Spring Break
Prominent student hopes to change racial stereotypes
Madeline Novey
Issue date: 1/20/09 Section: News
|
And while it will include fashion because, as she put it, "teenage girls like fashion", the magazine will serve a higher purpose - one of freedom, equality and empowerment for women of color.
"You have to prove to other people what you're capable of … " said Green, a junior technical communication and journalism major actively involved in at least five CSU organizations. "That's why I want to create the magazine because I don't want young women to think that they have to be a stereotype."
Since she started kindergarten in Colorado Springs as one of two African American girls in the class, Green said she has grown to overcome the challenge of living in predominantly white areas as a woman of color.
And while she said she used to wonder what was wrong with her, she came to realize that there was nothing wrong with her and embraced herself as someone who had much to contribute to and improve society.
From an early age, Green's parents, especially her mother, encouraged her to try everything and learn from the great leaders of black history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On every day honoring African American history when they had the day off from school, especially during Black History Month, Green's parents would have both her and her younger brother Patrick read about prominent African American figures.
At first, Green was upset that she had to learn on her day off. But then, she realized her parent's motive.
"… Over time, it became beyond words important," Green said of learning about Black history. "You need to know your history and your past before you can continue on and make a difference. (African American leaders') messages of freedom, equality, perseverance are things I continue to keep in mind."
Monday, Green was the master of ceremonies at the Fort Collins Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade that ran through Old Town.
Be the first to comment on this story