Starting with her journey to America as a student after growing up in Guayaquil, Ecuador through her many professional accomplishments, Maria focused on three lessons she thinks the students should remember while building their careers: network; be confident; and always take on a challenge.

As she spoke, she formulated a fourth lesson: a work life balance is possible, but never easy to achieve, as demonstrated by her family’s very presence at the Career Speaker event. As her daughter Amanda slept in her stroller and her son Daniel explored the FRC computers, Maria told the story of “wearing a red suit in a beige world,” that is, the differences between people and the struggles every woman faces are exactly the building blocks needed to successfully navigate professional and personal aspirations.

Maria wanted to give back to the YW and to other women. And she made it happen with kids in tow on her vacation, and in the process gave her family a glimpse of who Mom is when she is not at home. Simultaneously, she demonstrated to the WEN students that they will always have to juggle to achieve but it is juggling work, love and play that leads to a rewarding result for every person in your life.

Observing Ramadan while working at an active summer camp poses unique challenges, but at least I had the opportunity to share the fasting experience with some of our students. I remember fasting at such a young age and how difficult it was for me then, and can empathize with Zahra and Mayriam. As a child, I had a difficult time sitting in school watching other students enjoy their lunch and snacks, but the anticipation for “fatr” each day gave my brothers and me a strong family bond that we share even today.

Because Ramadan was celebrated during a large portion of our camp time, we were able to use this relaxed venue to help fellow campers of other faiths understand some of the beliefs behind what has become a controversial topic in the press. The girls agreed that completing the 30-day fast holds a special sense of accomplishment for them, and help them to understand the daily struggle of those less fortunate.

Ramy: Is this the first time you’re fasting?

Maryam: Yes, this is my first year.

Zahra: This is my second year.  All Muslim girls begin fasting when they’re 9. Boys start when they’re 10 to 11.

Ramy: How do you feel while fasting?

Maryam: Really uncomfortable.

Zahra: Feel kind of fine, but I’m still kind of thirsty.

Ramy: What do you do to pass the time before you can eat?

Maryam: Play with my baby sister.

Zahra: Watch TV, play computer, and rest.

Ramy: How do feel when you open your fast?

Maryam: Really Happy!

Zahra: Feel happy and I get comfortable.

Ramy: Did you ever break a fast on purpose but say you did it by accident?

Maryam: Yes (laughing), a lot of times but I don’t mean to. I just get really hungry.

Zahra: Never broke a fast yet.

Ramy: Did you ever fast while you were sick?

Maryam: No I was never sick when we had to fast.

Zahra: I fasted a couple of times when I was sick.  That’s when it was the hardest.

Ramy: Do you wake-up in the middle of night to have breakfast?

Maryam: Yes, I wake up and eat some nan and go right back to sleep.

Zahra: My mother wakes us up and makes me some omelets and kebobs. I’m getting hungry thinking about it right now.

Ramy: How does it feel like to fast while you’re in the camp with kids who are not fasting?

Maryam: It’s not easy I get tired fast.  I’m not used to it.  Plus all the kids eat their lunch and snack in front of us.

Zahra: Yeah, they don’t know why we’re doing this.

Ramy: Do you tell them why you’re doing it? Do you want to tell them?

Maryam: I tell them but they don’t understand why we’re doing it.

Zahra: It’s just different.

Claudette Colvin is an unspoken phenom, undiscovered until recent. Her heroism and bravery in an era where all people were classified by color, branded her a juvenile nuisance and criminal, not only among white people but her own race. At the young age of 15, Ms. Claudette Colvin was the first black young lady to refuse a white woman a seat on the then segregated buses of Alabama. This led to the nationwide acknowledgment of the same feat performed by Mrs. Rosa Parks.

May 2, 1955 marks one of the most memorable days in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Claudette boarded the bus with three other schoolmates walking past the first ten rows, which were reserved for whites only. Sitting in a seat two rows ahead of the back door, they were approached by a white woman passenger. Everyone moved except Claudette. She boldly proclaimed her constitutional right, refusing the bus drivers commands until she was brutally removed from the bus by police officers and taken to the city jail. This demoralizing event branded her an outcast within her own race. She became a target for the police department and news reporters, causing a public spectacle of pessimism for her family. Fred Gray, a young black lawyer, agreed to take on Claudette’s case. This was the first ‘not guilty’ plea in breaking the bus laws.

