This October Eye of the Artists Foundation, a non-profit organization
founded by artist/poet Annie Ruth, will introduce a unique effort to
help educate and empower young women through celebrating sisterhood,
the arts, education, and literacy. My Sista, My Friend Leadership Development
Circle benefits sisters ages 14– 19. Our goal is to continually
reach our sisters where they are.
The first day of the circle training was an evening art exhibit unveiling
called Dada Rafiki, which was held at Frederick Douglass School, 2627
Park Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills) on Friday,
October 26, 2007, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eye of
the Artists Foundation unveiled a permanent collection of art created
by community artists and poets that honored 26 positive women in the
Greater Cincinnati area.
The first training session for the young women will convene
on Saturday, October 27, 2007 | 10:00
a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
(The location is given to young women accepted in the program and monthly
sessions are held at the same location..) The focus of the leadership
program is self-esteem, leadership, literacy, creativity, knowing your
body, relationships, handling finances, and much more. Community-based
female professionals lead the workshops.
Our goal is to promote “total health” and wellness of mind,
body, and spirit for young women by targeting under served populations.
Why just
young women?
Research on young women indicates that they benefit from an environment
that allows freedom from competition and other pressures of social and
sexual stereotyping. My Sista, My Friend Leadership Circle is a setting
where they can freely express themselves. .