On Sept. 7, the Bronx Women’s Bar Association (BXWBA) continued its collaboration with Principal Dr. Arnette Crocker and the Women’s Academy of Excellence (WAE) for a back to school giveaway. It was a grand success as many in the legal community donated to help WAE’s youth on their educational journey. The BXWBA’s President Savina Playter, Vice President Valerie Casali and attorney Afua Afriye-Fullwood gifted 50 colorful backpacks with folders, notebooks, post-its, pencils, pens, erasers, scissors, glue sticks, highlighters and sharpeners to each of the incoming ninth-grade girls.
The BXWBA distribution of backpacks was included in the Women’s Academy of Excellence’s 20th Annual Rose Ceremony, a wonderful celebration that began with a parent-daughter breakfast. The event was attended by Anthony Harmon, United Federation director of staff, Dalvanie Powell, union president of the office of probation, Cheryl Green-Foster, former president and Marilyn Warren, former vice president of the NY Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Rev. Al Sharpton gave the keynote address and inspired the girls through his life’s journey and emphasizing that it is “not where you start, it’s where you finish!” He also emphasized the importance of voting and being advocates for girls’ education. Superintendent Fia Davis challenged the girls to graduate high school and attend college. Meisha Ross-Porter, the former city schools chancellor, closed the program, challenging the girls to be a sisterly support for one another, to encourage each other’s success and most importantly, to “have one another’s backs.”
It was a powerful way to start the 20th year of the Women’s Academy of Excellence.
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