It Takes a Village

How would one feel if college students played a role in rearing one’s child? No wait, please come back!

Please do not flip the page because college students are not as incompetent as many may believe. Parents need not worry about their sons or daughters acquiring the skill to play beer pong.

But let’s take it a step further. How would one feel if campus Greeks played a role in rearing one’s child? No, this is not a joke; it is a serious question.

The mere thought of college students raising a community of kids may send shivers down a parent’s spine. The stigma associated with college students is not praiseworthy; especially amongst Greeks.

But for Gwen Whitlock, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, bringing her two teenage daughters to Alpha Kappa Alpha’s sponsored “It Takes A Village” has been worthwhile. “I must say that I am impressed,” said Whitlock, who is a resident of Bowling Green, OH.

Held in Bowen Thompson Student Union room 308 on September 8, 2007, It Takes A Village featured various activities for children ranging in the ages from toddlers to teenagers. Among the activities for the children was the option for boys to receive a haircut and girls to have their hair braided.

Music was played to provide a soothing atmosphere and food was provided to quell the children’s appetite. Not to mention the children’s laughter was also soothing to the ears.
When asked how she learned of the program, Whitlock replied, “I have a friend who happens to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I attend church with her at Indiana Missionary Baptist Church and she informed me of this program.”

Whitlock further added, “I have several family members who are AKA and I am familiar with the things they do in the community.”
If there were any indication of the Greek stereotypes, the Iota Iota chapter of AKA successfully dispelled them. No true colors were exposed, but the bright white smiles of children in the room, and of course pink and green.

The kids enjoyed working with crafts. A table of young girls was putting together gummy bears with tooth picks.

“This here is my BFF,” exclaimed a young girl who was referring to a young girl sitting next to her. BFF is an acronym for “best friends forever”.
The child was the most valuable resources at ITAV. AKA sorority members were very attentive of the children’s needs.

Kelli Brown, president of Iota Iota chapter, was pleased with the turnout of the program. There were many children as well as Bowling Green State University students who were in attendance.

Brown proclaims one of the main objectives of the program is to mentor young children. “We’re trying to bring BG area black children here to interact with one another. This is a mentoring program. We inspire kids in the community and are positive role models for them,” she said.

Whitlock’s two daughters, who were in attendance, happen to be identical twins. Shleah and Shreah are sophomores who attend Bowling Green High School and will turn 16-years-old this November.

Both girls enjoyed themselves at the event. “It was okay meeting some new people,” said Shreah.

Shleah responded, “There are a lot of activities for us. I made a string wolf.”
When asked what they would be doing if she was not in attendance at ITAV, Shreah responded, “I would be playing with my three kittens.” She was referring to her Giga pet.

Shleah responded, “I would be tending to the chickens at home.”
The “It Takes a Village” concept is an old African proverb. Alpha Kappa Alpha stresses the importance of this concept for black children.

Hillary Rodham Clinton chose this title for a book she wrote in 1996. Clinton proclaims that children will thrive only if their families thrive and if the whole society cares enough to provide for them.

The meaning of the event served an actual purpose than the event itself. It was not done to fulfill a community service requirement.
The program taught kids they can find solace within the black community. They were exposed to resources they may have never known before.

Whether the children realize it or not, they learned values that will stay with them for the rest of their life. Helping others will be a value that will be instilled in them for a lifetime.

Founded on December 4, 1972, the chapter of Iota Iota has been dedicated to promoting quality education, uplifting the black family, inspiring those to make healthy choices and economic empowerment. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a college based organization striving to organize a channel - an organization - established to promote unity.

Those who may want to involve themselves in this program may contact Kelli Brown at krbrown@bgnet.bgsu.edu