Photos by De'Serra Whitfield
D. Whitfield llluminations LLC
More than 500 girls, women, boys and men participated in Montgomery's Second Annual WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival on September 28, 2024, at the City of Montgomery Union Station Train Shed. Audience members hailed fom cultures as diverse as Bangladesh, the Bahamas, Greece, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States and Vietnam. Girls and their families enjoyed interactive STEM and multicultural activities, as well as a health and wellness fair and international food vendors.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed issued a proclamation recognizing Women in Training, Inc. for annually hosting the multicultural and STEM festival to focus attention on the issues the United Nations identified as crucial: highlighting challenges girls face, promoting girls’ empowerment and promoting the fulfillment of girls’ human rights.
The Mayoral Proclamation recognized Breanna and Brooke Bennett for founding the youth empowerment organization to help end period poverty so all girls can live happy and fulfilled lives. Furthermore, the proclamation thanked WIT Board Chairwoman Rolanda Hollis for introducing HB 50 that now provides $400,000 annually to the Alabama Department of Education to provide grants toTitle I schools to provide menstrual supplies to girls in Grades 5 through 12. The proclamation also honored U.S. Veterans Administration physician Dr. Nandini Ramroop for chairing the event for two years.
Kalisha Dessources Figures, PhD, gender equity strategist with KDF Strategies, gave the keynote address on the topic, "Her Time is Now!" Dr. Figures, an American of Haitian descent, emphasized the urgency of preparing girls and young women for leadership positions in all career fields, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathemetics (STEM), as well as the Arts, Public Policy and Entrepeneurship.
Breanna and Brooke Bennett, WIT teenage founders, introduced Dr. Figures, speaking about how their relationship was forged when Dr. Figures interviewed them for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's inaugural Girls Leading Change cohort in 2023. At the time, Dr. Figures worked for President Biden as Special Assistant for Gender Policy on the White House Gender Policy Council. She previously worked for President Barack Obama as Policy Advisor for his White House Council on Women and Girls.
Breanna and Brooke said this remarkable scholar has degrees from three Ivy League universities, including a PhD from Yale University, masters degree from University of Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Dr. Figures is the author of YES SHE CAN: 10 Stories of Hope and Change From Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House.
Dr. Ramroop, an American of Indo-Caribbean descent hailing originally from Trinidad and Tobago, did an outstanding job volunteering a Chairwoman, WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. She was successful in leading the fundraising initiative, selecting multicultural performers and creating excitement in the Montgomery community for the international celebration.
"International Day of the Girl is a global event celebrating girls’ empowerment and brings attention to the challenges that girls face. I am honored to have once again chaired this powerful event on behalf of Women in Training, Inc., as this is the leading organization providing a platform to address girls’ needs,"Dr. Ramroop said. "I am happy to celebrate unity in culture and diversity in our very own Capital City.”
The corporate, government, civic community and members of the general public all pitched in to raise more than $22,000 to support WIT's mission to end period poverty so all girls can live happy and fulfilled lives.
By far, the largest donation was in-kind support from the City of Montgomery.
Cathy Shuford, Events Manager, Department of Cultural Affairs, graciously authorized use of the Union Station Train Shed, along with the stage, chairs and tables; staff support to clean and set-up the large space; and provision of clean pink porta potties. Off-duty officers from the Montgomery Police Department provided security for participants and vendors.
Under the astute leadership of Ms. Simone Butler, Chairwoman of the International Awareness and Involvement Committee, the Montgomery (AL) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated showcased the power of their sisterhood's collective action by partnering with Women in Training, Inc. for this celebration. The sorority contributed to the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival in several impactful ways, as follows:
Engaged the chapter and local community in collecting more than 5,000 individual menstrual pads
Created a nail polishing station for young girls to provide them with a fun and interactive activity
Distributed water throughout the day, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated
Created volunteer name tags
Helped to pass out more than 250 WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies
Collaborated with Rolling to the Polls to provide vital voter education information.
Nail polishing gallery photos provided by Simone Butler
Volunteers from several organizations helped to shop for supplies and pack the WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies, including the following:
South University, Montgomery: Led by Ms. Josephine Jordan, Academic Success Coordinator, Academic Affairs
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Nu Xi Chapter: Led by Ms. Angela Jenkins, Graduate Advisor, Auburn University at Montgomery
Women in Training, Inc. Monarchs from the WIT Leadership Development Academy
Under the leadership of Vera Taylor, Chairman, and Dr. Sandra Whaley, Vice Chairman of Uplift Our Local Community Initiative, Omega Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated supported the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. The sorority collected 36 packs of Always sanitary pads, donating a total of 1,248 individual menstrual pads to Women in Training, Inc.
