Six round, black tables adorn the large room, each draped in elegant pale blue tablecloths. Atop the tables are fancy, elaborate hats of all colors, sophisticated, porcelain tea sets and inspirational quotes from the woman who inspired this event: Dorothy Height (1912-2010).
The name may not be as readily available in your mind as mainstream figures like Rosa Parks and W.E.B. DuBois, but the milestones she accomplished parallel these heroes nonetheless. And the valiance of her actions has brought several young women from Temple’s campus together in this room on this night.
The sharply-dressed ladies (and gentlemen) fill the room as the atmosphere is permeated by the soothing sounds of smooth jazz music. The ladies dine on cheese and crackers, punch, and hot tea while chatting amongst themselves. The large screen at the front of the room reads “Hats Off to Dorothy Irene Height Celebration Tea Party, hosted by the National Council of Negro Women, Temple University Section.”
The welcoming ladies of the executive board, donning their best dresses, hats, pearls and heels, introduce themselves and their purpose. The NCNW is a community service-based organization which serves to empower women in the Black community by participating in the AIDS walk, the Breast Cancer Walk, health programs, after-school programs and working with Girl Scouts.
They then present a man who is standing in front of the screen with his hands in his pockets. He is wearing a black jacket, a red sweatshirt underneath, jeans, and scruff. He stands with his head down, the word “Temple” beaming in a bluish light on his forehead from the project
or.
He introduces himself as Gregory Corbin and as he lifts his head up, the women begin to whisper in realization. They’ve seen his face on posters all over Philadelphia and on television in Philly’s anti-litter campaign “Unlitter Us.” A well-recognized poet, Corbin is also known for extending this gift through his Youth Poetry Program.
Corbin starts off the event with an uplifting poem he recites off the top of his head that leaves the room speechless. His skill is phenomenal. He makes a quick exit and allows for another incredible poet to take the spotlight.
Malcolm Kenyatta (a previous Campus Celebrity) stands in his place after a quick embrace. Beads of sweat form on his head and make their way down his face as his powerful voice fills the room: “this is our country, we want it back!”
He ends with surety and also makes a quick dash for the door as the ladies are left alone to share their thoughts. The e-board present facts about the impressive Dorothy Height, founder of the National Council of Negro Women, who earned her Bachelor and Master degrees when by the age of 21 and spent the rest of her life advocating for the rights of African Americans and women.
They then present several topics of discussion, including how much harder Black women have to work to get the same things as everyone else, whether or not a woman can be “too independent,” and how the roles of women have changed over time.
Several of Temple’s most committed and hard-working African American women offer their experiences and opinions on the subjects, all in awe of one another. They encourage each other to continue to work hard, stay true to themselves and always go after their dreams.
The Pennsylvania Chair of the NCNW, Chrescida Cox, who has done work with Height, shares some words of wisdom and thanks the ladies in the room for continuing the legacy. The evening ends on that bright note as the guests dine on cake, sip tea, pick up some free Dove products and mingle and network amongst each other.