Girls are encouraged to empower each other during event

Shakell James
Staff Writer

The JSU branch of Jewels, Inc., a non-profit organization that mentors young, urban girls through education, training and social activism, hosted their “How to be a Girl’s Girl” event discussing the red flags in female relationships, how to handle arguments, and the importance of fostering encouragement/self-esteem in friendships. The event was held on the second floor of the Reddix Building. 

Kennedy Hall, president of the organization and a senior biology/pre-medicine major from Chicago, Ill., opened the event with an ice breaker asking the audience, “What is being a girl’s girl mean to you?” 

Miss Jackson State University Lauren Temple, described what she thinks should consist of a “girl’s girl” and a factor that does not.

“Everything else said was very true. A big one for me is not being hateful towards other women, especially around men. They talk about us, degrade us, and don’t value us, it just gives them more ammo. That does not make you a girl’s girl,” Temple said.

Following the ice breaker, the participants were divided into groups for discussions based on their visions of a reasonable “girl’s girl.” Small purple goodies were also placed in chairs for the attendees.

Group 4 presented a skit describing what should be done if another girl is being bullied or embarrassed. Their skit displayed how to have another girl’s back, regardless whether or not you’re familiar with that person.

Upon each topic discussed, representatives approached the podium giving their team’s responses.

Attendees seemed to be receptive to the information given by the members of Jewels Inc.

Advice was given on how to properly improve someone’s girl’s girl skills. 

Advice included: 

• Empower/Respect each other
• Be your most authentic self
• Surround yourself with people who accepts that authentic self
• Understand that no one is perfect/Reflect on your behavior and actions
• Be open – minded
• Educate yourself on women’s issues in the world
• Challenge stereotypes/biases 

Jewels, Inc. Community Service Chair Nyah Evans, a junior biology/pre-optometry major from Laurel, Miss., shared the reason why she felt the event would impact the female student body.

“I felt that it was important for us to host this event because I know that there are a lot of girls who tend to get put down by other girls. I think it’s important to know what it means to be a girl’s girl, that way we can continue to uplift and support each other. We can grow together, especially as African-American women in our society today,” Evans said.

Raven Bivins, a junior elementary education major from McKeesport, Pa., reflected on what she learned from the event.

“I believe that it was powerful. Women need to hear from other women about what being a girl’s girl is, ways to encourage other women, and how we should be looking at other black women,” Bivins said.