just as important as what we have fought against.

1.27.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

January 27th marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The St. Louis Holocaust Museum is offering “pay as you wish” tickets varying from $0.01 to however much you would like to contribute today, tomorrow, and Sunday (January 27-29). The museum has a mission to “to use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change,” and this weekend will be a wonderful opportunity to educate yourself on the history of the Holocaust and how it affects the Jewish community today. Tickets are in-person purchases only.

I strongly encourage everyone to visit, and if you need a buddy I am so glad to come with! (I will already be attending Saturday morning and with Chloe Sunday afternoon, so feel free to join us as well!!)

Here are some articles regarding how people around the world have honored Holocaust victims and families.

• https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1jjl8fwc5

• https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/world/2023/01/27/international-holocaust-remembrance-day-2023/11133233002/

• https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_211247.htm

1.22.2023: Ivy Ibay, MC ’22

Happy Chinese/Lunar New Year!!

2023 marks the year of the Rabbit which symbolizes kindness and working in silence to achieve great things. Here are some awesome articles to check out!

• https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/lunar-new-year

• https://time.com/6248736/lunar-new-year-celebrations/

• https://www.rd.com/article/history-chinese-new-year/

In the meantime, here are some local Chinese restaraunts that would be PERFECT to grab dinner at before chapter this week or as a casual weekend night out!!

1. Sun Restaraunt in Hazelwood (I heard the duck here is SO GOOD)

2. Golden Wok in Ellisville (a little bit of a drive but so super yummy & worth it!!)

3. Showok Chinese in Kirkwood (carryout place! be sure to call in an order!)

10.24.2022: Tanvi Yadlapalli, MC ’19`

Happy Diwali! Diwali is a holiday and is also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is also celebrated by Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.

During this time of year, you may see diyas, small lamps, lined outside a Hindu family’s door. The diyas symbolize light that protects one from darkness. In some parts of India, Diwali is celebrated in honor of the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the villain Ravana. To welcome King Rama back home, diyas were lit to guide and welcome him back home.

During Diwali, my family and I dress up in our best traditional attire for our Pooja, prayer, my mom makes a fantastic spread of traditional South Indian dishes, and my mom and I decorate the exterior of our house with Rangolis. Rangoli is a colorful design made to welcome good luck and prosperity to the household.

It is very common to celebrate Diwali with fireworks and sparklers at night! In India, the nights are filled with the sounds of sparklers and firecrackers to honor the celebration!

10.23.2022: Abbey Zabat, MC ‘20

Hey slayers, Happy Sunday! I know we talked about this at chappy, but in case you forgot, October is Filipino American History Month!

The celebration commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the US, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “‘Luzones Indios’ came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza and landed in what is now Morro Bay, California (FANHS).” In 2009, U.S. Congress officially declared October as Filipino American History Month in the United States, and in 2015, President Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House. Thanks, Obama!

The Philippines has a long-standing relationship with the United States – Filipinos first arrived as laborers, mostly working in agriculture and domestic service, and as students. The Pensionado Act of 1903 gave many Filipino students the opportunity to travel to the US and study in American universities, one of them being my great-grandpa (don’t ask me how many greats it is because I don’t know) who studied neuroscience at Northwestern in the 1900s. The US healthcare system is also deeply intertwined with the Filipino people, with 1 in 20 RNs being trained in the Philippines before immigrating here to work in our hospitals (TIME). They have cared for others throughout countless healthcare crises, from AIDS to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s important to acknowledge that the Pensionado Act and the huge amount of imported Filipino nurses were not by mistake or coincidence, but due to the American colonization and occupation of the Philippines for more than 45 years. The US gained control over the Philippines in 1898 after the Spanish-American war and proceeded to rule over the Filipino people until they were finally granted independence on July 4th, 1946 (Asian Studies). Today, you can find Filipinos all over the US and probably in every hospital you go to! WOOHOO!!!!

How can you celebrate Filipino American History Month?

1. Eat Filipino food!

Some options are: the Fattened Caf and Liz’s Filipino Desserts

2. Support Filipino artists

Lowkey there are so many celebs that are Filipino like Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, and H.E.R.

