Empowerment groups for Black female students at WCHS and WSHS dive into colorism, self-exploration

The Melanated Queens, a Black female empowerment group at Westerville Central High School and Westerville South High School, gathered for their monthly meeting this week to discuss topics that mattered most to them.

For the students at WCHS, it was about mindfulness, self-exploration and limiting beliefs. Meanwhile, students at WSHS wanted to focus their discussions on colorism and hair. Leading both groups is Dr. Arianna Howard, a cultural diversity expert and educational consultant. 

Howard has worked Black female student groups since last year, providing a safe space for students to talk and support each other. The Black female empowerment groups align with the schools’ building equity plans. Funding for the project hails from money the Treasurer’s office has earmarked to support school equity initiatives through the District Equity Team.