Sacramento Women Recognized For Tireless Community Service-Observer Newsroom

A local event called Something for My Sistahs was held in honor of Women's History Month to celebrate the contributions of women who work tirelessly to ensure that members of the community have access to needed resources and opportunities to thrive.

Something For My Sistahs celebrated 31 community-minded women and reminded them of the importance of caring for themselves. Special to The OBSERVER

OBSERVER Staff Report

In a time when women's rights and contributions are being minimized, a local event was held in an effort to celebrate rather than dismiss.

Something for My Sistahs was held March 30 in honor of Women's History Month. The event was meant to be a small retreat for women who work tirelessly to ensure that members of the community have access to needed resources and opportunities to thrive, but rarely take a moment for themselves. Hosted by local writers Sandy Holman and Genoa Barrow, the event was held inside the Obama Room at the Florin Road Complex.

“It was beautiful to be able to bless others who make such a difference,” Holman said.

Barrow agreed. “Celebrating others really does fill your cup.”

Because they often choose service over self-care, “Something for My Sistahs” provided an opportunity for guests to relax and be catered to. Each woman was lavished with good vibes and gifts. Gospel recording artist Simona Whiteside serenaded guests and local nurse and reiki practitioner Isali Rahotep of I Affirm Holistic Health encouraged participants to pursue healthy lifestyles.

Each of the women were presented with Kifalme Award certificates. Kifalme is a Swahili word for royalty and was chosen in keeping with the hosts' desire to give women the royal treatment.

Honorees were acknowledged for their work ranging from early child development and youth outreach to community activism and preserving military history. They included Lisa Allen, Rhonda Allen, Ollie Mae Armstrong, Charlotte Barbee, Kimberly Biggs-Jordan, Camil Blacksher, Denise Blair, Denisha Bland, Marian Bryson, Carrissah Calvin, Sharon Chandler, Zuri Colbert, Lisa Daniels, Betty Davis, Deborah Day, Camica Edwards Avorgbedor, Kailani Griffith, Patrice Griffith, Marilyn Hays, Patrice Hill, Brenda-Joyce, Aladrian Mack, Rayvn McCullough, Naimah Moon McDaniels, Shonna McDaniels, Shante McFalls, Danielle Rivers, Phonecia Stone, Shanece Stuart, Jayne Williams, and Tammy Zinner.

Day, a literacy champion who owns Ashay by the Bay, was moved by the luncheon.

Pioneering early childhood development leader Aladrian Mack, left, shares a moment with co-host Sandy Holman during the recent event, held in honor of Women's History Month. Special to The OBSERVER

“I almost wanted to cry,” she said. “We do the work and we have our challenges and people may not know the full story about our lives and they get misinformation and it makes a difference how we are seen in the community, but we push on. The fact that someone took some time to honor us and remind us to take care of ourselves will always be remembered.”

Biggs-Jordan, founder of the nonprofit Challenging Their Destiny, Dream Builders, walked away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

“I was among the most beautiful spirits I have been around in a long time,” she said. “There were so many amazing women being honored and recognized for their contributions to our community, young and old. They exemplified what sisterhood is all about … I am humbled to be among them.”

In addition to her work as The OBSERVER's award-winning senior staff writer, Barrow is the author of three books, “Daddy Issues: Black Women Speaking Truth and Healing Wounds,” “7x7 Kudos and Kwansabas: Something for My Sistahs” and “Hey Lil Sis!” Holman is director of The Culture C.O.-O.P and United in Unity, and author of “Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad?,” “We All Have a Heritage” and “Grandma Says Our Hair Has Flair.”