Nine months later on December 2, 1955, another black woman was arrested for rebelling against the same bus laws. Mrs. Rosa Parks. Unlike Claudette’s brutal treatment, Mrs. Parks’s rebellion sparked relentless support, boycotts and carpooling. She was an activist with the Montgomery NAACP and friend of Fred Gray. Mrs. Parks was found guilty, but the charges were disorderly conduct. The case was taken to federal court a year later, which included Claudette, Mrs. Parks and two other woman plaintiffs, charged with crimes relating to the bus laws. Their testimonies succeeded the federal lawsuit against the state of Alabama, supported by the fourteenth amendment stating: ‘No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.’

Describing the unconstitutional immoral treatment of black passengers by these four brave women led to the desegregation of public transportation. A justifiable rebellious act that could’ve led to the fatality of not just Claudette, but also her family, was the fuel to a fire that still burns today. Ms. Colvin represents the Harriet Tubmans, Sojourner Truths, Mary McCleod Bethunes, including the Linda Browns and Mary Louise Smiths. The young children who stood prejudice and racism in the eye and didn’t blink until they were content with the results they were seeking.

Joined by Hope Campbell, a specialist at P.S. 188 and co-chair of the Coney Island Coalition on Violence, the students accompanied over three hundred community residents, officials, and member organizations in a fight to address increased violence in their neighborhoods.  Ironically, just a few hours earlier, a fatal shooting on Mermaid Avenue left traces of police tape right along their paths.

With several program sites through out Coney Island, the YW has been an avid supporter of the Coalition since its creation early this year.  In response to rising murder rates in the 60th precinct, the Coalition operates with the mission of working with residents, community organizations, elected officials and law enforcement personnel to prevent and minimize violent incidents in Coney Island. 

One participant in the march revealed the urgency of the situation clearly when he said, “This is the worst I’ve seen it, open these community centers, give these kids other things to do.”  The YW, like many supporters of the Coalition, recognizes that After School programs are one of many outlets available to youth in these communities.

And even better, the YW has continued this fight against violence in the classroom as well.  According to Joseph McCabe, Director of the YW After School program at P.S. 188 in Coney Island, the 2010-2011 curriculum will feature programming in peer mediation and school bullying.

Click Here to watch coverage of the Coney Island March Against Violence on ABC News.

The proposed amendment read:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Women from the YWCA of the City of New York joined a chorus of thousands of women demanding equality. On August 18, after fierce advocacy from the YW, the National Women’s Party and even Assemblyman Harry T. Burn’s own mother, Mr. Burn changed his vote from “Nay” to “Yay.” He credited his mom with his change of heart.

The YW thanks every man and woman who fought tirelessly for equality, and renews its commitment to empowering women, and continuing to lead the fight in the many battles ahead.

More about the YW’s History of Empowerment

Support the YW by Making a Donation Today

As I look back, to the story in this book, to our history… I, like many others, realize how privileged I am today. But what I feel is pride, because it was people like Claudette that fought for us to have this future. To have the freedom to make the choices and decisions we want and for all of us to be able to choose from the same options. The best way to honor those that fought for us is to live our lives to the fullest. And never forget — why you have the life that you do and the opportunities you have.

There were many parts of this book that really got to me. The first was on the first page of chapter one. At 4 years old, her mother felt it necessary to teach her daughter what happened if you “touched white folks.” At 4 years old, her mother slaps her, when she did nothing wrong. But you have to think if her mother didn’t step up and “discipline” her would the mother of the white child, have struck her.

The picture that struck me the most was on page 6.  At the bottom of the page we see the sign “no Dogs, no Negros, no Mexicans.” I think what lingered with me the most, was that on this sign, they categorized Blacks, Hispanics and dogs together. Dogs. It was sickening to me.

