Don't Look Down

The chorus lyrics of Jennifer Hudson's new song "Don't Look Down" says, "...There is no limit to how high we can go If we don't look down. Don't live in the limits let's go higher and higher, don't look down."

Now, this is one of those musical creations whose lyrics can be applied to many different situations and circumstances.  For me, they epitomize my feelings about SWING PHI SWING. There is truly no limit to our growth and progress if we all keep our heads up and agree to not 'look down'.  There are so many positive things happening in SWING that I refuse to be hindered by what is below.  To the contrary, I am encouraged by what I see above and beyond for SWING.

In case you hadn't noticed, SWING is experiencing a surge of membership growth far exceeding our expectations.  Chapters are being chartered and reactivated across SWING Land.  Members are recommitting and joining our ranks at a rate that we have not seen in many years.  I am thrilled to see so many sisters coming together to 'Hold Up the Swing Phi Banner' in unity and sisterhood.  On April 4th, our 42nd Founders Day saw an awesome commemoration on the campus of our birth, Winston-Salem State University.  Over 50 sisters from across the state of North Carolina (including 4 proud Founders) were present to introduce three new undergrad sisters to the WSSU campus.  The spark has been ignited and the flame is burning bright! 

Sisters, you are to be commended for your dedication and hard work in the name of our beloved organization.  We are making our presence seen and heard, not only in cyberspace, but in the flesh as well.  Our new and pending chapters in New Jersey (Imani Kuumba New Jersey Graduate and South Jersey Graduate) and Virginia (Hampton Roads Graduate and Richmond Graduate), have hit the ground running and promise to contribute significantly to their communities and to SWING as a whole.  Undergraduate chapters have already been reactivated on several campuses where we once had a positive influence (Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T State, Norfolk State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central Universitites, and Saint Augustine's College).  And, there are several more undergraduate chapters on the road to reactivation, thanks to the ongoing efforts of our Alumni Advisory Council representatives. 

Our financial position is stable and improving despite the challenges of the current recession. We have achieved increased external visibility and respect from notable sources across the United States.  Our Ebony Pearl Mentoring and Scholarship and Supplies for Success programs are gaining momentum and having a positive impact on young aspiring students in numerous communities.  And, our 2011 National Convention is promising an exceptional turnout of new, seasoned and returning sisters.  I could not be prouder of our collective achievements.  Up is the only direction I see!  So, as we look to the sky, surely there is no limit to how high we can go if we refuse to look down.

In the Spirit of Sisterhood,

National President, SPSSFI®