Without Feelings of Otherness

As told by Morgane Richardson (NYMP6) This is Morgane’s direct response to Black Pearl Ball: A Night of Elegance and Traditions posted on October 24th, 2011.

Much progress has been made over the last 30 years for women in education but ensuring equal opportunity for women of color remains a struggle.  As Women of Color at Middlebury, our tasks were often two-fold – to expand our knowledge and fight for the equal representation of students within elite liberal arts institutions.  It sometimes become unclear as to which was most important throughout our years as students.

As a member and subsequent President of Women of Color at Middlebury, my main goal was to shed light on Women of Colors unique experiences as individuals.  The key was to find ways to do so that created an open door for everyone to partake in discussions.  Middlebury College CommitmentBy bringing the Black Pearl Ball to campus, Athenia Fisher (NYMP2) did just that; she created a space for dialogue surrounding race, gender and notions of beauty on campus. People of all genders and sexes came to dance, exchange intellectual and often hilarious discussions, and relish in the beauty of who we were as individuals.

What is most impressive has been Athenia’s constant commitment to Women of Color, the Black Pearl Ball and its organizers even after her graduation in 2002.  She remains the heart of this ongoing tradition at Middlebury. Her love and respect for the community have opened doors for transformation within the institution.

For me, the Black Pearl Ball was the one time of the year where the entire school, current students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents could gather as a collective. It was a time of pure excitement. The Black Pearl Ball at Middlebury College was a time for us, and others, to celebrate our inner and outer beauty, but also our incredible achievements as students without the feeling of “otherness.”

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