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May/Jun 2025 | Vol. 82 No. 3

Unity and Liberty Shall Be Our

Watchwords Ever By Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan

2024-2026 International President

I n response to positive political parties, implying an alignment with specific
the partisan” suggests an engagement with two different
overwhelmingly
feedback I received from many political principles. In contrast, “non-partisan” indicates
members regarding my March that we remain unaligned with any political party. As a
video message advocating non-partisan society, we adhere to our core mission
for global unity, I would like without aligning with any particular political ideology.
to take a moment to further With members spanning 17 diverse countries, we must
expand on my thoughts. As emphasize that DKG does not support or oppose the
committed members of DKG, we work together in political actions or decisions made by the governments

shaping an educational landscape that reflects our of these countries. Our commitment remains centered
collective mission and purposes. Tennessee State on enhancing education and supporting women
Organization President Marsha Brewer thoughtfully educators, regardless of the prevailing political
reminded me that even our song reinforces this vision landscape or governmental decisions within the
with the powerful line, Unity and liberty shall be our various countries we serve. The policies and actions
watchwords ever. As I said in my message from March, enacted by the governments of these 17 countries
“Each member has the liberty to believe, think, and are beyond the control of our organization. DKG is

vote as she chooses, but we must maintain unity to be not accountable for any actions, policies, or political
an effective international organization.” decisions that may influence international, state, or
Unity refers to the concept of being united or working chapter dynamics.
together as one, especially in the face of challenges or Through the numerous phone calls, text messages,
adversity. It emphasizes solidarity, cooperation, and emails, and other forms of communication I have
strength in togetherness. On the other hand, Liberty received, I am increasingly concerned that some
signifies freedom, individual rights, and the pursuit individuals are becoming overly fixated on global
of justice and equality for all. The term Watchwords political events, rather than actively seeking common
refers to guiding principles or core beliefs that will ground among our membership. Individual decisions

always be central to DKG, and the term Ever implies to refuse participation in international events due to
that these values will remain steadfast and unwavering political disagreements ultimately undermine the
over time. Essentially, this phrase is a declaration that collective effectiveness and unity of the organization.
the guiding principles of unity (working together) and Diplomacy and engagement, even in the face of
liberty (freedom) will always be upheld and prioritized. disagreement, are crucial to the organization’s
It represents our commitment to uphold these ideals in long-term success. Disengaging from international
both thought and action. opportunities limits one’s ability to positively influence

It is important to clarify a common misconception and contribute to constructive change within countries
regarding the nature of our organization. While some that might need it most. If we allow the actions of
may refer to DKG as bi-partisan, we are, in fact, a political leaders to create division among us, can we
distinctly non-partisan organization. The term “bi- truly consider ourselves an international society? This

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