3. Learn more about the US colonization of the Philippines!!!! I could talk about this for so long but I’ll just say that the US was not nice to the Philippines lol

10.10.2022: Emily Wittenauer, MC ‘20

Hey, besties!!!! Who’s ready for a DEI DARTY😎🌎 Topic: Indigenous People’s Day and Why Columbus Day shouldn’t be celebrated.

Happy Indigenous People’s Day!!!! Indigenous People’s Day was created to take over the former celebrated holiday known as Columbus Day (ew). “Though some groups argue that Columbus Day, which is still a federal holiday, celebrates Italian American heritage, many say the holiday glorifies an exploration that led to the genocide of native peoples and paved the way for slavery (USA Today).”

This shift came as a result of the long-standing controversy over Christopher Columbus himself and the fact that he should not be celebrated. Columbus has been seen as a glorified hero who “discovered” the Americas in 1492, but his fame is rooted in the oppression and assimilation of the Indigenous people. “For Native Americans, Columbus Day has long been hurtful. It conjures the violent history of 500 years of colonial oppression at the hands of European explorers and those who settled here — a history whose ramifications and wounds still run deep today (Fadel, NPR).”

Not to mention, the idea that Columbus was the first European to step onto our land, is inherently false. Viking Leif Eriksson led a group of Vikings to the land 500 years prior thus discovering the land. In summary, not only did Columbus colonize the Indigenous people, his legacy of discovering the land of the Americas is incorrect. For these reasons, the day of his prior celebration is now used to celebrate the Indigenous peoples that came before us and still live in select native communities today.

So how can we celebrate Indigenous People's day?

1. Learn more about the history of the land on which you live on and the history of its indigenous people!!! A quick google search will do wonders or follow the resources listed below.

2. Learn about native plants and their traditional uses.

3. Send support to Native American tribes across the United States.

Happy Indigenous People’s Day everyone!

10.04.2022: Lydia Cohen, MC ‘21

HEY SQUAD!! here’s a DEI darty on Yom Kippur!!

So, what is Yom Kipper you ask? WELL, Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday for ~atonement~ (not really a better word here). The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was last week on Monday! Yom Kippur is a day when Jews reflect on our actions of the past year and express wanting to be better people and grow as humans. In my family atonement has never been a huge focus! We tend to look at it more through the lens of gratitude and growth and love.

Is there any way I can support Jewish friends on Yom Kippur? HECK YEAH! The holiday involves fasting!! There is a fast starting sundown tonight (so rn), until sundown tomorrow! Recognize that some Jewish people in your life may be fasting so be conscientious of that in case of being #hangry (me guys so sorry). Also do your best to try not to schedule important//required events on the holiday, as many tend to take off classes/work to relax and reflect with family. If someone you know is Jewish isn't in class, offer to send notes or explain what is missed to take the stress away from being absent.

Also one last footnote - if you feel comfortable, being an advocate is always appreciated! Last Monday on Rosh Hashanah I initially had an exam scheduled, so if you ever notice an exam on one of the Jewish high holidays and feel comfortable saying something to your teacher please do! Not everyone may feel comfortable enough to speak up for themselves.

That’s all lovelies!! If you read this know you are causing me to smile the biggest ever. I actually love and adore all of you and thank you for being such awesome human beings!!

9.18.2022: Jayden Radtke & Rosy Rojas, MC ‘21

FIRST DEI DARTY OF THIS SEMESTER WOOOOO!

Hey guys! This month marks Hispanic Heritage month!!! Beginning in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” under President Lyndon Johnson, but it was later extended to a month during the Reagan Administration. It is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. Starting on September 15th is the independence day of many countries in Latin America,  including El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. The 16th of September is Mexican Independence day, and the 18th of September is Chilean Independence Day! This time is celebrated with many festivals, amazing food, and parties in each respective country.

