Striving Sisters Speak! (S3!) is a group of teen leaders building multi-generational coalitions involving youth and adults working for social justice in their communities.
Highlights of Special Events
In April 2018 S3! members along with adult allies hosted a Girl Power Summit. The purpose of this event was to generate ideas for local activism and leadership and also to build new relationships among participants. The summit was co-facilitated by Kayhan Irani, who works in New York creating art, media, and live events to build community and engage audiences in social justice issues. Along with the S3! leaders she incorporated activities and discussions to foster dialogue around girl power and voice. See photos here.
S3! members went on a field trip to Littleton and Warrenton, NC to visit Ella Baker's home town (January 2018). They were hosted by Carolyn Ross-Holmes from Ella Baker Educational Project of NC, who is a cousin of Ella Baker. They watched the documentary Fundi and learned about Ella Baker's life and work and also visited the home where she grew up and the church she attended as a child.
Sharing the Mantle: A Conference on Collective Leadership Models for Youth and Adult Partnerships (2009, 2011, and 2013) showcased successful leadership approaches, connecting youth of all ages, UNC and Duke University student groups, and community groups engaging youth in social justice projects. For more information on the conference, please visit Sharing the Mantle.
In 2009, S3! members were selected to attend the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. [Read the UNC Press Release on the event.]
The Trinity Court/Pritchard Park Street Festival (October 2008) mobilized on positive youth engagement, promoting unity among the residents and highlighting the positive assets of the community’s residents.
In 2007, S3! worked on The Dumpster Project, a project identified by the youth to address problems related to public works management and waste disposal in their community.