Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Happy 87th Sigma Gamma Rho!

Happy Founders' Day to all of my BLUEtiful sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. You see founders' days for members of black sororities and fraternities are like an extra holiday. It's a time where individual orgs gather to celebrate and reflect on the legacy of the founders and the organization's accomplishments.

One of the main reasons why I sought membership in this great sorority was because of the HERstory. Picture it: the year is 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Or as some people called it Klandiana because the highest concentration of Klansmen lived in the state. During this time racial lynchings are prevalent around the country. Seven black school teachers, all friends, attend Butler University, a predominately white school. According to a campus historian I spoke with, one of the Klan's leaders lived blocks from Butler. For years the school wouldn't even put pictures of black students in their yearbook. Don't forget, this was way before the Civil Rights and Womens Movements. Yet, Mary Lou Little, Dorothy Whiteside, Nannie Mae Johnson, Bessie Martin, Hattie Redford, Cubena McClure and Vivian Martin defied race and gender restrictions. On November 12, 1992 these teachers had the courage to start an organization for black women that uplifts the community and serves those in need.

More people need to have this type of attitude when looking into Black Fraternities and Sororities. There's more to these orgs than parties and step shows.


EEE-YIP! to my sorors all over the world. Have a blessed Founders' Day.

Comments

  1. Max ReddickNovember 13, 2009 at 12:58 PM

    Hey, my mother is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Much respect. I wonder how she will be celebrating. That reminds me. I need to call her.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jenee DardenNovember 16, 2009 at 6:47 PM

    You must have wonderful mother! Send her my founders' day greetings.

    ReplyDelete

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