Our June 2019 Shero of the Month is Elder Antionettea Etienne of New York, New York. She is a warrior for women’s rights, an activist in regards to women who were formerly incarcerated, women who are undocumented and the disenfranchised. Waheedah Shabazz-El, PWN-USA Organizing Director said, “Everyone needs an Antionettea in their lives. She’s a total package of enthusiasm and encouragement and models leadership in the most remarkable ways. She leaves no one behind. Antionettea is both a teacher and a learner. I am so very proud to know her from both ends.”She been a Chair, co-chair, board member for numerous HIV Prevention planning groups, community-based organizations and AIDS services organizations for the city and the state of New York. Currently, she is preparing a return to academia to complete a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health before continuing for her master’s in Behavioral Sciences. Elder Antionettea said, “I have assisted, advised and guided many women in quests to achieve their dreams. I am now going forward to acquire mines.”
Elder Antionettea has been a pillar of strength for so many as well as a mentor. When asked about her mentors, Elder stated, “My true Mentor is my God. He/She that wakes me up and gives me the courage and the strength to go forward each day.” She went on to say, “Several women whom I have worked under or chosen to educate me have failed me or the community in one form or another.”
Elder Antionettea is always busy in the fight for LGBTQ rights in New York. When asked what motivates her to continue she said, “My community stays in constant pain from stigma, discrimination, abandonment, violence, suicide and the list goes on.” Thinking back on her participation in the Love Positive Women’s campaign, she said, ” I enjoyed being part of Visual AIDS, making Valentines and sending love postcards to women women across the globe.” To stay active in the fight for LGBTQ rights, it takes resiliency. Elder Antionettea said, “I attribute my resiliency and longevity to my passion to assist others. My God keeps me in the loop by educating me each and every day on the best methods to assist others. My Spirituality keeps me strong. I personally have been through so much that whatever comes my way now is nothing compared to what I have endured in the past. I have been shot, stabbed, beaten and incarcerated, but, STILL I RISE.”
Her final thoughts to anyone who may read this are, “Be kind to yourself first and then be kind to others. You never know when and if that person you turned your back on will be the angel to come and lift you up when you are at your lowest point in life. Be kind!!”