WE200

h WE200

WQOK: Empowering the BlackCommunity One Woman at a Time
By Angela Ray

   When WQOK (97.5 FM) began its Women's Empowerment and Networking event six years ago, no doubt the Raleigh radio station envisioned growth. But, the magnitude of the growth in such ashort amount of time has been virtually unbelievable.
   What began as a Friday evening conference with its very first speaker, Jocelyn Elders, has evolved over the years into an all day extravaganza.
   On March 11, 2000, contemporary gospel recording artist Mary Mary inspired the audience just before keynote speaker Debbie Allen set the tone for an uplifting message, designed for the new millennium.
   An accomplished actress, dancer,choreographer, director, singer, author and most recently film producer, Debbie Allen's career is an inspiration in itself. The vivacious andbeautiful, "tell it like it is" 50 year old mother of two shared her tryingexperiences in the entertainment industry.
   "I was all right til I went walking down Time Square with one of the producers who actually adored me, and he said, 'Debbie, just remember every morning when you wake up, you still gonna be aBlack girl." During her project, Amistad, Allen recalled that incident and used it in a positive way. "My biggest obstacle became my biggest asset... that is, being a Black woman."
   The afternoon continued with a fashion show, seminars and recording artists Mike E, Marc Nelson, Amel Larrieux,Donnell Jones, Kevon Edmonds, and Mint Condition. There wasa food court area, vendors, and a gentlemen's area featuring the televisedNCAA tournament.
   Second time attendee and one of the many men present, Antuan Hawkins enjoyed the day. "Although the event was focused on promoting more unity and strength among women ,I got a renewed fervorin goal setting and goal attainment," he said.
   The annual Women's Empowerment andNetworking event has been known to be a time for Black women and men in theTriangle area to come together and renew their commitment to excellence intheir careers, closeness in their relationships and growth in their spiritualdevelopment.

Published by For by Four Magazine

Web site
designed by
™