Women in Training, Inc. board members, Bradley Bennett, Vice President, and Elizabeth Johnson-Sellers, Secretary and Social Media Manager, led volunteers in distributing 250 WITKITS from the new WIT Mobile. The American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program donated the emergency response vehicle to the youth empowerment organization.
Since 2019, WIT volunteers have distributed more than 30,000 WITKITS to help end period poverty. Each WITKIT is valued at $50 and can be shared with a family of four people.
The fabulous duo of Ms. Amerika Blair and Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal volunteered as Mistress and Master of Ceremony, seamlessly bringing together speakers and performers from five of the seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe.
Ms. Blair, the i-Team Director for Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation – supporting the City of Montgomery Mayor’s Office – is co-founder of The Blair Family Foundation and curator of The Outspoken Women Collective. She is a noncommissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves and serves on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Montgomery and Montgomery Community Action Board of Directors.
Blair is a 2021 Policy Fellow for the Black to the Future Public Policy Institute, a 2022 Women's Policy Institute Fellow, and completed The Campaign School at Yale University in 2023. Blair is in the Central Alabama’s 40 under 40 class of 2023, an alumnus of Leadership Montgomery’s Torchbearers and Leadership Alabama's Alabama Leadership Initiative. She received her master’s degree from Columbia University.
Dr. Aggarwal, a robotics surgeon, works as Chief of Urology, Chief of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Urology and Director of the Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Center at Jackson Hospital. He is the first – and only – fellowship trained specialist in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in central Alabama and one of the few in the entire state of Alabama.
Volunteer stage managers Marilyn Hobbs and Rita Tyson worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a professional production and to maintain a positive relationship with the performers.
A string quintent from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School played the cello, violin and viola as a musical prelude. Ms. Shoronda Charles, String Instructor and Department Chair for Instrumental Music, Law, Photography and Visual Arts, directed the orchestra.
Tori Nicole Jackson, Vice President, Alabama Indigenous Coalition, formally opened the festival with a Land Acknowledgement to publicly declare that Montgomery, Alabama, rests on the ancestral land of the Mvskoke, Koasati and Alabama nations.
"It is important to include the Land Acknowledgment to recognize Indigenous Peoples as the original inhabitants of this land," said Adeyela Albury Bennett, WIT President and Chief Engagement Officer. "This is rooted in our organization's core values of Womanism, Global Citizenship, Intersectionality, Liberation and Decolonization."
Ms. Pauline Ford, Founder and Immediate Past President, Central Alabama Caribbean American Association (CACAO), brought greetings from the Caribbean community. She said Caribbean Americans represent all walks of life in Alabama, from students to judges and business people.
Major Kimberly Pottinger, a leader in the Department of the Space Force, gave greetings from the United States Air Force. Hailing originally from Jamaica, Major Pottinger is currently a student at Air Command and Staff College, the premier institution for producing leaders in Airpower.
The WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival included two melodic singers:
Raaga Ryali, a fifth-grade student at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School, performed a series of Indian classical songs. The songs centered around the theme, "Shakti," portraying the feminine aspect of nature and the divine power that creates and sustains the universe. Raaga has been passionately learning Carnatic Music, a form of Indian classical music, since the age of three. She also has a deep interest in Indian classical dance, and has performed at various cultural events.
Nia Henderson, a sophomore at Pike Road High School, has a love for the arts and sang "Tomorrow" from the Broadway musical, Annie." Previously, Nia performed in “The Wiz” at Alabama State University in November 2023, and performed an encore show in February 2024. Nia is currently preparing to be in the play, “Murder on the Orient Express” at Pike Road High School. She has done vocal performances at several events in the City of Montgomery through MEOW Academy, with director Terrance Baldwin, where she has received vocal training for several years.
Ishan Patel from Atlanta fascinated the crowd with traditional Dhol drumming from India.
Girls in the audience were thrilled to see two beauty princesses: Little Miss Alabama State University MaKenzie Holmes and Little Miss Hornet Madelyn Lewis.
Cheerleaders from Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School delighted the crowd with stunts and gymnasics moves. Their coach is Ms. Tiffany McCrary.
The Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School Cheer team earned first place Overall Winner, first place in Cheer and second place in Camp Routine at the 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Camp at Auburn Universty. The other UCA cheer teams voted Brewtech Magnet Cheer team for the Leadership Award. Six team members were named "All American." The BrewTech Cheer Team will be competing in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Super-Regionals in, with hopes of receiving a bid to compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Championship in Birmingham.
The multicultural dance groups and fashion show were the crowd favorites!
For the second consecutive year, Ms. Salma Ali choreographed a fabulous Pakistani fashion show. This time, Ms. Ali added a cultural dance performance.
Kash Kinetics, directed and choreographed by Ms. Bella Kash, performed Caribbean-inspired dances for the second consecutive year.
Women from the Filipino American Association performed two traditional cultural dances. The first was “Pakiring,” a dance practiced by the people of Mindanao, the southern part of the Philippines. The dance emphasizes the movement of the hips to mimic the movement of a butterfly.
