By Amanda Moses
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bater Ginsburg once said: “As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll be better off for it.”
In light of this sentiment, Spring Creek Senior Partners (SCSP) commemorated International Women’s Day in their office at 160 Shroeders Avenue with a special event honoring the females within the community, as well as historical figures.
Caribbean music emanated from the SCSP multipurpose room, which was adorned in purple decorations and signs celebrating women’s history. The festive occasion provided the perfect opportunities for older adults to socialize as they were served fresh fruits and sparkling, non-alcoholic juice and shared positive affirmations with each other.
International Women’s Day is a holiday celebrated annually on March 8th around the world and focuses on the women’s rights movement, gender equality, reproductive rights and more. SCSP staff cultivated an event that allowed the seniors to share their own stories of overcoming and persevering through hardships as women, mothers, grandmothers, and female leaders.
Jasmine Jennings, the Administrative Assistant for SCSP, introduced a segment called “HerStory,” which is word play on history and focuses on a women’s perspective.
“HerStory is based on speaking about your story. We would love to hear from women that have been in the trenches and stuff like that,” Jennings said.
Jennings kicked-off the conversation by stating that she never had the opportunity to grow up with her grandparents since they passed away when she was still very young, so working with older adults at SCSP has become a privilege and blessing for her.
“To work here and see you ladies come in and sit down and talk to me and have you smile and have a moment together. It makes me feel so good that I feel I have people I can look up to. It’s really hard to be a woman, especially when you have social media and parents telling you who you ought to be. I just want to say thank you ladies for being who you are. Unapologetically you are phenomenal, great women. I appreciate you ,” Jennings added.
Jennings then gestured to different seniors and asked them to share their “HerStory.”
Janet, a senior participant, shared her emotional journey traveling from Nigeria to the United States. Before making it to America, Janet lost one of her four children—a 14-year-old girl. However, Janet was able to brave the sorrow alongside her surviving children and carved out a better life for them and her in America.
Carmen, a fellow senior, has lived in Spring Creek Towers for 46 years with her husband and son. After her retirement, she volunteered with SCSP, aiding seniors with phone calls and visits.
“And now since I’m retired, I volunteer for Senior Partners. It’s going to be six years since I started volunteering with SCSP. I love to assist my seniors. I like to call them daily and I like to hug them and do everything for them,” Carmen said.
Additionally, the seniors discussed inspirational historical figures, like the famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech by Sojourner Truth, which was delivered at the 1851 Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio.
“Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well,” part of Truth’s speech read.
In addition to the discussions, Rosalyn McIntosh, a representative from Council Member Charles Barron’s office, also attended the event to meet and greet members of SCSP.
The celebration culminated with McIntosh, Jennings, and several attendees dancing and laughing together.
Photos by Amanda Moses
