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Clark Atlanta University
The Panther February 15-28, 2017 3
CAU grad among thousands who attended march on Washington
Chyna Davis, a CAU graduate, flew from Los Angeles to attend the march on Washington.
By Breighlynn Polk
The day after President Trump was
inaugurated, thousands of women organized
and joined the 2017 Women’s March on
Washington.
On that day, more than a million people
demonstrated worldwide in major cities such
as Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago. Women
of all ethnicities expressed their opposition for
Trump’s administration protesting against the
oppressive limitations placed on their lives.
Clark Atlanta graduate Chyna Davis was
among those who participated in the march in
Washington. Upon arrival, diving into what she
recalled being “a sea of pink and white” proven
to the spirit of endurance many women around
the world embedded, most specifically women
of color.
“As black women in America, we’ve
never taken no for an answer. Black women are
“As black women
in America, we ’ve
never taken no for an
answer. Black women
are and always have
been an integral part
of social movements.’
—DAVIS
and always have been an integral part of social
movements,” Davis said.
“By taking a stand against some of the
most authoritative figures and policies that
have a major influence in the governorship
of their communities, women have made an
international impact on the real realities of
womanhood. While many participants received
backlash by both men and women within their
ethnic groups for being ungrateful, it is safe to
say that this global uproar is not the last we will
be hearing from the Feminist Movement.
“Despite the initial criticisms that
suggested the continued marginalization of
black women, people of color, and the LGBTQ
community, I attended the Women’s March.
I arrived to a sea of pink and white: pink
representing vaginas, white representing white
women.
“Even so, I was among ‘sistahs,’
my people, and step-sisters, white women.
Contrary to the criticisms of those who did not
attend the march, I was pleased with the level
of respect, inclusiveness and desire to learn.
We cannot continue to exclude ourselves from
social movements because we do not receive an
invitation.
“We were excluded from the 15th
Amendment that gave black men the right to
vote. We pushed on anyway. We were excluded
from the Suffrage Movement. We pushed on
anyway. We were excluded from the Civil
Rights Movement. We pushed on anyway.
When have we ever needed an invitation?
“Did you not hear Anna Julia Cooper
the first time? When and where we enter, the
whole Negro race enters with us. As black
women in America, we’ve never taken no for
an answer.
“Sojourner Truth and Anna Julia Cooper
knocked on the door of Suffrage. Katherine
Johnson and Diane Nash did a police knock on
the door of Civil Rights. Sonia Sanchez and
Nicki Giovanni kicked the door in of the Black
Arts Movement.
“In 2016, Melissa Harris Perry and
Korryn Gaines had us breaking in windows.
Next? We’re burning down buildings. I
say all of this to say: Black women are and
have always been an integral part of social
movements. We do not need an invitation and
we certainly do not need permission. Besides,
whether you invite us to the table or not, you’re
going to say we ate anyway.”
Chyna Davis traveled to Washington
D.C. from Los Angeles with her mother
Stephanie Davis.
CAU Spirit of Greatness
By Mario Boone
The CAU 9 th Annual Spirit of Greatness Gala, which recognizes
alumni and pioneers who are making a positive impact in the nation
Saturday, will take place March 18 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at the CNN
Center.
“Clark Atlanta University is one of the nation’s foremost research
universities and a global forum for ideas that matter,” CAU President
Ronald A. Johnson said. “Our graduates have shaped and informed the
course of history for more than 150 years, and we are honored to support
and celebrate their excellence.”
The gala is CAUAA’s signature event and benefits the Clark
Atlanta University’s Scholarship Fund. Since the inception of the Spirit
of Greatness Gala, CAUAA has raised more than $1.5 million for
CAU students. The general reception begins at 6 p.m., and the awards
ceremony starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.
“The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association takes pride in
honoring our distinguished alumni and nation’s trailblazers each year,
while raising funds to support the next generation of leaders who are
currently matriculating through CAU,” said Marshall Taggart, president
Gala slated for March 18
of CAUAA. “Each year the number of students with unmet financial
needs increases. This event helps bridge the gap and we are proud to help
make a difference.”
Clark Atlanta University and the Clark Atlanta University Alumni
Association honor:
• Kenya Barris, Clark Atlanta University 1996, producer, writer and
creator of the critically acclaimed ABC Network sitcom “Black
ish”
• The Honorable Brenda Hill Cole, Atlanta University 1967, Fulton
County State Court Senior Judge
• Horace Henry, Clark College 1971, world-renowned photographer
• Anthony White, Clark Atlanta University 1999, Emmy-award winning
videographer and journalist
• A1 B. Reid, Clark College 1983, vice president of corporate
development at Abbott Laboratories
• Steve Ewing, president and owner of Wade Ford
The black-tie gala includes special entertainment by Grammy-
winner Howard Hewett, a reception, dinner and awards ceremony and
musical entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cauaa.
org/annual-gala.html or www.cau.edu.