 |
| Cynthia Hellen & Tammy Tibbetts |
To make us all understand the importance of education for these 42 girls, John Wanda, the founder of the Arlington Academy of Hope (http://aahuganda.org), shares with us the life that all of these girls face living in the villages they grow up in. He explains to us that if these girls are not educated, they will be married early in their adolescence, have up to nine (9) children and the cycle of poverty and struggle will continue to spread throughout. He is very passionate about educating these girls and helping them move above and beyond their circumstances.
To sponsor these girls and provide them with an opportunity to get an education, Girls Who Rock and She's The First put together a benefit concert combining music, technology and design. Headlined by Interscope recording artist JoJo and performances by Nina Sky, Kimberly Nichole, Nikki Jean, Eddy and Data the Robot made for an unforgettable night! We can’t forget the host of the night none other than Touré. Featured partners and in-kind donors included UStream, Live Nation, Differences Magazine, Jet Blue,popchips, and Fender Musical Instruments.
This night was amazing because of all the wonderful talent and the funds that were raised for the Arlington Academy of Hope. What made this night even more special was that this whole evening and everything leading up to it was put together by an all- volunteer team of individuals under the age of 30.
Girls Who Rock as well as She’s The First is completely run by volunteers. Some of these volunteers are High School students. This is truly a testament that no matter how young you are, you can definitely give back. This further makes me believe and affirms that a group of individuals together with small contributions of their talent and/or time can make a difference.
We caught up with some the night’s talent and this is what they had to say:
 |
| Recording artist Nikki Jean |
Who made a difference in your life? My teachers. I have had really great teachers who have just taught me so much not just about the subjects that they were teachers of but about life. That’s why it is so important, an event like this is helping other young women get an education because I know those people that teach them will have the same impact on their life.
What can we expect from you? I know you got the new deal not too long ago, are you working on a new project right now? July 12th . Album is coming out "Pennies in a Jar", it features songs by me and America’s great living song writers. Songs written by me and Bob Dylan, Burt Bacharach, Carole King, Carly Simon, just my heroes. It’s a dream come true. Its coming out on July 12th and I would love for everybody to check it out!
 |
| Hosted by Touré |
What brings you out tonight?
They asked me to host and they said it was an excellent cause. Education for girls in Africa. Who wouldn’t want to help out for that.
Who made a difference in your life growing up?
I know that my father made a huge difference in my life, a lot of black guys my age don’t have fathers in their life. My parents are still together. He is a positive influence throughout my life. He is a good dad. He showed me what it is to be a man. He showed me what it is to be good to the women around him, my mom, my sister. He would go to work every single day. I can not ever remember my father ever being sick and not going to work. He worked hard, he worked all the time. He was entrepreneurial. I am trying to follow in his footsteps. He gave me a really good example.
They asked me to host and they said it was an excellent cause. Education for girls in Africa. Who wouldn’t want to help out for that.
Who made a difference in your life growing up?
I know that my father made a huge difference in my life, a lot of black guys my age don’t have fathers in their life. My parents are still together. He is a positive influence throughout my life. He is a good dad. He showed me what it is to be a man. He showed me what it is to be good to the women around him, my mom, my sister. He would go to work every single day. I can not ever remember my father ever being sick and not going to work. He worked hard, he worked all the time. He was entrepreneurial. I am trying to follow in his footsteps. He gave me a really good example.
 |
| Recording artist JoJo |
How does it feel to be a role model for young women all over the world?
I am not going to lie it’s a bit of pressure, but it’s a responsibility I take seriously and take in stride. I am not intimidated by the word role model. I think that its an honor.
What was it about the She’s The First organization that drew you in?
Honestly, it was Tammy Tibbetts, who is the organizer of the whole cause. It was really her passion, and the way that she spoke about it, that really set me on fire. She was so revved up about it. Her energy was contagious and I really believed in her vision. I just knew that if there was a young woman that was going to put it into action, that she was.
Girls Who Rock is continuing in their effort to raise $20,000 through online and offline donations. You can still donate online at http://girlswhorock.causevox.
The evening ended with the Girls Who Rock team taking the stage. Many of whom may have never had the opportunity to put together a concert like this, if it wasn’t for the pilot program of the GIRLS WHO ROCK Gives Back initiative. For many of these girls they are the FIRST in their family to be a part of a movement such as this.
In conclusion Girls Who Rock conquered the city, while sponsoring more than 30 girls at Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda.
Written by: G. Campbell
Photography by: Kristin Tully (www.kristintully.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment