"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double."                                                                                                                                                                      -- Toni Morrison

                                      Welcome, ladies!


ABWHE’s mission is to support and empower African American sister scholars, staff and students secure a solid presence, growth, and longevity in the realm of higher education.  At the same time, ABWHE also recognizes the lived experiences of Latina, Pacific Island, Native American and Asian women carry threads of commonality. Therefore, collectively, as women of color, we seek to forge a bond which unites us all in the common struggle of lifting each other as we climb.

Historically, the “Ivory Tower” has constructed barricades which have prevented people of color from attaining more than marginal success within the realm of higher education, such as: low retention/ matriculation rates of students, and low representation of faculty/administrators of color. However, embedded within every challenge also lay a wonderful opportunity to triumph. Therefore, our goals are both limited and far reaching in scope.

2010 – 2012 Los Angeles Chapter Goals

1.     Forge an infra-structure through co-constructed partnerships/alliances useful in assisting African American women specifically, and women of color generally navigate the academy.

2.     Increase the intellectual/communal space occupied by African American women specifically and women of color generally as thought leaders within the realm of higher education.

3.     Create a safe place where African American specifically and women of color generally may effectively strategize with regard to:

a.     enhancing their scholarly and professional presence

b.     supporting disparate interests and confronting challenges

c.     providing knowledge related to professional positioning for academic and social success.

The Los Angeles Chapter is certain these goals will effectively continue the work of dismantling barriers which have historically marginalized and excluded our voice and presence from dominant academic arenas. Since we continue to confront and de-construct the inter-sectional nature of race, class, gender and a host of other isms, through our collective ability to think critically, write, instruct and administrate, we know our abilities are constantly challenged. Yet, we have the power to simultaneously reach up as we reach back! We have the power to lift as we climb! Each one reaches one! This is the opportunity we must seize within the challenges we face.

Let’s build in the coming months!

All the Best,
Kidogo A. Kennedy, Ed.D.
ABWHE, Los Angeles Chapter President

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