(Editor’s note: This article is part of an Advance/SILive.com Women’s History Month special series, “History Makers,” which profiles Staten Islanders making important, lasting impact on our community. Do you have someone you would like to nominate for a profile? E-mail their name and a brief nomination to [email protected].)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — “I am beautiful, I am talented, I am gorgeous, I am intelligent, I am courageous, I am fabulous, I am royalty, and yes I am phenomenal.” That’s the mantra that opens every session of a women’s empowerment and beauty club at Port Richmond High School.
The Girl Talk club was started in 2019 by social studies teacher Alicia Wise. It took inspiration from a similar program run by Wise’s aunt at the Stapleton UAME Church, which was created to “uplift” the community and empower young girls. That mantra was also something that the late Rev. Maggie Howard would say to women in the church.
Now, nearly every week, students come to the club to get pampered — doing their hair, nails, eye lashes, henna, and so much more. It’s a safe space that allows young girls to socialize with each other.
“That’s what it’s about — girl empowerment,” said Wise, about the club. “Girls, especially at this age, when you look good, you feel good. And it stops, for our purposes, a lot of bullying.”
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Students can work on their own self-care, and many offer to provide services to each other. It helps grow their own skill set. A women’s empowerment playlist is also playing during sessions. Wise runs the club with fellow teacher Mayteé Thomas, who helps students with whatever they need.
“It’s important, because it builds the bonds of sisterhood, so it’s all girls of all nationalities who come every week,” said Wise. “They get to know about each other’s culture. Henna is a Middle Eastern thing, and they come in, they teach us…
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