Creating A More Anti-Racist Organization

As sisters and leaders we don’t get to disappear when things get hard. How do we hold space in a trauma-informed virtual context, when the ongoing manifestations of racism and white supremacy continue to take our breath away? How do we engage in the urgent work of anti-racism while also avoiding mistaken charges that cause wrongful injury to our organization? And most importantly, as volunteer educators, advisors, and mentors, how are we preparing engaged learning opportunities and helping student leaders keep DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) integrated into all that we do?

As we begin this new academic year, it is important to share the core values of our sisterhood. Our organization was founded on values including inclusion, integrity and dignity and we stand for Inspiring Ambition in all that we do. AOII’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion comes from the understanding that a diverse sisterhood, grounded in unique perspectives and experiences, is one of the most important cornerstones of our organization. We acknowledge the impact of systemic racism that is baked into our culture. Thus we are committed to do our part to lead the way as an anti-racist organization and to set the example for others on our campuses.

will lead members in an interactive workshop to help build capacity for transformational leadership with a racial justice lens.

We have identified three training times for our Fraternity leadership, Network teams, professional staff, ambassador teams and local Chapter Advisors to begin to engage in this work together. Due to the generosity of the AOII Foundation, all of the groups listed will be participating in the training. Thank you to the AOII Foundation!

About Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington

Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, pronouns (He/Him/His) is the President & Founder of the Washington Consulting Group (WCG). WCG was named by the Economist as one of the Top 10 Global Diversity Consultants in the world. Dr. Washington has served as an educator, administrator and consultant for over 36 years. He serves as an invited instructor in the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Lancaster Theological Seminary. He is the President and Co-Founder of the Social Justice Training Institute and a Past President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).

Dr. Washington earned his B.S. from Slippery Rock State College, a double Masters’ of Science degrees from Indiana University/Bloomington, a Ph.D. in college student development from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity. He has received many awards and honors. He was honored with the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Legends of Excellence Award for his contribution to the lives and education of Black and LatinX faculty, staff and students. In May 2019, he received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Shepherd University in West Virginia. He received the 2020 Annuit Coeptis Senior Leader Award from ACPA and he is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Golden Key, Alpha Phi Omega, Phi Delta Kappa and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

In addition to his work in higher education, Dr. Washington has an extensive list of corporate, non-profit, government and faith organization clients. Some of his clients include, Starbucks, Wachovia and Wells Fargo, Shell Oil, Boston Bank, Green Peace, Human Rights Campaign, The Taskforce, The Peace Corps, the Government Office of Accountability, The Presbyterian Church International, Metropolitan Community Church and the Baptist Church Convention.

He has authored several articles, book forewords and chapters. He is in the process of writing and editing two books: “The Ride to the Airport: The real stories about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” and “Called Out, To Serve: LGBT Clergy, Answering the Call to Ministry”. He is a passionate, inspiring and strategic thinker on issues of organizational change through a DEI lens.

Dr. Washington also serves as the Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore and is an Elder in the Unity Fellowship Church Movement. He is the grandfather of seven and great uncle to eight. His hobbies include his grandchildren, cooking, music, laundry and binge watching TV programs. Some of his favorites are The Walking Dead, Greenleaf, This is Us, Power, Empire, Game of Thrones, How to Get Away with Murder, Kim’s Convenience, Pose, Grace and Frankie, AJ and the Queen, 911, all Law and Orders and of course. Murder She Wrote and The Golden Girls.

Known as “The Engagement Specialist”, He sees himself as an instrument of change. He works every day to help people find the best in themselves and others. He lives by the words of one of his favorite songs, sung by the late Mahalia Jackson at the funeral or the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, that he, she, zi or they, are traveling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain