CISNCAP Site Coordinators: Asyja Smith, Vickie Freemen, Dextina Nebo and Yeabii Abebe
As Black History Month drew to a close and Women’s History Month began, the site coordinator for Communities in School at HD Woodson High School, Vickie Freeman, organized the Sister-Sister Vibes: Women Empowerment Brunch for approximately 40 students. The brunch was designed to introduce Black female students to the critical Divine Nine organizations, a group of nine historically African American fraternities and sororities that comprise the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and instill in them a strong sense of self-worth and empowerment in young black women, a goal Ms. Freeman is particularly passionate about. While the brunch focused on exposing Black female students to the four major Divine Nine organizations, Ms. Freeman also wanted the event to communicate to students a sense of self-worth and empowerment as young Black women. This message was echoed throughout the event as guest speakers Tia Brumsted, Education Assistant Superintendent for Health and Wellness Division of Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and Dr. Faith Gibson-Hubbard, CISNCAP board member, emphasized the importance of sisterhood, community, and leadership as students prepared to embark on their journey after high school.
Ms. Brumsted shared with the students that she graduated from Spelman College [in Atlanta, Georgia], “I always knew that I was going to be a leader in some way. I always had those characteristics and had people in my life who told me that, but I didn’t fully understand it until I was in a safe environment. And so, seeing you all here today, from first-year students up to seniors to the amazing staff and community staff for this school, it is so amazing to know that you have this healing transformative space right in front of you every day already in high school.” Dr. Gibson-Hubbard noted in her comments to the students that the brunch itself was a reflection of the sisterhood that students could enjoy in sororities beyond HD Woodson. She stated, “…And know that there is plenty more sisterhood coming for you. This is just the beginning. There is so much more greatness.”
Following the event, Executive Director Rustin Lewis addressed a smaller group, highlighting that CISNCAP serves nearly 4,000 students across the District. Kudos to Vickie for her visionary approach to positively impacting female HD Woodson High School students. Thanks to H.D. Woodson High School leadership and staff for collaborating with CISNCAP on this successful event. The site coordinators tailor events and programming to meet the specific needs of their school community. He also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support provided to our students by Ms. Brumsted and Dr. Gibson Hubbard through their inspiring words.
Please see the YouTube links for Ms. Tia Brumsted and Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard’s inspiring presentations.
Dr. Gibson Hubbard: https://youtu.be/NSlPaZFQONc
Ms. Tia Brumsted: https://youtu.be/_fCLbWFOg0w