Editorial Revision 9/24- The original article wrongly stated that You Beautiful Black Woman is a sorority. The organization is not affiliated with Greek life at Grand Valley State University, and is a student organization.
Grand Valley State University is home to many student organizations, ranging from personal interest groups to those that offer professional growth opportunities. You Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW) is an organization that seeks to uplift those in need of a safe space on campus, and the group highlights the importance of young black women in the GVSU community.
YBBW was established in the fall of 1991. Since then, they have created events that are held to increase awareness of their core values and strengthen the bonds members share. Their most notable event, Hair Show, serves to display the skill of hair stylists. They compete to design intricate hairstyles according to a predetermined theme. Another event by the group, Beautiful Week in Color, sets aside time to make valuable connections and build community. This is a week-long event in which games, talks and various activities are hosted.
“We want to encourage students who are just like us to know that they are not alone,” said the group’s secretary, Talise Williams. “We want to leave a mark on campus, so that other people outside the organization will not only know us for (our) Hair Show, but for our sisterly bond and unity. We strive for growth, change and most importantly strength.”
Through community events and discussion, YBBW has fostered a driven group of individuals that encourage personal development among one another. By providing leadership opportunities for members, they strive to strengthen their skills in areas such as public speaking and event coordination. These skill sets can assist in both academic and professional settings. Interpersonal communication and meaningful connections also leave members with lasting friendships and a sense of belonging on campus.
“I was influenced my freshman year when I did BEO (Black Excellence Orientation) and I met the wonderful ladies of the E-board for the 2022-2023 school year,” said YBBW Event Coordinator Demonae Powell. “I saw how they bonded and interacted. They loved each other and it (their bond) showed. I asked around and that’s exactly what YBBW is, a sisterhood, a bond (and) a group of women where there’s nothing you can’t ask. Most people in the room feel the same as you, so you’re never alone.”
The focus of YBBW is to provide young women at GVSU a place to be surrounded and supported by peers with the same dedication to their values. YBBW also strives to ensure that club members get the most out of their college experience. The group holds interviews for potential new members in both the fall and winter, and their first event of the school year, Hair Show, will be held on Nov. 9.
