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African American Young Ladies’ Summit Program: Fashion Show Recap

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. – Harriet Tubman

We Are Better Together

African American Young Ladies’ Summit (AAYLS) Program volunteers and participants had an amazing time on Friday, April 12. The purpose of this event was to be responsive to the needs and requests of our young ladies, providing space where they could shine and be featured in their wonderfulness. The young ladies ranged from 6th grade through college and came from diverse schools including Bear Valley, East, Abraham Lincoln, Denver Discovery and Emily Griffith Technical College.

    

These students received guidance and expertise from a community of caring adults. The “Village” truly showed up for this event. We had multiple DPS departments, community members and community-based organizations, churches, Goodwill, Dress for Success and many more donated time, talents and resources to make this event the success that it was.

The African American Young Ladies’ Summit Program is a holistic “Village” practice that values, empowers and equips young women with the tools they will need for a lifelong journey of personal success and achievement. Engagement of young African American women in AAYLS affirms:

  • Self-worth & confidence
  • Leadership
  • Belongingness & connectedness
  • Academic scholarship (present & future)
  • Community engagement
  • Beauty and fashion
  • Overcoming racial barriers in society, school and life

What the audience had to say:

  • “This was so wonderful, where was the media? This is what should be shared across the city.”
  • “ I knew it would be interesting but I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.”
  • “It was so much fun and those young ladies looked like they were having so much fun!”
  • “Where did you get those clothes they were wearing? It really felt like a fancy fashion show.”
  • “The young ladies were amazing, the energy was infectious.”

What the young ladies are saying:

  • “ I was scared at first but the crowd really inspired me.”
  • “ I am so glad I did this. I feel like a million bucks, no one can tell me I am not amazing.”

What parents had to say:

  • “Thank you for allowing my child to participate. She loved it and can’t wait for next year.”
  • “When is the next event?”

AAYLS Summit II-AAYLS is continuing to do great things. Come join us on May 15th at Denver First Church, at 3800 E. Hampden Ave. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and be part of the AAYLS village of support. For adult volunteer registration, click here. To register a high school or middle school student, click here.

We are looking forward to another amazing experience for our young ladies and including you in our village of support.

Sincerely,

AAYLS Steering Committee

To learn more about our program email us at Plashan_mccune@dpsk12.org Or follow us on Facebook: @AAYLS