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Unita Blackwell Young Women's Leadership Institute
 

SRBWI Announces it's 4th Annual Unita Blackwell Young Women’s Leadership Institute

The Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative (SRBWI) is now taking applications for scholarships to attend the Fourth Annual Unita Blackwell Young Women’s Leadership Institute Applications are located on the left-hand sidebar.  The Institute is open to young women currently in grades 8-12 and who live in one of the SRBWI target counties.

Applicants do not need to be honor roll students or have perfect conduct.  SRBWI is looking for a variety of participants who both exude leadership qualities and those who may benefit greatly from being exposed to the leadership training. 

SRBWI works to advance the first Human Rights Agenda in the United States designed to put an end to the historical race, class, cultural, religious and gender barriers experienced by southern rural black women.  The program operates in 77 counties in the Black Belt of Alabama, Southwest Georgia and the Delta of Mississippi.

The goal of all SRBWI youth development programs is to provide a safe, caring  environment where girls can participate in activities designed to enhance their path to adulthood as productive, creative individuals committed to economic and social justice.   Arts, culture and spirituality are integrated into all program areas and promote the preservation and evolution of Black culture and history.

To promote this goal SRBWI will hold its fourth Unita Blackwell Young Women’s Leadership Institute from June 20 – June 24, 2008 at Tougaloo College, in Tougaloo, Mississippi.  All applicants chosen will receive a $1,800 scholarship to attend the Institute.

The Unita Blackwell Young Women’s Leadership Institute is honored to be hosted on the campus of Tougaloo College, a historically Black college located near Jackson, Mississippi.  Tougaloo College was founded in 1869 by the American Missionary Association and is a private, coeducational, church-related, four-year liberal arts institution.

During the Institute participants will engage in interesting, challenging and interactive activities designed to increase leadership skills, acquaint and enhance understanding of the Human Rights Agenda, learn about the rich contributions of southern rural black women to civil and human rights, and experience the rich culture of the southern black experience.  Read more about previous YWL Institutes.

Since 2005, over 300 young women and their mentors have actively participated in the five day Institute.  Highlights from past years’ YWL Institutes include: Panels on the contributions of the ancestors to Human and Civil Rights, Health and Wellness, and Asset Economic Development; interactive workshops on Fashion Design, Jewelry Making, Photography, African and African American Dance, Spoken Word; forums on how Hip Hop and Media Images impact young women’s self image.  Spirituality and culture are integral parts of all SRBWI activities.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses to participants attending the Institute.  The scholarship provides transportation, room, food and all other costs associated with the Institute.   However, if accepted as a scholarship recipient, there is a $25.00 registration fee.  Young women at the Institute will be supervised both day and night.  The deadline for applications has been extended to April 11th, 2008.

For more information contact:
Wendy Shenefelt
601 321-1966
wshenefelt@childrensdefense.org