A Safe Space for Women of Color to Grow

A Safe Space for Women of Color to Grow 

Mia Forbes | Contributing Writer

Photo Credit: Shedia Laguer

On Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 a group of about 15-20 girls gathered together to offer support, encouragement, and love to one another. The event is known as TogetHER Tuesdays, and they meet every first Tuesday of the month in the TLRC building at the Galloway campus.

This is the organization’s second meeting as they continue to be holding strong. They had sweet beverages and containers of irresistible food catering to those who joined their meeting including freshly baked chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks. With so much delicious food it was a struggle to prevent from getting distracted as they all came to the meeting for one reason- to feel empowered.

There were many exercises shared with the group to help everyone better get to know one another as well. This is in addition to discussing ideas that may better develop the organization and truly create a space for women of color to turn to for support and growth.

According to Dr. Nicole Milan-Tyner, “Mentoring women in the areas of academics, professional, and personal development lends to that empowerment.” Betterment in these three areas lay down what women of color need to achieve higher marks academically, succeed in the professional world, and grow as an individual.

In today’s world although women have made progress in attaining equal rights, breaking gender roles, and feeling more empowered, there is still work that needs to be done. And it can begin with universities around the globe like Stockton University. All it takes is one voice and one idea to cause a wave of change. This is exactly how TogetHER Tuesdays developed because according to Dr. Nicole Milan-Tyner the organization started through “informal conversations among colleagues.” It was from these minute conversations that a grand idea emerged to then develop into such a supportive and loving event.

Not only is there a challenge to overcome as a woman in this day of age, but also as a woman of color. Various nationalities that encompass the female population often face prejudice, bias, discrimination, and so on which discourages them from gaining the education and support they need to thrive.

Women of color must fight for what they deserve and need to be successful. Women of color must develop their own destiny in the world. Women of color must help one another achieve what seems impossible.