Shakell James
Editor-in -Chief
The women of Jackson State University ignited the spirit of womanhood during Women’s Empowerment Week held March 16 -20. The week featured meaningful celebrations and powerful conversations.
Five female students holding positions in the classes at JSU: Freshman Class President Kenmee Allen, Sophomore Class President Brook Williams, Junior Class President Kamryn Patterson, Senior Class President Treyanna Williams, and Student Government Association President Raegan Johnson took part in a photoshoot honoring the phenomenal women of the Six Triple Eight. The Six Triple Eight was an all-women’s Central Postal Directory World War II battalion (6888th).
The week began on March 16 with the “Her Steps in History” event held in the Student Center Legacy, followed on March 17 with “Dear Little Sis,” a letter-writing encouragement event dedicated to local high school girls.
On March 18, the excitement continued with two events: the “100 Women in Power” photoshoot held on the Gibbs-Green Plaza, where women from the student body wore elegant business attire, and the “Women in Leadership” panel, during which women student leaders shared their experiences and the impact of their roles.
Harmony Howe, one of the panelists and a sophomore journalism and media studies major from Atlanta, Ga., and Cricket Wireless campus ambassador, spoke about how authenticity can light up a room, whether or not everyone likes it.
“My personality can make other people uncomfortable, or they could feel intimidated a little bit, but I personally do not tone down who I am as a person because it’s a part of my work ethic. In order for me to get my job done, I have to be myself. When it comes to toning yourself down, I think it’s all about understanding that there’s a time and place for things,” said Howe.
To conclude the week, the second annual Bridgerton-themed “Herstory Celebration” hosted by seniors Raegan Johnson and Treyanna Williams ended on a high note. Award-winning author, social activist, educator, producer, and Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, Ph.D., served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of empowerment.
“Sometimes it takes someone else who loves, who genuinely cares for you, to show you what you may not yet see in yourself. When we learn to see ourselves differently and learn to love ourselves and all our complexities, we understand power differently. History reminds us that we are not spectators standing on the sidelines. Each one of us is a contributor, innovator, healer, and leader like our ancestors, on whose shoulders we stand. We must teach it, speak it, and carry it with pride, purpose, and with love,” said Shabazz.
Inspiration filled the Terry L. Woodward Ballroom as seven women were honored for their dedication and involvement on Jackson State’s campus, including: Shabazz, Kimberly Alcorn, Celia Burse, Stephanie Luckett, and students Amaya Andrews, Moneek Pharms, and Sha’Metrice Thomas.
To highlight the theme of empowerment, each attendee received a silver brooch, presented in a vibrantly colored paper teacup, along with a bouquet, bringing the evening to a blissful close.
Pharms, a junior journalism and media studies major from Flint, Mich., described the celebration as deeply inspiring, particularly noting several points from Shabazz’s speech.
“This event is beautiful. I love that black women get to come together in this space and love each other, pin each other, show dedication, and that we are sisters and we’re not in competition,” said Pharms.
Kelvin Graves, a freshman political science major from Nashville, Tenn., emphasized the importance of celebrating women.
“I think it’s important to celebrate women because as James Brown says in his song, ‘this is a man’s world but it would be nothing without woman or girl’. I think that women are the reason why the world runs the way it does. I believe celebrating women offers people the opportunity to understand that every major event that has happened most likely had a woman involved. Today’s event was indescribable and very inspiring to people,” said Graves.
Hailey Donald, a senior pre-dentistry major from Philadelphia, Miss., called the event amazing, noting its focus on women’s history.
“I think it was an amazing event. Personally, I love women’s empowerment, and it’s always a great time for women to get together and just celebrate our history,” said Donald.
Miss Jackson State University Lauren Ballard, a senior political science major from Baton Rouge, La., said this event warms her heart because of its inclusivity for women.
“This event is the second annual Herstory Celebration event, and I just really loved every bit of it. I’m just glad that women have a space to be able to congregate and just celebrate our victories. I can’t wait to see this initiative grow,” said Ballard.