The second dance the Filipino American Association performed was “Subli,”a folk dance from Bauan, Batangas, the northern part of the Philippines. It originated around 300 years ago in Alitagtag, Batangas. The dance involves both male and female dancers with distinct movements - the males leap and use clappers while the females circle on their toes with delicate hand gestures.
The beautiful Filipino dancers were Ms. Andrews, Ms. Lillibeth Burton, Ms. Percy Cochran, Ms. Cristina Duites, Ms. Evelyn Hoggs, Ms. Dahlia King, Ms. Evelyn Madigan, Ms. Bernadeth Moore, Ms. Angel Newell, and Ms. Mona Wagner. The President of the Filipino American Association is Eva Wieser.
Another crowd favorite was the HeartBeat Dance Company out of Birmingham. Choreographed by Jessica Ponte, the intergenerational women and men engaged the audience in their fast-paced Latin cultural dances. Their mission is to spread the joy of dance through community outreach, performance and competitive dance, group classes, private lessons, party and festival entertainment, and dance socials. People travel from all over the state, and even from out of state, to be on HeartBeat Dance teams!
Next up was a step show by representative Greek letter sororities in the historic Divine Nine. The Divine Nine, also known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is a collection of nine African American fraternities and sororities that were established in the early 20th century.
Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Beta Pi Chapter from Alabama State University were pretty in pink and green!
The Iota Eta Sigma Rhoer Club, a youth club of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, delighted the crowd in their blue and gold! TeAndrea Burnett is their proud Advisor.
For the second consecutive year, the Shivalaya School of Indian Classical Dance performed fascinating classical dances from India. Students from the school, as well as their artistic director, Sudha Raghuram, performed Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
"Bharatanatyam" originated in South India and is known for its footwork, hand gestures, facial expressions and sculpturesque poses. The music used in Bharatanatyam is the Carnatic music of South India. "Kathak" originated in North India and the music used is the Hindustani music. Both dance forms usually a tell a story about Hindu Gods, nature, animals, festivals and human relationships; however, the style, costume and rhythmic patterns of each dance forms are very different.
The dancers were as follows: Mira Menon, Haley Kanparia, Jina Palk, Jaya Palk, Vivikta Vijay, Geethika Pochana, Deetya Garrepelly and Ms. Raghuram.
The Montgomery Greek Dancers and the Montgomery Ballet collaborated to perform traditional Greek folk dances. Rania Charalambidou, a native of Nicosia, Cyprus, created the Montgomery Greek Dancers last year after a second year of performing Greek folk dances in Montgomery and the surrounding areas. Montgomery Ballet dancers so graciously offered to fill in the spots of some of the Greek dancers who were out of town.
The groups performed the following three dances:
The first dance is "Zonaradikos," a lively and spirited Greek folk dance originating from the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. It is characterized by its energetic and celebratory nature, often performed at weddings, festivals, and other joyous occasions. The dance is named after the traditional belt (zonari). Dancers used to be attached by each other's belts while dancing. Over time, this evolved to a basket weave hand-holding, which you will see in the dance presented. Zonaradikos is known for its fast-paced footwork, intricate steps and dynamic movements, reflecting the vitality and exuberance of Greek culture.
The next dance is the "Kalamatianos," a traditional Greek dance that originated in the region of Kalamata in southern Greece. It is a popular group dance performed at social gatherings, weddings, festivals, and other celebratory events. The dance is characterized by its lively and spirited movements, often performed in a circular formation with dancers holding hands or linking arms. The steps are relatively simple, consisting of side-to-side and forward-backward movements accompanied by occasional kicks and hops. The music accompanying the Kalamatianos is typically in a 7/8 time signature, giving it a distinct rhythm and energy. Overall, the Kalamatianos is a joyful and celebratory dance that embodies the spirit of Greek culture and community.
The Greek dance "Zorbas," also known as the "Sirtaki," gained fame from the film "Zorba the Greek." It's a lively, communal dance featuring expressive arm movements, kicks, and turns. Dancers start slow and gradually build to a faster tempo, reflecting the joy of Greek celebrations. Accompanied by upbeat music in 4/4 time, typically played on instruments like the bouzouki, it embodies the exuberance of Greek culture, inviting participants to celebrate life together.
The dancers were the choreographer, Ms. Charalambidou, Danielle Kerem, Matthew Trest, Julia Tze, Sarah Gregory, Savannah Norwood, Ryan Cook, Danny Mitsios, Leah Atten and Maria Lee.
Near the end of the program, Ms. Lipika Das, performed a traditional folk dance to represent Bangladesh, a country rich in culture, history and resilience. One of the most significant moments in its history is the struggle to preserve its language and identity.