In 1952, Brooks was shot for refusing to leave the bus without the dime he had paid for the ride. It would be only fair to give him his dime back, the bus never move, he never got the ride he paid for. He had pride and he took a stand, which ended in him losing his life for “supposedly resisting arrest.” He did nothing wrong… he wasn’t violent, he just asked for his money back.  It was too often that they would pay for their rides, have to get off the bus and board through the back, just to have the bus driver leave without letting them on. Not only did they degrade them, and treat them horrifically, but they also stole from them.

On page 17, Claudette discussed her shopping experiences as a child. I cannot imagine not being able to do something as simple as trying on shoes. Tracing you feet on a brown paper bag to try and assume the right size of shoe…is ridiculous.  I cannot imagine how many children had to wear shoes, that hurt because the shoe was not wide enough, or to small. I can assume that since they couldn’t try them on, returning them would be out of the question as well.

The most effective part of the book… that I feel was tremendously difficult was on page 19, when Claudette’s sister died. Claudette an innocent child just wanted her sister to get better and come home to her. Her mother was praying for the opposite, for God to take her. Here is what I read in this…and this is just my opinion.  She said she “didn’t want the devil to have the upper hand.” I think “Devil” was referring to the white race. When you think about it, and I can as a mother, and not just as a minority… if she survived this illness, she would not be the same, she could be paralyzed, and ill for the rest of her life.  What kind of life, let alone care, could a paralyzed black girl in 1952 Alabama have? Who would take care of her, she wouldn’t have nurses to care for her around the clock, the way white people do, she wouldn’t get the good medicine, the way white people do, or physical therapy, etc…and once she reached adulthood, then what. She would suffer for the rest of her life, if she did survive the illness, and be at the mercy of the “white man.”

On page 22, Claudette talked about how the black children were using the “N” word on themselves. Unfortunately, this is still true today, with many different minorities; Hispanics putting down other Hispanics, Blacks putting down other Blacks. Over the decades that is the one thing that has always remained constant.

Now let me say that although I feel words are just words…and they have as much power as you give them, there are still communities struggling for a better life, still communities with racism, communities that are divided by race and communities that represent fear in this nation. We still fight racism as a nation, but we are also fighting amongst ourselves.  Sometimes we lose sight of right from wrong and the lines blur. But until we stand together as one, there will always be a division of race, of religion; of gender… at times we are our own worst enemy.

View more Soirée highlights.

1. What made you volunteer to be a part of the YWCA-NYC Claudette Colvin Project?

I always look for ways to contribute while also learning. This seemed like one of those opportunities.

2. What was your first impression of Claudette and how did that impression change or not change as the story unfolded?

My first impression was that Claudette was a meek, quiet child who was very inquisitive.  However, by the time I finished her story, I realized that she was not meek at all. Rather she was strong and determined.  She just exhibited these traits in a less aggressive outward style.

3. How do you respond to Claudette’s story personally? Do you have experiences, struggles, goals, and/or accomplishments that connect you to this young woman?

While I have never experienced the open hostile discrimination that Claudette experienced, I have been exposed to unfair treatment and injustices. In these situations, I had to decide if I should speak out or just accept the circumstances. It is hard to tell if Claudette really understood the ramifications of her action (to not give up her seat) at the time. I know I always weigh the pros and cons of actions.  This story has made me consider if I occasionally act too cautiously.

4. In your opinion, how relevant is this story to contemporary issues surrounding race and sex?

Past actions have an impact on current perceptions.  The story is relevant in that it helps bring clarity to current practices. When a new generation wonders why we put emphasis on empowering women and eliminating racism, this is the type of story that explains the drivers.

5. Claudette Colvin said, “When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You just have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’” How do you respond to that quote?

It is a powerful sentiment but not an easy one.

6. What is your favorite quote from the book and why?

“There’s no such thing as ‘good hair’ — hair is just hair” (Geraldine Nesbitt).  I like this quote because it simply sums up the futility of measuring yourself against the traits of others.

7. Claudette Colvin was a teenager when she took her stand. How can adults encourage kids to have a voice and take action when they experience or witness an injustice?

