Resource fair encourages students to get involved
By Michelle Rideau
The Black History Month Committee’s first African American Resource Fair held Feb. 2 in the fireside lounge was designed to encourage students to get involved, engaged, and learn about African American history.
It featured local vendors including Simply Beautiful Salon and Supply Store, Delaware Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame, Inc, and First State Community Action Agency.
Academic and Student Life Counselor Denise Berry believes this generation lost interest in African American history and it is unsettling for the committee who invests time into creating the event.
"If anything, you should always be happy about where you came from," Berry said. "Embrace your history and embrace your culture."
Although Berry said she believes the community has lost interest, she enjoys Black History Month and has devoted time to promote and spread awareness to this generation. Berry encourages those who have not attended any events to come with an open mind and be a part of the event regardless of whether they are affiliated with the history or not.
"Black History is America's history," Berry said. "It's for everyone."
Vendors who attended the fair supplied information about their tables and how locals can benefit from what they offer.
One of the vendors, First State Community Action Agency, was handpicked by the Black History Month Committee to host a table at the resource fair.
The agency founded in 1965 is a private non-profit organization dedicated to empower low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. The community-minded agency has supported locals for over 40 years.
First State Community Action Agency Communications Public Relations Specialist Kaneisha N. Trott said, the resource fair was a rewarding experience.
"It was great interacting with students and sharing the information about what we do with our whole mission," she said.
Trott said it’s crucial students are aware that First State Community Action Agency will partner and help them achieve their goals. She encourages all students to follow their desires and "make their mark in the world."
Simply Beautiful Salon and Supply Store also hosted a table promoting healthy hair care and informing the community of their recent location in Georgetown. The table included several hair care products and even demonstrated how to properly flat iron hair.
Owner Erika Writ promotes confidence through empowering women to maintain healthy hair. She encourages the community to find their purpose and be confident in what they offer to the world.
"Always love the skin you're in and be confident in who you are," Writ said. "Everyone has so much to give. You just have to find out what is your give, and then give it."
Writ’s salon recently participated as the makeup and hair stylists for the 2014 Owens Campus Fall Fashion Show.
For more information on upcoming events, visit the Global Understanding Series page on www.dtcc.edu.
