MEDIA ADVISORY  |  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: TheURBANEMag@gmail.com
Website: www.TheURBANEMag.com
Socials: @TheURBANEMag.com
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2022

Dianna Donahue
Editor-in-Chief
TheURBANEMag@gmail.com

​ADDRESS THE DISPOSITIONS OF EXCLUSION OF SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, INCORPORATED IN THE 2022 STRONGER TOGETHER - ARKANSAS' DIVINE NINE EXPOSITION

Several inquiries and statements have been made concerning the absence of representation of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in our 2022 Stronger Together - Arkansas’ Divine Nine Exposition. I assure you that Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was not and has never been excluded from this project.

Recruitment for this year’s project started in late September/early October 2022. At least five representatives of each D9 organization were asked to participate. Potential participants:

• must have recently been or currently provides service to the community with proof

• could not have already been in a previous issue of URBANE, or in a feature in an issue. We aim to allow all qualifying participants to be part of this project at least once, so this rule prevents immediate repeat use of participants based on the length of time URBANE has been published. This also alleviates potential accusations of favoritism.

They had approximately one week to respond and accept the offer. The first five to respond by the deadline were accepted. Only two from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. responded and were accepted, but they withdrew participation on the morning of the photoshoot. They were not omitted from this project; they just couldn’t complete the process. Unfortunately, they didn’t know until the project was nearly complete, and it was too late to replace them.

My understanding of the “stronger together” sentiment is rooted in my respect and regard for Black people. It goes beyond categorization and affiliation; however, I know how important it is for Us to be represented accurately and fairly, and how not doing so can undermine the intent of this project, my magazine, what I stand for, and my integrity. There was no malice or ill intent on our part in this situation, nor, presumably, on the part of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. representatives that agreed to participate. Please do not let appearances and assumptions persuade you to feel otherwise.

We encourage everyone to submit the D9 members you feel should be recognized for the Stronger Together - Arkansas’ Divine Nine Exposition in Fall 2023. We have received several recommendations for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. members who should be included, and we will consider them for next year if they submit an entry or if an entry is submitted on their behalf.

Blessed Holidays to each of you!

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URBANE Magazine is central Arkansas’ leading African American lifestyle publication, honoring Black culture and identity. We use our print and digital platforms to showcase the infinite treasures within Black Arkansas. We also use it to celebrate our unsung heroes and leaders who shaped and are shaping the next generation of this great state.

Our mission is to ignite conversations, show our culture’s successes, show how we are thriving, refute stereotypes, promote empowerment, and induce overwhelming pride in just how dope we are! It’s our honor to uphold and reaffirm the respect, dignity, and existence of all Black people in Arkansas.