Ray of Hope Walk 2016-2017: Building a Movement

Ray of Hope Walk 2016-2017 & Building a Movement

In a time when thousands of women are proclaiming #MeToo and #TimesUp, we continue to raise our voices alongside all of our sisters who demand an end to all forms of violence against women. In this work, we seek to center women of color’s experiences and the experiences of our trans sisters who experience violence interlocking systems of violence and oppression. We created the Ray of Hope Walk as a proclamation of our power and as a way to build up momentum within our communities towards the greater vision of a sustained movement led by women of color that created solutions that are for us and by us.

“Being part of the Ray of Hope committee has been one of my most fulfilling experiences I have had as a sister of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. It has allowed me to cross paths with with phenomenal and inspiring people – Sisters, artists, DJs, survivors, activists – all womxn who in someway propel the movement forward.”

Brenda Lopez
National Organizing Committee and NYC Co-Chair

Over the last two years, we partnered with AF3IRM, a transnational feminist organization whose work spans across the country and uses direct action and political education as a tool for transformation within our communities.

This fierce partnership resulted in:
● $20,000 raised in grassroots fundraising campaign
● 10,000 people mobilized to join the fight to end all forms of gender-based violence
● 45 partner organizations
● Events in 4 major cities

“AF3IRM and OPBSI have demonstrated what it means topractice a sisterhood that is revolutionary. Together we have raised consciousness around the impact of violence against women on society, we have uplifted transnational women of color leadership, and we have helped communities reimagine what a liberated world could look like. While our partnership may have come to an end, the lifelong relationship we have forged— rooted in genuine compassion, radical trust, and movement love— will only grow as we continue to work towards true freedom for all. Forward to a feminist future Sisters!

– Ivy Quicho, AF3IRM National Chairperson

We believe that women coming together is powerful and necessary and are thankful to all of our sisters who are choosing to rise up for justice and to join the movement to end violence against women. We see you. Our work is not done. We must continue dismantling systems of oppression, showing up for each other and building radical and powerful visions for all women!

Please save the date for our Ray of Hope Walk 2018 on Saturday, October 6, 2018.

To join us in our work, please email contact us at community@omegaphibeta.org