Want to learn even more? Well, you’re in luck because September 23rd-24th, Hispanic Festival, Inc. is having the Hispanic Heritage month festival in Soulard!!! There will be music, authentic foods, and fundraisers to raise money for college-bound students! They also provide a variety of Hispanic scholarships if you are from the state of Missouri (Hispanic Scholarship Alliance) to help college students of Hispanic heritage to pursue and further their education.

Later this week DEI will be sending out a list of Latinx-owned businesses in St. Louis to support! Resources listed below!

8.02.2022: Jayden Radtke, MC ‘21

DEI DARTY: ELECTION EDITION

Hi lovely ladies!! if you’re in the states of Missouri, Michigan, Kansas, Arizona, or Washington, today is your PRIMARY ELECTION!!!!! YAY CIVIC DUTY!!! If you’re saying, “wait… the big election isn’t till November why do I need to go vote now??” Let me enlighten you!! There is a difference between the Primary and General elections. Right now the primary election is to elect who is going to be on the ballot for the general election! In Missouri, you can only vote a straight ticket (meaning for one party). It’s super important to vote in the primaries so the candidates that end up on the ballot reflect your beliefs and values! Make sure to do research on your candidates and the propositions because they can have a huge impact in your community!

So go and vote in those primaries today and have your ideals represented by people who will Do Good in our community!

(If you drop a picture of you with your I voted sticker, I will personally owe you a hug when we get back to campus)

6.22.2022: Jayden Radtke, MC ‘21 & Emily Wittenauer, MC ‘20

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH BESTIES!!! For this DEI Darty, we are talking about Pride! Pride began due to The Stonewall Riots in June of 1969 in New York when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a place of refuge for the gay community in a time when solicitation of same-sex relations was illegal. The six days of protests that followed marked the start of the Gay Rights Movement. As St Patrick’s day is a remembrance and celebration of the Irish’s oppression and liberation, Pride is in a similar way to the celebration of the queer community’s continual fight for equality. This Pride month, let us remember that although progress has been made, gay marriage was not legalized until June of 2015, only 7 years ago. In 2022, there are still bills being passed against the LGBTQ+ community, and many steps needed to be taken to protect the rights of queer Americans.

Additionally, we also want to start a conversation on how to make Eta Theta a more inclusive chapter for LGBTQ+ members, and PNMs during recruitment! Seeing how Greek Organizations have actively discriminated against the LGBTQ community in the past, it's so important we recognize this and are actively working to make changes. Here are a few tips! If you're unsure, always ask for someone’s pronouns before assuming. Additionally, working inclusive language into everyday conversations. Instead of asking “do you have a boyfriend?” or “what’s his name?” you can ask “are you dating anyone?” or “what's their name?”. Also, we can encourage gender expression in clothing at formals, date dashes, and recruitment allowing dresses to not be the only option of formal wear.

It is so important to be there to uplift and celebrate our sisters in the LGBTQ+ community, while also being aware that Greek life is inherently heteronormative and not everything has always been all sunshine and rainbows (pun intended). We hope you learned something from this DEI Darty and celebrate the rest of Pride Month with us!

4.16.2022: Grace Hoover, MC ‘19

Passover, or Pesach, is a Jewish holiday lasting 8 days, starting and ending in the evening. As it follows dates on the Hebrew calendar, when Passover falls exactly on the calendar varies each year. This year it started yesterday (April 15) and ends on the evening of the 23rd.

The first night of Passover is celebrated with a Seder, which is a dinner including prayer and remembrance of Judaic history, specifically the events of Jews fleeing enslavement. During the Seder, different foods with different symbolizations are eaten as we take time to reflect with friends and family.

Over the 8 days, Passover is observed, Jews do not eat any form of leavened bread. Instead, they eat Matzah. Matzah is meant to represent the unleavened bread Jews had to leave with, as there was no time to wait for the bread to rise.

Happy Passover to all who celebrate!!

2.27.2022: Liv Bacon, MC ’20

“Hi guys, you’ve probably heard about the recent events in Ukraine and the DEI committee wanted to come here and spread some resources, information, and an important reminder. There has been a large number of memes about WWIII being created and spread (not within the chapter but just around the internet as a whole). While a meme may seem harmless, it is important to remember that living in America at a moment like this is a privilege. Many families are fleeing their homes and lives are being lost. There are many organizations like UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, Voices of Children, and more that are currently working with Ukraine and neighboring countries. These organizations are asking for donations if you would like to help out!

Staying up to date on this situation is very important so I have linked some resources containing a list of the organizations taking donations and also some reliable sources that post live updates on the conflict.”

2.10.2022: Liv Bacon, MC ‘20

“Hey, guys! There is a restaurant fundraiser going on for the Very Asian Foundation from now until February 15th in celebration of the Lunar New Year! This foundation was started by news anchor Michelle Li and is committed to amplifying diverse AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) voices through education, storytelling, and community connection. These are the 15 restaurants donating, and I encourage you all to participate!”

2.4.2022: Grace Hoover, MC ‘19

“Hey everyone! Who's ready for another DEI Darty?!

February 4th is Rosa Parks Day! Although it is not a public holiday, it is still an American observance to honor the famous civil rights activist. The day is meant to promote equal opportunities, civil rights, and fairness across communities in the country. Although Parks is best known for not giving up her seat on the bus, her involvement in civil rights goes much deeper.

Upon her marriage to Raymond Parks in 1932, the couple joined the Montgomery National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She worked as the secretary of the local NAACP from 1943-1956. During this period, she also worked as a sexual assault investigator. This work involved protecting Black men from false accusations and lynchings and ensuring that Black people who had been sexually assaulted by white people could get their day in court. On December 1, 1955, Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat to a white man, which consequently launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott that 17,000 Black citizens participated in. The boycott, which decreased bus revenues, resulted in a Supreme Court ruling to desegregate the city’s buses.

Even after she lost her job, received death threats, and had to move, Parks remained an active member of the NAACP and worked for a Michigan congressman to help the homeless find housing. The two of them established the Rosa and Raymond Institute Of Self-Development in 1987, which offered job training for Black youth. Parks died in 2005, yet her legacy is still felt. Parks showed immense courage in her passion for activism and fighting for equal rights. How can you feel inspired by Rosa Parks? Do you fight for equal rights in your everyday life?”

10.11.2021: Grace Hoover, MC ‘19

“Hey everyone! We’ve got another DEI Darty to feast your eyes upon! Our past FB posts have been about more global/universal events, but today we are focusing on an issue that hits extremely close to home. This week is #OccupySLU anniversary week, which some of us might be familiar with but others may not! So this post is just to provide you with some general information and an overview of the week.

Michael Brown was killed in an officer-involved shooting on August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, MO. Not even 2 months later, VonDerrit Myers, Jr., the son of an SLU employee, was also killed by an officer in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis. After these 2 shootings, a period of civil unrest followed in October 2014. During this period, St. Louis protestors (including SLU students, faculty, and staff) participated in civil action known as Ferguson October. Activists from St. Louis and many other cities protested in various ways. A group of demonstrators interrupted a performance at the Saint Louis Symphony with a “Requiem for Mike Brown” banner and song. A couple of days later, demonstrators launched a protest at a Saint Louis Rams game. And of course, there was a sleep-in occupation at Saint Louis University, known as Occupy SLU, where people of the community came together for a campus-wide demonstration to protest these shootings.

Starting on October 12, 2014, more than 1,500 protestors met at the clock tower for a 6-day peaceful occupation. Activists and protestors spent the week engaging in daily teach-ins and small-group dialogues. University leaders felt immense and unrelenting pressure to forcibly remove the protestors. At the end of the week, Dr. Pestello, student leaders, local activists, and faculty members came together in respectful dialogue. In their meeting, they developed and signed the 13 Clock Tower Accords, which consequently ended the occupation. The Clock Tower Accords are a road map to help SLU pursue its mission as a global Jesuit university to actively strengthen diversity, inclusion, and equity, both on the SLU campuses and in our neighboring areas with underserved families.

