By Jacqueline Hlavenka
Even a rainy day didn't wash way their message.
Members of the Omega Phi Beta Sorority organized a walk against domestic violence on Nov. 12 during common hour outside Axinn Library, to raise awareness about sexual assault, harassment, abuse, stalking and human trafficking. The event, originally scheduled for October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, was postponed to November due to inclement weather. Despite the date change, the meaning of the event stayed the same.
"I think October is one representation of the cause," said Marcella Duque, president of Omega Phi Beta, a junior double major in public relations and Latin American/Caribbean Studies. "But this is a message not that not only applies in October, but all year. The campus sees what we are doing, and that has a powerful impact."
Partnering with the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, the members of Omega Phi Beta believe that every woman has a right to live free of intimidation, make her own choices and live with equal privilege. T-shirts were designed Oct. 6 during a fundraiser called "This is Not a Wife beater," where students wrote messages on the tank tops to re-define their cultural message. The white-colored "wife beater" tank-tops are referenced as an article of clothing worn by men when they attack their wives. By designing a tank top, all proceeds from the fundraiser went to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Hempstead.
"It gave students the chance to express themselves on the shirt," said Chris Botti, assistant director of Student Leadership and Activities. "I think it's important people acknowledge it. Things happen behind closed doors and the victims need a voice."
The sorority has partnered with Amnesty International since June 2005. Through their efforts to empower women, the members of Omega Phi Beta wish to uplift future generations. Members of HOLA, the University's chapter of the NAACP and various Greek organizations also joined the walk.
"The walk is a movement to end domestic violence," Duque said. "It's support for the victims."