Editor’s Letter: The Woman Of Color Manifesto 2008

Tuesday Jan 1, 2008 – By Dede Sutton

So here we are. The first day of 2008. First, I would like to say how blessed and thankful we are to be approaching the one year anniversary mark. I can honestly say that two years ago I would have never thought I would be running Clutch and being able to share my dream with the world. So again, I say thank you for supporting and empowering us!

Speaking of empowering, the other day I was chatting with a friend about our image in the media and how we interact with each other. After the conversation, I couldn’t shake one of her comments, which was when Black women have knowledge or know-how a lot of us choose not to pass it on to other sisters. I can say that definitely struck a cord with me and that very day I vowed to pass on any and everything I could to women who were interested in learning anything I have been blessed to obtain in my 28 years on this earth.

I would like to challenge all of my sisters to support and love one another in 2008 and beyond. Let’s build and repair and try to live by the following manifesto. Even though it is entitled “The Woman of Color Manifesto,” it can be translated to all ethnicities. But because I am a proud African American woman I wanted to speak directly to my gorgeous sisters.

As a woman of color . . . I will continue to be respectful to myself and others.

As a woman of color . . . I will honor my ancestors and elders.

As a woman of color . . . I will challenge myself to think outside of the box and go after my dreams.

As a woman of color . . . I will stop tearing other women down and support and love them.

As a woman of color . . . I will not support those who continue to perpetuate stereotypes, false images and negativity.

As a woman of color . . . I will build and empower our younger sisters and brothers to be all they can be and more.

As a woman of color . . . I will help restore and rebuild my community.

As a woman of color . . . I will be a mentor to those who may not know what I have been blessed to learn or experience.

As a woman of color . . . I will live my life to the fullest and not let others deter me from my goals and aspirations.

As a woman of color . . . I will be the beautiful, intelligent and cultured woman I was raised to be.

Lianne says:

January 1, 2008 at 1:57 am

Hey sis…yeah I am feeling you on this one. Seriously, I can count the sisters on one hand that have helped me or promoted my work. It’s a struggle and the only way I know how to fix it is to give back myself. I have interns, I speak at events, I encourage for people to call me, talk to me and ask me questions. That is the only way to get it done.

To all the sisters that have helped me or given me props – I salute you because it’s people like you that have empowered people like me. I hope that I can be that for someone someday soon.

↑ Reply

Eric says:

January 1, 2008 at 3:46 am

What a positive way to begin the new year! As a black man I echo your sentiments. The lack of real role models, disintegration of family, and irrational selfishness and greed have hampered our entire community. Ultimately, it’s not the broken link with our African ancestors that will undo us. It’s the ever expanding knowledge gap and pervasive apathy of subsequent generations. Your “each one teach one” attitude can only help stem this tide.

Alisha says:

January 1, 2008 at 11:59 am

I love this manifesto! Happy New Year to everyone! Let’s make a conscious effort to support each other.

Donna says:

January 1, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Yes! This is what we need. As someone 21, there are alot of young women that need role models. As for me, I am the first women in my family to got to college so there are alot of things I don’t know. However, it is still my responsibility to help those young ladies younger than me, and I hope in return someone older will do that for me. Especially, when I am trying to make it as a journalist (as a black women I am going to need it).

tremaine says:

January 1, 2008 at 12:58 pm

I could not agree more Dede. This is a beautiful way to start 2008 and I am glad this was the first thing I have read that actually had “some substance” to it, now… on to the other great articles I know exist. Congrats lady, it’s an honor to be apart of such a wonderful happening :)

Danielle says:

January 1, 2008 at 4:00 pm

Happy Happy New Year! You are a blessing to my daily internet life. You bring quality content, a great clean yet stylish layout, and you ALWAYS promote up-N-coming artist, designers, entrepreneurs (like myself)! Thanks for this outlet!!!

Cola says:

January 1, 2008 at 5:05 pm

Happy New Year! Dede you are on point with this. It really is sad how many times I have seen black women in position to help another and not do so! Love the manifesto!

ceecee says:

January 2, 2008 at 12:07 am

That is a great manifesto please bookmark it on your “about us” page as well.
And I pledge to abide by it myself.

renae says:

January 2, 2008 at 11:38 am

dede,

thanks so much for blessing us with this beautiful manifesto. i need to print this out and put it on my ‘fridge as a daily reminder of what i need to be doing! this is such an amazing way to start the new year…being our SISTERS keepers.

thanks, as always, for the quality content. may 2008 be another AMAZING year filled with countless blessings for both you AND clutch magazine.

totally inspired,