Voices of sisterhood
Albion women come together to discuss issues
December 3, 2004By Chevonese Fender
Staff Reporter
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, a dinner entitled “Voices of Sisterhood” was held to address women’s issues on campus. The dinner was hosted in the Mary Sykes room of Baldwin by Diana Ariza, assistant dean of Multicultural Affairs.
The dinner was a collaborative effort by Step Ahead, a first-year transition program, Counseling Services and the Women’s Studies Center. The attendees were women from the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and POWER.
“The BSA women were always complaining about their issues not being discussed and I thought that we could put something together so we could start talking,” said Takisha Woolfolk, Milwaukee, Wisc. junior.
As president of BSA last year, Woolfolk saw an opportunity for the two groups to help each other achieve their goals.
“I thought that we could incorporate the women of POWER as a medium to voice our concerns,” she said.
Although Woolfolk could not be present at the dinner, her efforts were acknowledged by Ariza.
About 30 women, including Albion College students and staff and community members, attended. Ariza instructed the women to sit at a table with someone they did not know. Then the dinner was in full swing.
“Which women in your life have inspired you?” Ariza asked. This question led to some attendees sharing their personal stories of women who motivated them, from their mothers to their best friends.
Before the event ended, women expressed interest in having future get-togethers to meet their personal needs.
“I would like to see us do more together such as a Mary Kay party; maybe some girls’ night-outs and other things,” said Bobbie Cole, Detroit sophomore and current president of BSA. “Not only do I want to see us do social events together, but also do more to make the issues about women be seen and heard.”
Paula Ware, the mentor coordinator for Step Ahead, said, “We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we knew we needed to come together. We really wanted the women of BSA and POWER to come together to educate one another on the differences they may face as women on campus and in the world, along with an understanding of the similarities that bring us together as women.”
Rachel Crutchfield, counselor and director of the Women’s Studies Center, said that the goal of the dinner was to build a connection between the two student organizations and to hear what is on women’s minds. Those behind the event plan on addressing sexual assault issues and alcohol poisonings by working with Sally Walker, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students.
“This is a wonderful event,” said Octavia Turner, a supporter from the Albion community. “It’s good to see women collectively working together [and] realizing that when I hurt, you hurt.”
“The energy was amazing and so was the conversation,” said Amber Hellow, Holly senior and POWER president. “Takisha and Diana really hit the nail on the head by bringing us all together. After the dinner we had four women from BSA audition for the Vagina Monologues. I think that the networking has already begun.”
