Amid centuries of discrimination, black women have made progress in substantiating their societal roles, an English professor said Saturday in Cardinal Hall.
"Skin color is definitely something that has been magnified to keep them from living life at its best," Maude Jennings said. "(But) that they've made it this far is a tribute to their endurance and skill."
Jennings, who teaches African-American literature, women's studies and humanities in the Department of English, was invited to speak during the Today's Black Women's 2nd Women's Conference.
Titled "Living Life at its Best," the conference was developed to empower women on Ball State's campus by focusing on important women's issues, said LaTrice Alexander, TBW president.
"I just wanted all women to take something from it," Alexander said. "Hopefully they took away knowledge about ways to live better."
Alexander said TBW, established first at Vincennes University, was started at Ball State three years ago. Since its only conference was held in November 2001, Alexander said she is glad the organization was finally able to hold its second conference this spring.
According to its mission statement, TBW strives to "empower women of all ages, economic backgrounds and lifestyles for their self-development and strives to improve the states of women on college campuses."
Jennings' speech Saturday focused on TBW's mission statement as she emphasized the need for every woman to recognize her self-worth. Black women in particular need to do so in order to overcome the racial stereotypes that so often stigmatize them in modern America, she said.
"We recognize that we are the minority here and that we are often marginalized," Jennings said. "We're the different ones - the ones whose physical features are out of the ordinary. But we need to be aware of our queenly elegance and not insist on discriminatory behavior."
Jennings presented several statistical results from a survey titled "Black Women's Life in Contemporary America," which focused on the issues that both blacks and women face in the public arena. Approximately 90 percent of people who responded, who were primarily black, said they have suffered racial discrimination in their lives, particularly in the classroom and the workplace. Another 69 percent said they have also suffered sexual discrimination, Jennings said.
"Everyone needs to realize that they have rights as people," Jennings said. "You are a child of the universe and you belong."
Jennings said helping all women to recognize their full potential is key in helping them to get ahead in today's society.
"We waste so much time not realizing how beautiful we are," Jennings said. "Draw yourselves up to your full height. You are here now and are the ones to whom the chance is given to make your magic words come true and fly away."
Jennings said she was honored to speak at Saturday's conference, which also featured workshops on topics ranging from community service involvement to learning self-defense. Alexander said the workshops benefited students in that they tailored to various aspects of everyday life.
Sophomore Ashlie White said she was glad she attended Saturday's conference and is confident students walked away with a renewed appreciation of themselves. The conference fulfilled its mission successfully, she said.
"It was just to enlighten all women to live healthier emotionally, physically and spiritually," White said. "This year was good. It was a starting block for TBW, and it can only get better."
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