Sisters In Session is the initial name of the gathering of Black women at James Madison University following a presentation about the status of black women on the campus at the annual diversity conference. This provided an opportunity for the student services and academic side of us to be together in one spot for the presentation. At the conference we saw other women we had not met before. We decided that once a month the sisters would gather for a meal.  An evite goes out and those able to come, do.  

 

Why is this important?

We looked at the statistics and considered what felt natural to us.  Not only is there a small, growing number of black students on campus, there is a smaller number of black women on both sides of the academic spectrum. To us, it made no sense never to meet each other.  

 

The "knowing" that comes from a deeper cultural perspective supports the ways of days past where black women sat around the kitchen table, on the stoop watching their children play, or at the community gathering spots.  It is the place where our connections were strong without a lot of direct conversation about the struggles and more celebrations about the "overcoming" and "just being"... and the pride of achieving. 
 

Given the demographic changes coming quickly in society, we must work to reduce our isolation in higher education. We must develop strategies to find paths of achieving, though the obstacles may be great.  We cannot afford for another  woman to come and go without a greeting or any acknowledgment of her presence.  This isolation can be debilitating if we let it.  

 

We decided not to let our positive efforts and contributions to our institution go unnoticed. AND we wanted to know other women who are striving, surviving and achieving. We acknowledge that each of us holds part of the answer to our development. We wanted to make connections not only for support, but for developing professional connections and opportunities.  As in our past, we make a way out of no way. 

 

Come join us in mapping a positive direction that connects us more than it divides us.