The Fight for A More Perfect Union
Sorors, today we join with the country as we mourn the loss of the Civil Rights Icon, Representative John Lewis, who died on Saturday, July 17, 2020, after a battle with cancer. As we watched these services, we are constantly reminded by those who are participating, that he spent his life working for social justice and equality for all people, regardless of their race, sexual preference or disability. He not only dedicated his life, but gave his blood, fighting for a more perfect union, to help build what he called “the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.”
As members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. we pay homage to the legacy of this great civil rights warrior, who said “The vote is the most powerful tool we have” by pledging to join the fight to achieve equal treatment for all people, especially people of color. As an organization we:
- urge Congress to restore the protections contained in Voting Rights Act of 1965
- join in the call to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor John Lewis
- join in the fight against voter suppression
- urge Congress to enact the voting rights reforms in the Voter Empowerment Act
Representative Lewis exemplified the principle of nonviolence and served as a constant reminder that “Hate is too great a burden to bear.” As the moral conscience of congress, he continued to believe that the principles of truth, love and justice was the guide to a more perfect union. In his last letter, Representative Lewis called us to action, to continue the fight to demand respect for human dignity. He reminded us that we all have a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out, that causing “good trouble” was a worthwhile endeavor. When you see something that is not right, you must say something and work to make a difference. He urged us to stand up for what is right. As we answer his call to action, the members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. pledge to join in the fight to end the practice of systemic injustice and racism. We begin the fight by making sure we all VOTE.
Dorothy M. White
23rd National President
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
https://linktr.ee/IotaPhiLambdaSorority
