We kicked off the week with our VOICE meeting. It began with a minute of silence for Renee Brown and for our collective health, recognizing both the personal challenges we carry and the ongoing events unfolding in our country. Donna Dowell delivered a heartfelt tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring us to envision a better future for our nation. Dr. Muriel O’Tuel shared her inspiring story and dreams through captivating narratives, encouraging us to pursue our goals and collaborate effectively.
The meeting fostered a strong sense of belonging. Many of us have longed for a space where we can learn, listen, and speak freely as women. We value the opportunity to hear other women share their concerns—many of which resonate deeply with our own experiences. It is our hope that VOICE continues to provide this inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Midweek, on January 22nd, we received concerning legislative news. The House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 4760 by a vote of 14–7, sending it to be voted on by the full House. This bill would treat abortion medication as a controlled and “toxic” substance, making it a felony to obtain or assist in its use and opening the door to criminal investigation of women, doctors, and families. We encourage you to reach out to our representative, Representative William Bailey, tell him you live in Horry County and urge him to vote against this bill. He can be reached at (803) 212-6918.
On Friday, January 23rd, our Happy Hour returned at the Big Chill Island House. About 20 women attended, including several who were new to VOICE and unable to attend our regular meeting due to work commitments. Jane Serues, our Social Committee Chair, helped us mingle and make introductions, ensuring everyone felt welcome. The energy was warm and engaging, and a heartfelt thank-you goes to Jane for her efforts in making the evening such a success.
The week took a deeply troubling turn on Saturday, January 24, when ICE shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital. He was an American citizen with no criminal record and was attempting to assist a woman who had been pushed down by an ICE officer. This incident saddened and disturbed many of us. Thousands of Minnesotans gathered in Minneapolis in response—heartbroken, angry, and seeking accountability. We hope their voices continue to be expressed peacefully and without violence.
Throughout Sunday, we found ourselves longing for the comfort of a shared moment of reflection with our VOICE community. We wanted to talk openly about what led to this tragedy and what it says about the state of our country. We read widely and listened to many perspectives, but what we truly wanted was to sit with a group of like-minded women—to listen, to reflect, and to explore what meaningful action might look like.
As this week came to a close, we are reminded why VOICE matters so deeply. In moments of grief, uncertainty, and moral reckoning, we need spaces where we can pause, listen, and think together—without fear and without judgment. VOICE is not just about meetings or events; it is about community, shared values, and the courage to sit with hard questions while searching for meaningful ways forward. Our hope is that we continue to show up for one another, to speak when our voices are needed, and to support each other as we navigate these challenging times—together.
