Northern Illinois University, Society of Women Engineers Chapter would like to voice our support for the Black Lives Matter community. We strive to be advocates for people in need of justice. These are a few excerpts from members of our chapter regarding the matter.
"2020 has not been the best year for everyone, but as times get tough, it warms my heart to see people helping out others in need. Despite our differences, we are all human at the end of the day. It goes to show when we all unite together, something magical happens. I hope to see racism and injustice in all communities end one day."
- Theresa Li
"Black women have battled the longest fight in America. They protested for the Slavery to be Abolished. They protested for Women's Suffrage. They protested for Civil Rights. And now. They must continue to protest for Equality. Why on Earth must these women have to continuously fight for BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS? I cannot fathom how a battle this long could have such little repercussion in the political decision-making. I stand with Black Lives Matter. I want to see a change. I want black lives to have the same potential as I."
- Clare Keough
"This is a time of change. For me I have always battled with the unknown. Other people’s perceptions, expectations, approval and adoration. Why is it so easy to jump to a conclusion and feel that that my opinion isn’t valid? I am not naive enough to believe that I am in this alone. This is a battle that many black women face daily. Role models that look like you are important and that just simply was not available to me. I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, I am a black engineer, I am also a single mother. I want to set a movement to look outside ourselves. With all the obstacles I have faced due to poor choices, low self-esteem and self-doubt, rooted in a system of injustice. I want to be the familiar face that pushes young girls out of their perspective views and into a new realm. A welcome door wide open full of opportunity. No longer the feeling of I don’t belong to cast its ugly eye holding us back. We can create a new normal of success in the field of STEM where all are included and celebrated regardless of skin color. As Danai Gurira once said 'I want women and girls of African descent and of color to be able to not have to keep searching for stories about themselves.' This is the time to create a new normal. It can’t happen overnight, but each success is one step forward for us all. Don’t give up! "
- Courtney Bradley
"Inclusion is a philosophy that embraces the idea that everyone has something of value to contribute and that everyone has a right to belong".
- Lisa Freeman
"I think as women in engineering we understand the importance of including everyone because we know they can bring so much to the table, and treating them with equality because that’s what all humans deserve."
- Jasemin Sertesen
"The fact that humanity has to clarify that any lives matter should be enough of a concern.
Being a woman of color in this world is challenging enough, but what I can not wrap my finger around is why this world we live in makes making a change so complicated? Fearing for your life everyday and having the thought of "Is it okay to do so and so because of the color of my skin" is just unjust and cruel. Reflect on yourself and the people around you. We must be the change we want to see no matter how complicated the world makes it seem. STAND UP! MAKE THEM HEAR YOUR VOICE!!"
- Malak Zayed
"As we go through these troubling times, we find comfort in an organization such as SWE which represents the unity of women from diverse backgrounds. The SWE organization stands together with each of its members and empowers women to reject the oppression of others to create an infinitely more beautiful place."
- Lauren Bangert
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