This week is a great opportunity to reflect on your own commitment to bringing about diversity, inclusion, and equity in your roles at SLU. Is SLU doing enough to transform and unify our community? Are there better ways? What can you, as a student, do?”

9.7.2021: Grace Hoover, MC ‘19

“HI

Quick intermission from recruitment posts for our first DEI DARTY of the year WOO HOO

Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest holidays, and it started yesterday and will end tomorrow evening. It takes place at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month of the Jewish year. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year in the sense that it commemorates the creation of the world. It also kicks off the start of the Days of Awe, which is a 10-day period of introspection and repentance. This period concludes on Yom Kippur (also known as the Day of Atonement), which is on September 16th this year.

If you want to wish someone a happy Rosh Hashanah, you can say “Shanah tovah” (pronounced shah-NAH toe-VAH). This greeting literally means “good year.” If you’re interested in learning more about how to partake in the holiday and/or reading up on how it’s celebrated, here’s a link for you!

Holiday customs include lighting candles each evening, eating festive meals, and performing Tashlich, a Jewish prayer that casts away sins.

As we enter recruitment this weekend, let's not forget that not everyone who comes through practices the same religion as you. There are so many beautiful customs and traditions that are present in this chapter, in this school, and in this world. Let's continue to be open to asking questions, learning more, and showing love and respect to our current and future sisters. After all, it's our social responsibility to delve deeper into our educational and cultural interests:)

Hope everyone is having a restful Tuesday! I appreciate you all and can’t wait to see your faces at practice!! Shanah tovah<3”

5.4.2021: Katie Manion, MC ‘19

“Hey hey hey!! The DEI Committee is back with another DEI Darty!! This week we are focusing on Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over the French in 1862. It is also known as the as Battle of Puebla Day. This date has commonly been mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is not even considered a federal holiday. In the US, it is frequently celebrated by non-Hispanic citizens. It is a day spent donning fake mustaches, sombreros, and drinking Tequila. However, some of these actions are deeply controversial and offensive. Simply put, the Mexican culture is not a costume.

Going into tomorrow, the DEI committee is asking that you be mindful of how you choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to think twice before you appropriate Mexican culture. Also, be especially vigilant before you post on social media.

As always, we will link a few helpful articles and resources we have found to address this topic.”

4.28.2021

“Hi pals! Welcome back to another DEI Darty!! This week we’ll be focusing on the Oscars, which just happened this past weekend. Throughout the years, the Oscars (and other similar award shows) have been called out for being overwhelmingly white and not racially or culturally diverse. This year was no exception.

First, a lil history about The Academy Awards/The Oscars!

The first show was in 1929

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has about 7,000 members, which in 2012 was found to be 94% white and 77% male.

Controversy is not new for the Oscars. Only two Asian women have won acting Oscars, the second of whom won this year. Only five Latina women have been nominated for best actress, only one person of Arab descent has won an acting Oscar, one non-white woman has won best actress, and to date, only two women have won best director – the second of which won this year. All that to say, Oscar nominees/winners have always been overwhelmingly and disproportionately white and male.

#OscarsSoWhite

In 2016, the Oscars were widely boycotted because every nominee for acting was white for the second year in a row, snubbing many BIPOC actors whose work was more deserving. The viewership went way down, and every major news outlet was talking about it possibly being the end of the Oscars. In response, the Academy said that they planned to “initiate historic changes” in their membership by the year 2020, including doubling the number of women and people of color.

Did they achieve this? Well… yes, but the numbers are still completely disproportionate. According to BBC, there are now 3,179 female members (up from 1,446) and 1,787 members of color (up from 554). If we specifically focus on racial diversity (and we do some math), we can see that originally BIPOC made up 7% of the Academy, and now make up around 15%. This is still extremely low, and not representative of how diverse film actually is.

The Oscars are not alone in the scrutiny they have faced regarding the lack of diversity in their governing and voting bodies. Last year, the Golden Globes came under a lot of backlash for not having a single Black voter. The Bafta awards nominated all white actors and all male directors in 2020. This is a universal problem, and the incremental changes that are being put in place are not trying to address these problems, but rather try and hide them so the public will continue watching their award shows and giving these organizations copious amounts of money.

