SALISBURY — It’s not uncommon nowadays to see African-American women going natural, which is both a throwback to the 1960s and symbolic of cultural pride. It’s also indicative of a heightened sense of self-awareness and a desire to be spiritually, mentally, physically and financially sound – all goals of “Women with Curlz,” a newly formed student group at Livingstone College.
Designed as an outreach organization, Women with Curlz aims to instill messages of hope, encouragement and empowerment in students while teaching them about fiscal responsibility, stress management, sexual health and much more. On Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Events and Hospitality Center, Renee Knorr, an international model, businesswoman, motivational speaker, humanitarian and host of My Beauti Network, will be the guest speaker at the inaugural meeting of Women with Curlz.
The public is invited to the free event.
Designed as an outreach organization to help Livingstone College students see their inward and outward beauty, Women with Curlz has 50 members so far. The group plans to meet monthly and hopes to foster relationships with area churches, businesses, women’s support groups and shelters. Members hope to organize a clothing and food drive during the holidays to assist women and children in Rowan County shelters.
The organization’s mission fits with the holistic learning approach that was implemented on campus in 2006 when Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins became president. “We want to develop natural beauty inside and out in our young women and men, and we want them to understand that one a true measure of beauty is what you’re willing to do to help others grow,” said Women with Curlz adviser Bridget Phifer. “I’m confident that through this organization our students will grasp that concept and live it.”
Phifer said Knorr was chosen to speak at the organization’s first meeting because of her efforts to help empower women.
“I recently met Ms. Knorr at a Women’s Empowerment event and knew immediately I had to try to get her to speak at Livingstone because she’s just the type of role model our students need to see and interact with,” Phifer said. “I’m grateful Ms. Knorr was able to fit Livingstone into her busy schedule and can’t wait to hear the sage advice and inspiring words she imparts on Wednesday.”
Knorr, a highly sought-after talent, has been featured in Jet Magazine, Ebony, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta and People You Need to Know Magazine, among others. She has come a long way since her younger days when she considered herself the “ugly duckling” in her family. After losing 60 pounds and being asked to enter a beauty contest, Knorr joined John Casablanca’s Modeling and Acting School.
For more information, please contact: Bridget Phifer at (704) 750-0752 or bphifer@livingstone.edu