Ms. Das performed two dances. The first dance was to a song, "Ami Banglay Gaan Gai," which celebrates the pride and emotional bond Bengalis have with their mother tongue, a language that was defended at great cost. The second dance was performed to "Bangladesher Meye Re Tui,"a tribute to the beauty of Bangladesh and its people, especially the women. The song celebrates the strength, vibrancy and talents of Bangladeshi women who have shaped the culture and contributed to the fight for the country's freedom. It highlights their vital role in the nation's past and present.
Ms. Kenyatta Bates led the 40+ Double Dutch Club. The club is a unified sisterhood that empowers women in mental health and physical fitness, all while inspiring them in friendship, fitness, fun, and fellowship.
A returning performer to the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival was Ms. Nyoka Samuels-Gilchrist of 7 Healing Waters.
Ms. Samuels-Gilchrist was given the name Nana Akua Barkang Adubea by the late Okomfopany Nana Adwoa Afoah. On that day, the connection between her birth land of Jamaica and her ancestral land of Ghana, West Africa, was honored and uplifted.
"Reflecting on the ever-present feminine energy can provide young girls with a profound source of inspiration and strength as they navigate life's journey," Nana Akua (Ms. Samuels-Gilchrist) said. "This energy, manifesting in various forms throughout nature, history, and culture, serves as a reminder of the inherent power, creativity, and resilience within every woman. By connecting with and embracing this energy, young girls can cultivate a deeper sense of self-confidence, nurture their unique gifts, and forge their own paths with grace and determination."
The final performance got everyone on their feet on the dance floor! Ms. Sherika Nicole and her team from Groovy Line Dance led the audience in popular line dances!
Leaders and members of St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church joyfully participated in planning for WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. They sweetly set-up a popcorn stand to provide free, freshly-popped corn to girls and their families.
St. John's also graciously provided supplemental tables and chairs for the event.
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped to load the supplemental tables and chairs into the WIT Mobile. Then, they picked up 250 WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies, and unloaded the equipment and WITKITS at the Union Station Train Shed.
Photos by Sheralyn Belyeu
Lynette Kelley of Kelley's Quality Candles, along with her husband, daughter and grandson pitched in early on event morning to help haul WITKITS of menstrual, dental and hygiene supplies into the WIT Mobile.
Our faithful friends from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided a table to offer information about FamilySearch, the world's largest free genealogical website. FamilySearch consultants helped community members learn more about their personal family history by setting up membership accounts and scheduling free private genealogy consultations.
Ms. Sheyann Webb Christburg, Executive Director, Women of W.I.L.L., collaborated with Women in Training, Inc. to host a Health and Wellness Fair at the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. The purpose of the health and wellness fair was to increase health literacy, health prevention, and to improve patient experience and patient-provider relations.
Women of W.I.L.L. diplomatically worked with the following organizations to set up tables and provide information and generous treats to families:
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama State University College of Health Sciences
Family Guidance Center
Hands on River Region / 211
Kwatasian Hunt
Legal Services of Alabama
Montgomery City-County Public Library
Omega Global
Sigma Eta Chapter Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
The Capital City Medical Society supported the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival by providing physicians to screen girls and their families.
BAPS Charities also supported the WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival. Dr. Hiren Patel provided free blood pressure screenings for interested participants.
Auburn University at Montgomery College of Sciences and College of Education provided information about STEM programs and scholarships.
Women in Training, Inc. contracted with the following STEM-related women-owned businesses to provide interactive science learning activities: Aqualime Skincare, Children's Museum of Montgomery, Kelley's Quality Candles and Stick a Fork In It Culinary Classes for Kids.
As a special treat, WIT contracted with SKR360 to provide a circling photo booth for girls. Enjoy this video of a few WIT Monarchs dancing.
The final component of the 2nd Annual WIT International Day of the Girl Child Festival was the multicultural food vendors, including Quickly Vietnamese tea, Tea Town and Woody's Italian Ice.
"A community event of this magnitude requires the love and hard work of many forces, seen and unseen," said Adeyela Bennett, WIT President and CEO. "We gave awards of appreciation to members of the event steering commitee; however, so many other volunteers and donors worked together to support the Women in Training, Inc. mission to end period poverty so all girls can live happy and fulfilled lives."
"Special thanks to these kind souls who helped behind the scenes: Mr. Eddie Compton with the Mayor's office; Dominique Butler who created the event souvenir journal; Ms. Darlene Shuford who connected us with the BTW cheeleaders; Ms. Joyce Guice who brought to life our vision for drapes and clean, pink porta potties; WIT Board Treasurer Alonzetta Landrum-Sims for proficientlyy managing the finances; and WIT Board Chairwoman Sandra Whatley-Washington for soliciting sponsorships and donations for the event," Ms. Bennett said. "Multimillion hugs to my dear friend Sheralyn Belyeu for always being a helpful, calming force."
Commentaires