6

SISTERS BONDING TOGETHER

Recently, two members of the ONYX/BLN staff met with Ardena Shankar, Program Committee Chairwoman for the National upcoming Lesbians of Color Conference. of One the points Ardena stated was, "the lesbian of color faces a triple threat to her survival. freedom to live the full productive life of her is choice Because of the common struggle in which people of color and lesbians are engaged, we have reserved this time and place to reach out to each other."

a

constant

The

concern.

HOW BASI

LESBIANS OF COLOR

On the weekend of September 8-11, 1983, Lesbians of Color will sponsor a four day National Lesbians of Color Conference at Cottontail Ranch in Malibu, California. The theme of this conference

is "Sisters Bonding Together." The theme represents the belief that our greatest strength lies in unifying and working together.

·

within

•

the

The "new right" is a threat that should not be taken lightly. Solidarity between people can help undermine this threat and can encourage positive and significant social and economic changes. One way to accomplish this goal is for the smaller groups larger group of oppressed people to come together and create a bond that is impossible to break a human bond. The 1983 National Lesbians of Color Conference will bring together women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Our goal is to encourage the recognition and appreciation of our differences and similarities, to acknowledge the oppressions of others facing similar oppressions, and to provide a network of skills, support, and opportunities to combat those who wish to undermine our strength and determination.

Lesbians of Color was founded in 1978 and since its inception has beeen self-supporting. However, the conference is a large undertaking and needs financial support for special needs such as transportation, scholarships, and additional expenses. We join in asking individuals, groups, and businesses to support the fundraising efforts by making a tax deductible donation to the conference and to encourage five or more

THE COLOR PURPLE (from page 3)

grow, to gain a strong sense of herself, of who she is. She comes, by the book's end to forgive Albert (who she'll only refer to as Mr. .) and make him

her friend. She does this not out of some inflated sense of nobility, but for herself.

you

This resolution may infuriate you if is feel than revenge sweeter are forgiveness, particularly where men concerned. I think, however, that The Color Purple just may convince you that revenge can be a two-edged sword, that forgiveness can come out of strength and power, not only out of fear. And what about Celie and Shug? They are lovers. And nothing is ever simple. Each is very much her own woman. In the end, that is what they give each other. It is enough.

Note:

The Color Purple is now availble in paperback for $5.95. Other books by Alice Walker are You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down, and In Love and Trouble (both collections of short stories and other prose pieces); Meridian and The Third Life of Grange Copeland (novels); Once, Revolutionary Petunias, and Goodnight, Willie Lee, I'll See You in the Morning (collections of poems); Langston Hughes, American Poet Love (biography); and I Myself When I .A Zora Am Laughing. Neale Hurston Reader (Walker 18 editor). Walker has also published an essay entitled, "A Letter the Times, Should This Sadomasochism Be Saved?" in the book, Against Sadomasochism.

OLLIE'S UPDATE

of

ΟΙ

As stated in the last issue of ONYX/BLN, we were in the process of negotiating the end to the boycott. the two However, "mediators" from the Pacific Center refused to present one of our requests, which we considered important, to the management of Ollie's. Due to this breech of the negotiation process, all of the negotiations have ceased. Therefore, we are asking our supporters to use their Own good judgement and discretion in dealing with this matter.

of your friends and/or associates to do the same. No pledge or donation is too

small.

Please make checks payable to "National Women of Color Conference Committee (N.W.O.C.C.C.), P.O. Box 2344, LOS Angeles, CA 90051. For more information or to make a donation, please contact any of the following LOC members: Selket (213) 738-7078, Ntianu (213) 701-5697 or Claudette (213) 291-7950. Your help in creating a successful conference will be greatly appreciated.