Summit stresses sisterhood

By AMY MENEFEE
Collegian Staff Writer

In a setting of about 10 participants, women from different backgrounds discussed issues concerning family, pressures from school, and fitting into social constructs at the third annual Women of Color Summit yesterday at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

The day-long event, sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., began with a workshop titled "Making a Connection, Sisterly Bonds," led by Carolyn Carter, Penn State senior lecturer in human development and family studies. A packet to complement the workshop was used as an interactive tool for the participants.

Carter offered many words of inspiration in developing sisterly bonds and being comfortable with oneself.

Carter recalled bits of wisdom her mother used when she was younger, such as "Just live," something she didn't understand until she got older.

By making a connection between the past and the present she shares with her own family, she was able to put her life and relationships into perspective.

"I don't think I could be a good wife to my husband, a good mother to my son, or a good mother to my daughter without having sisterly relationships," she said.

After a break, the discussions were brought full circle by keynote speaker Diane Jefferson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Shippensburg University.

Jefferson's interactive speech began with a short introduction and the playing of "I Believe (In Myself)" by Sounds of Blackness. Jefferson then encouraged everyone to find a partner and come up with three words to describe themselves.

After every group presented their newfound information about their partners, Jefferson shared her own self-description using "Daring" and "I dare to be different" in a confident voice.

Jefferson also touched on less-pleasant issues regarding female relationships such as defining oneself, competition and jealousy.

"Stop perpetrating and be real," she said.

Jefferson also challenged the female audience members to be comfortable with who they are by making them see how Jefferson feels about herself.

"I'm proud that God made me who I am," she said.

Though the summit was attended by few, Jacquett Wade, assistant director in the Penn State AT&T Center for Service Leadership, said, "It would be difficult to reach people in a larger group. (This way) more people are willing to share."