Oscars 2021

This year was an important one for the Oscars: a year to possibly redeem themselves amidst a year of loss and sickness. This year, nine of the 20 acting nominations were given to actors of color. In addition, Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to be nominated for and win Best Director. Furthermore, the Academy made a pledge that from 2025 onwards, films would only be eligible if they meet two of the four Academy-created diversity standards, which focus on increasing the representation, involvement, and training of “underrepresented racial or ethnic groups”, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. I will put the link to these standards in the comments if you’re interested.

Quick note on the “underrepresented” idea: The issue is not that there are no people of color who are interested in film or want to make movies. The issue is that these groups are “underrepresented” because of the bias and racism in the industry. The Oscars are trying to solve a problem that they created. This is the bare minimum.

Guiding Question: How can I be more conscious and aware of who makes and appears in the media I consume?"

Movie recommendations with some amazing BIPOC Oscar Winners:

Nomadland: They’ve won sooo many awards this year, including Chloé Zhao’s Best Director win.

Judas and the Black Messiah: Daniel Kaluuya won Best Supporting Actor. This movie received tons of praise at the Sundance Film Festival as well.

4.23.2021: Grace Hoover, MC ‘19

“Happy Friday, Eta Theta: it’s another DEI Darty post! Today’s focus is going to be about Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that started on Monday, April 12th. Although we attend a Catholic institution, it is incredibly important to celebrate and support our friends and sisters who come from other religious backgrounds. Interreligious dialogue is a great starting point for expanding our perspectives and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Here’s a quick list of things you should know about Ramadan!

• It is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims

• Muslims believe that during this month God revealed the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed

• The act of fasting is meant to serve both spiritual and social purposes- it allows for a better focus on your relationship with God and reminds you of your human frailty

How can I show support and respect to my Muslim friends during Ramadan?

• Be aware of your eating habits when you’re around your Muslim friends throughout the day! Try to schedule dinner after sunset so they can join in the meal!

• Don’t assume that every Muslim is observing Ramadan the same way! And of course, respect people’s privacy when it comes to the choices they make during Ramadan.

“[The DEI Committee would also like to acknowledge the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial as a major event in not only the DEI sphere but in the national sphere as well. Although the guilty charge is definitely a victory, the work does not stop here. George Floyd’s death is only one tragic instance of police brutality that has actually resulted in holding people accountable, but the real change comes from working to dismantle the long-standing institutions that allow police brutality in the first place.]”

4.14.2021: Kylie Barta, MC ‘19

“Hi ladies!! Your very own DEI Committee has been working on ways that we can help our chapter stay informed and up-to-date on anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our first measure is what we are calling the DEI Darty! The DEI Darty will be a Facebook with relevant information—things happening in the news, ways to support others, or anything else in between! If you have ideas or information that you think should be shared please reach out to us

We want to give the facts and some resources for the shooting of Daunte Wright.

Facts: On Sunday, a police officer shot and killed Daunte Wright at a traffic stop just 10 miles from where George Floyd died in the hands of the police. According to an article posted by CNN, the police chief of Brooklyn Center, MN believes that the shooting was accidental, as she yelled “Taser!” right before she shot Daunte with her gun.

Other info: The police officer Kim Potter and police chief Tim Gannon have resigned. There are curfews in effect in the Twin Cities as a response to the protests that started on Monday. According to an article from NPR, previous taser confusion cases have ended in manslaughter convictions, or even less or no jail time for involved officers.

Daunte Wright was 20 years old--most of us are that age or are close to that age. Daunte was a son, boyfriend, brother, friend, and father. He is loved and missed. He should be here.

A lot of emotions come with this; if you want to channel your emotions into finding more information or ways to act, we will leave links in the comments! We are trying to keep you informed and give resources for you to act! If you have helpful resources or links feel free to share them in the comments, as well

Lastly, a reflection posed from THE Katie Manion that may help as you come to process this: What tensions have you experienced between self-care and showing up for racial justice?”