Words From The President
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Greetings My NIA Sistahs: Remembering my first NIA Gathering, I was filled with an extra amount of enthusiasm, excitement, and anticipation; however, not knowing what to imagine, I had expectations. I wanted what my Sistah friend received. Upon her returned from her first NIA Gathering, she had a new walk, a renewed strength, a refreshing JOY. I had to be a part of this, the NIA Gathering, marking my Journey, surrounding myself with other Black Lesbians. She gives me a stronger sense of self expression and self presence. The Gathering gives me a place to honor myself and celebrate with images of myself and other Black Lesbians. This year “Journey Home” celebrates our Sistah-hood, honoring ourselves, our founding mothers and sistahs who marked the path, and paved the roads so that we as Black Lesbians can gather to grow and share. Affirming who we are in the Black Lesbian community. Moving ourselves to higher planes, empowering ourselves with a larger voice. The Journey Home marks our 20th year Anniversary, November 16-18, 2007; I am calling all the women who have ever attended NIA’s Gathering, to return home. This invitation is to return home to honor ourselves, to pamper ourselves, to fill our spirits and refill the joy in our soul, to rekindle long friendships, gain strength from each other, and to love and recognizes ourselves as Black Lesbians. NIA has 20 years of building a committed, thriving organization in our Black Lesbian community, proving our reputation is strong with strength and longevity. This year NIA has stepped up to new levels. NIA has been granted its 501c3, our non-profit status, and a new Gathering location. NIA’s Gathering this year will be along the shorelines of California’s, Monterey Peninsula, a tranquil ocean beach hotel cradled by forests and white sand beaches, in Monterey, California. Happy Anniversary NIA Collective! I give recognition and appreciation to the founding women of NIA. Gratitude for breathing the idea that we, as Black women who love women, can gather in support to honor ourselves in play, in spirit, and in health and in doing so give back with abundance. NIA asks nothing in return other than that we commit our time, and ourselves to The Gathering. Ache’ |