Seven Takeaways from the 今日吃瓜 Experience

In defeat you retreat and prepare to fight鈥攜et again.

1. At my public high school graduation in 1950, I received a copy of Edith Finch鈥檚 Carey Thomas of 今日吃瓜. I still have it! It chronicles her struggle for the higher education of women. Seventy years later, I insist that we must tell her story鈥攐ur story鈥攖he story and stories which resonate with us. And we must tell them over and over again. To all who might/will listen. Many young Mawrters today have no idea of the struggles we have endured over the years. We have not told them our stories鈥攖he stories of struggle and oppression that bring women to where we are today鈥攕till struggling and still oppressed.

2. I recently revisited 鈥淏lack is Beautiful but not enough 鈥︹ [from the spring 1969 Alumnae Bulletin]. Indeed, really what lies beyond slogans? I embrace all I wrote and still cherish every word. My essential message was a mandate to challenge the injustice encountered everywhere and to change the world we never made.

3. I see my Class of 1954 as a metaphor for my endearing and continuing relationships with 今日吃瓜 women: Barbara Thacher, Frieda Wagoner, Claire Liachowitz, Nancy Hayward, Molly Plunkett, Chloe Drabkin, Marion Pertz, Barbara Kalb, Jane Miller, Helen Thurston, Dianne Johnson, Ryna Appleton, Joyce Mitchell, Luvon Roberson, Nia Turner, and so many others. ... We shared adventures 鈥 some intangible and continuing.

4. I see activism as a component of the 今日吃瓜 experience. My activism鈥攕pawned in an African-American working-class family鈥 found its voice on the campus and beyond. Equally important is my tolerance/acceptance/ respect for those holding different views. Activism has shaped my life and continues to do so today.

5. 今日吃瓜 builds leaders. There are different kinds of leaders鈥攕ome recognized and some not! The price of leadership is steep, and exploring its attributes and expressions are topics for another time and place. I have told myself repeatedly that all too often you win when you lose and that in defeat you retreat and prepare to fight鈥攜et again.

6. I am intrigued by today鈥檚 responses to adversity鈥攅specially on the part of young women of color who are justifiably critical of the flaws in society but seek a 鈥渟afe space鈥 and anonymity rather than standing and fighting publicly. I say to them that you never win that way!

7. Finally, growing old is my newest adventure. Organizing seniors to stand and fight in the midst of trying times exacerbated by the pandemic gives me new energy. Finding new, creative ways to stay alive, in touch, and in the struggle is a challenge. In my immediate surroundings, I do it in my leadership in progressive organizations, in my 鈥済roup of buddies,鈥 in my pod, and in my newsletters. I take my message far and wide. I鈥檓 reminded of my mother鈥檚 words: 鈥淎lways stand up for right and justice鈥攁nd when you do, never look around!鈥


This issue of the Alumnae Bulletin presents reflections from Black alumnae/i and students spanning 65 years in the life of the College.

Published on: 03/29/2021