Shades of Ebony is an organization founded by Black women at the University of Notre Dame to unify, empower, and inspire women of all shades through engaging dialogue and service in the South Bend community. We sculpt the intellectual, spiritual, and social experiences of women through fellowship within a sisterhood of inclusion.

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Shades began when Arienne Thompson ('04) and Terri Baxter ('05) sought to create a space where black women on Notre Dame's campus could gather to share their stories and experiences. Shades began as a service group between a core group of women: Arienne Thompson, Terri Baxter, Shawtina Ferguson, Terrica Bentley, Tiffany Johnson. These women created our name: Shades of Ebony. 

 

The Shades of Ebony motto became, and remains: "Fostering sisterhood while helping each other retain positive self-images." Shades was officially recognized by the University of Notre Dame in 2002. Shawtina Ferguson was our first sitting president and Christy Flemming (now Greene) was our club's first advisor. Greene remained the club advisor until 2009. Just as at our founding, today, the mission of Shades of Ebony is to be safe space for love, and sisterhood for the black women of Notre Dame.

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"Shades of Ebony is an extraordinary club in which our members challenge the stereotypes of Black women through sisterhood and service. We have candid discussions about the challenges that we and our community face while still celebrating the strides that we have made through our journey at Notre Dame. We, the beautiful ladies of Shades, hope to see you soon!"
~Erdina Francillon ('10), Former Shades of Ebony President