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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 as or in an issue feature. We desire to allow all qualifying participants to be a part of this project at least once, so this rule alleviates immediate repeat utilization of participants in relation to the length of time that 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’s process was near completion, and it was too late for them to be replaced.

My understanding of the “stronger together” sentiment is rooted in my respect and regard for Black people. It exceeds categorization and affiliation; however, I know how important it is for Us to be represented accurately and fairly and how not doing so can counter 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. 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 that should be included, and we will definitely consider them for next year if they submit an entry.

Blessed Holidays to each of you!

###

URBANE Magazine is central Arkansas’ leading African American lifestyle publication that honors its 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 that 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.
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ur·bane \ər-ˈbān\: adj. notably polite or polished in manner
©2023 URBANE Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.
  • HOME
  • CURRENT ISSUE
  • URBANE's Finest of 2023
  • Anniversary Event
    • COVID-19 Disclaimer
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    • URBANE Stories
    • Arkansas Black History
    • NishaSpeaks
    • Readers' Choice
    • Listen First
    • Business Spotlight
    • URBANE Eats
    • Arkansas Black Graduates >
      • 2022 Graduates
      • 2021 Graduates
    • Mothers' Day Tributes >
      • 2022 Mothers
      • 2021 Mothers
    • Fathers' Day Tributes >
      • 2022 Fathers
      • 2021 Fathers
  • GALLERY
    • 2023 >
      • 2023 MLK Recommitment Celebration
      • CAAC 2023 Founders Day
      • Honorable Swearing-In
    • 2022 >
      • 72nd Annual Debutante Ball
      • Kappa Christmas Ball
      • Realtist Choice Awards Gala
      • 2022 Wingtips Blazers & Stilettos
      • Truth Sauce Story Premier
      • 2022 Black Empowerment Awards
      • Frank Scott Watch Party
      • Chris Jones Watch Party
      • 2022 John H Johnson Day
      • 2022 LR Full Figure Fashion Show
      • Flyght Black
      • Charley Palmer
      • Black Mayors Association 50th Anniversary
      • Black Owned NWA Expo
      • Tjuana Byrd Internship Program Closing Reception
      • 2022 UAMS Midsouth Black Expo
      • 2022 NBA Championship Trophy Tour
      • HMTC 50th Reunion
      • Scott Campaign Office Opening
      • Chief Keith
      • Sister Friends United 14
      • Camp Unidad
      • The Black Derby Brunch
      • Delois J Braggs
      • Coach Davis Dedication
      • 1st Anniversary Mixer
      • Who Is Scipio Africanus Jones
      • Stephanie Hobbs
      • 2022 King Kennedy Awards
      • Emerging Arkansas Artists Showcase
      • Bank On America
    • 2021 >
      • MLK Christmas
      • Fredrick Love
      • Black Caucus
      • 2021 Wingtips Blazers & Stilettos
      • Arkansas RGB Music Showcase
      • Korto Momolo Fashion Show
      • Flyght Black Wine Tasting
      • New Black Panther Party
      • Speak Now
      • Same Different Amazing
      • Return of The Mac
      • Bobby Portis Foundation Back-2-School
      • Bobby Portis Foundation Gala
      • Worship Recharge Concert
      • Jones Bar-B-Q
      • Natalie James
      • We The People
      • Being Your Own Boss
      • Meet The Editor
      • BizAr Networking Mixer
      • The Honorable Choice
      • Creme de la Creme
      • Green Book Exhibit Opening Reception
      • Sister Friends United
      • Brae Leni & Friends
  • LOCAL GUIDES
    • Central
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
  • CALENDAR
  • STORE
    • Giveaways
    • Donate
    • Sponsorships
    • Individual Issue
    • Subscription
  • Advertise with Us
    • Purchase Ad
  • CONTACT URBANE
    • Submit a Request
    • Press Releases >
      • 2nd Anniversary Press Release
      • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
    • About URBANE
    • Meet the Crew
    • Join the Team
    • LEGAL >
      • FAQs
      • Opt-Out
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use >
        • Advertisement Purchases
    • Contact Us