SIIS History
From Social Justice Wiki
COMMUNITY BEGINNINGS
1996 saw the birth of Sista II Sista. About 7 founding members began what, by the end of the first summer, would comprise 20 Collective members and be well on its way to becoming the established community organization it now is.
Sista II Sista was created as a response to the lack of community spaces that focused on the experience of young women of color. It was also seen as a proactive space where young women of color could tap into their collective power to fight against injustice.
Sista II Sista began with virtually nothing; believing in the immediate importance of their vision and not trying to wait to come into money, the founding members of the SIIS Collective started with zero.The support of the Bushwick community, therefore, was imperative in keeping the young organization afloat. Local businesses contributed what they could, individuals provided food and supplies for the young women, and, without any capital, SIIS was born. Eventually SIIS turned to foundational grants to fund the project, choosing to keep the project small and localized in order to be most