The Panther

Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Evan White Empowering women: Inspirational speaker tells Prairie View women of the importance to uplift one another.

Students turned up in droves for the Sister Let Me Upgrade You women's empowerment rally sponsored by University College, Thursday, March 1, in the University College courtyard.

Shante Jones, director of the event and advisor for University College, wanted students to walk away from the experience "knowing that you can achieve your dreams. The sky's the limit." According to Jones, the inspiration for the rally stemmed from "the need to build upon the foundation that we, as women, already have. It should be a cycle of continuous growth." Jones added that the rally would be an annual event.

The program for the rally proved to be inspirational, featuring performances by the ladies of C Phi C, Ta'Necia Carter, a short skit, poetry and the recital of a sister creed. Raffle prizes and purple ribbons were distributed throughout the program as DJ Titus kept the crowd enthusiastic.

Lance Hutchins, a senior communications major, said, "I attended the rally because as a black male, I'm very involved with the black woman's empowerment. I'm supportive of our women and I support the evolution of our people."

Keynote speaker Phyllis Spates-Odom talked about the history of women's rights, the perils in our community today and quoted Tupac Shakur in her speech. "The best for you is yet to come," said Spates-Odom. She went on to encourage female students to love each other and motivate one another.

Merlecia Mitchell, a freshman criminal justice major and member of the Women's Leadersip Council, explained the importance of the event. "We came up with this event to rebuild the credibility of the Prairie View woman.... what she is and what she stands for. We wanted to show that we can support each other instead of hate each other."

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