Statement from GW Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel
6/1/2020 5:37:00 PM | General
Sawubona is the Zulu word that is used to greet one another and means, simply, "I see you." In GW Athletics, we use this word to help define how we bring to life our value of Respect. To take it one step further, the Zulu response to Sawubona is Ngikhona, meaning simply, "I am here."
To our students, staff members and community members of color, Sawubona and Ngikhona. You matter. Your lives matter.
Our staff meets virtually each Friday and we have been reflecting on the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently, George Floyd. Â
Today, and every day, it is our duty as human beings to stand up against social injustice and racism. We do not need to believe in the same God. We do not need to vote for the same politicians. We are stronger because of our differences in experiences, thoughts and beliefs. We do, however, need to stand up, in solidarity, and speak out against racism. There is no place in our world for this hatred. Every person deserves equality and safety.
GW Athletics will be part of this change in our country. We will take steps forward, together. We owe this to the world. We owe it to our students and staff members of color. We owe it to our teammates and friends. We will Raise High by fighting for social justice and an end to these racist acts. We will stand up, step in and speak for those who can't or are too exhausted.  Â
For our anti-racist allies, reach out to your brothers and sisters of color. Ask them how they are doing and then be quiet and listen. Showcase your love and empathy for what they are experiencing. Work to understand their exhaustion, their anger, their fear. Additionally, please recognize that each person copes and grieves differently, so respect each individual's process. See them. Be there for them. Â
I understand that each one of you is in a different place. That's what makes GW so incredible. We arrive in Foggy Bottom from different places with different experiences and beliefs. Our staff will work this summer to create spaces for education, dialogue, discussion and action planning for how we will get better and impact the world.Â
I look forward to this work and believe that we can change our world and have the final word, as Martin Luther King, Jr. says, "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality ... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."Â We have work to do.
Again, Sawubona and Ngikhona. I see you, you matter, we are here, and we will become part of the solution.
- Tanya Vogel, GW Director of Athletics
To our students, staff members and community members of color, Sawubona and Ngikhona. You matter. Your lives matter.
Our staff meets virtually each Friday and we have been reflecting on the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently, George Floyd. Â
Today, and every day, it is our duty as human beings to stand up against social injustice and racism. We do not need to believe in the same God. We do not need to vote for the same politicians. We are stronger because of our differences in experiences, thoughts and beliefs. We do, however, need to stand up, in solidarity, and speak out against racism. There is no place in our world for this hatred. Every person deserves equality and safety.
GW Athletics will be part of this change in our country. We will take steps forward, together. We owe this to the world. We owe it to our students and staff members of color. We owe it to our teammates and friends. We will Raise High by fighting for social justice and an end to these racist acts. We will stand up, step in and speak for those who can't or are too exhausted.  Â
For our anti-racist allies, reach out to your brothers and sisters of color. Ask them how they are doing and then be quiet and listen. Showcase your love and empathy for what they are experiencing. Work to understand their exhaustion, their anger, their fear. Additionally, please recognize that each person copes and grieves differently, so respect each individual's process. See them. Be there for them. Â
I understand that each one of you is in a different place. That's what makes GW so incredible. We arrive in Foggy Bottom from different places with different experiences and beliefs. Our staff will work this summer to create spaces for education, dialogue, discussion and action planning for how we will get better and impact the world.Â
I look forward to this work and believe that we can change our world and have the final word, as Martin Luther King, Jr. says, "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality ... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."Â We have work to do.
Again, Sawubona and Ngikhona. I see you, you matter, we are here, and we will become part of the solution.
- Tanya Vogel, GW Director of Athletics
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