Volunteering for Girl Talk

Tuesday morning I reported for "duty" to help out the Girl Talk event being hosted for 200+ young girls at the Boys and Girls Club on Avon Avenue. I left my apartment thinking it would be just another volunteer experience, however, I was not prepared for its emotional effect on me.

The event was organized by Angela Simmons, fashion designer and daughter of Reverend Run of Run DMC, and Kerri Berson, a real estate executive at Fidelco with several projects in Newark. The event brought together the many resources of Newark that are available to youth of the city. Chef Sam Talbot, a Top Chef finalist, did a healthy cooking demonstration and introduced the girls to new fresh vegetables in association with the Essex County Branch Brook Park Greenhouse and Garden State Urban Farms. Yoga and fitness programs were run by Uplift Studios and Newark Yoga Movement. The girls also performed alongside Newark young women who had participated in NJPAC's Art Education and won Star Ledger scholarships - creating a rap, dancing and playing drums. Glassroots brought along glass beads for the girls to make bracelets.

The highlight of the day for the girls and me was the beauty portion. The gym was transformed with areas for manicures, hair, make-up, clothing and even a runway. I watched girls start the day with slumped shoulders and timidly approach make-up chairs. I watched girls covering their bodies and refusing to get their hair done or change into new outfits. However, as the day progressed I saw tear streaked faces brighten with rosy cheeks and smiles. I saw slumped shoulders transform to strutting runway stars. Of course, I also observed sisterhood - cheering each other on, wiping away each others tears, complimenting on great outfits and holding each others hands and sharing in this great day!

I held back tears watching the warm and sad moments of the day. I've done events like this before, but this time I'm a mom with a baby girl waiting for me at home. I left wanting to hold her, to tell her how beautiful she was, how the world was hers to conquer, that Newark is our home and has so many opportunities and resources that I want to experience with her.

I left early to see my baby girl and missed the big finale. The day ended to the delight of screaming girls with a performance by Diggy and Lil Bow Wow!

The event was the first of three planned in the tri-state area. It is being developed to serve as a national model for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Kudos to Angela and Kerri for planning a great community-focused event for the girls.

See photos below from the beautiful day:

ANGELA SIMMONS & KERRI BERSON PRESENT GIRL TALK #TAKEOVER from CUE FILMS on Vimeo.