Adults need to be supportive of kids who take action and voice concerns. I believe more kids would speak out if they felt they could go to someone who would listen.

8. If you had to draw one lesson from the book or Claudette’s story, what would it be?

When the defining moment comes, either you define the moment or the moment defines you.  Claudette chose not to be a victim anymore — a very good lesson.

9. The Claudette Colvin Project is a year long interactive relationship with the story. In your opinion, why should others read this story and what should they expect to get from it?

I was not previously aware of Claudette’s story. While everyone (at least I hope everyone) has heard of Rosa Parks, I doubt many understand the true motivations behind her action.  Reading Claudette’s story will provide background on the trials of racism and hopefully inspire people to not let discrimination of any kind rule.

10. The YW’s mission is to eliminate racism and to empower women. How does the Claudette Colvin Project help the YW work towards that mission?

The Claudette Colvin Project gives participants a common story in which to frame the ongoing discussion of the YW’s mission. It helps create more champions for the mission.  It would be difficult to read this story and not feel the need to speak out about the importance of eliminating racism and empowering women. It led me to have a long discussion with my teenage son (a history buff) about the civil rights movement. We also discussed why I support the YW.  “Reach one, teach one.”

Maurice DuBois

Soirée was hosted by Award-winning anchor Maurice DuBois, co-anchor of “CBS 2 News This Morning” weekdays from 5-7 a.m. with Kate Sullivan. He joined WCBS-TV in September 2004. At CBS News, he has substituted as news anchor for the weekend editions of “The CBS Evening News” and “The Early Show.” DuBois has won several journalism and community awards, including four Emmys. He’s also been honored by The Associated Press and The New York Association of Black Journalists, which recognized him with a Trailblazer Award. He serves on three non-profit boards: PENCIL, Susan G. Komen for the Cure/NYC, and NY City Center.

Donna Hayes

Publishing over 110 titles a month in 28 languages, Donna Hayes exemplifies the qualities the YW celebrates in its unique roster of W Award honorees. Under Donna’s leadership, Harlequin Enterprises Limited has told thousands of powerful stories of strong, independent female protagonists. The YW is proud to have honored her and her work that celebrates characters of all colors, ages, and backgrounds. Just as the YW is committed to serving New York City’s women, Harlequin’s brand celebrates and caters to women of every shape, size and profession. Harlequin’s heroines are the YW: hard-working women, stay-at-home mothers, ambitious students, and breadwinners who want a better life for their families and communities.

Lisa Price

From humble beginnings in her Brooklyn kitchen, Lisa Price transformed her beloved hobby of mixing up fragrances and creams at home into a multi-million dollar beauty empire. Her products have been featured on top national television shows including The Today Show, The View and The Oprah Winfrey Show. The brand achieved a new level of stardom as Carol’s Daughter garnered celebrity fans like Jada Pinkett Smith, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan, or as Lisa refers to them, “friends of the family.” Today, Carol’s Daughter sells millions of dollars worth of products and employs more than 20 staff members. Her products can be found in nine Carol’s Daughter retail stores around the country including the flagship stores in Harlem, Sephora, Macy’s and Dillard’s; at carolsdaughter.com; and on the Home Shopping Network.

Sean Baucom

Sean Baucom is a student at Independence High School in Hell’s Kitchen, where the YW provides after school programming for more than 100 teens. Independence is a transfer alternative school — students who enroll are non-completers from other high schools in the city. Attendees of Soirée were treated to a powerful spoken-word performance by Sean. This special presentation showcased Sean’s remarkable talent, which is a testament to the literacy, fine arts and leadership skills he has honed at Independence throughout the program’s two-year existence. View the complete text of Sean’s performance.

1. What made you volunteer to be a part of the YWCA-NYC Claudette Colvin Project?

When my sister, Bonnie Hoff, asked if I would help out with this project I gladly agreed. I have always been eager to help out worthy organizations like the YW.

2. What was your first impression of Claudette and how did that impression change or not change as the story unfolded?

Initially, I found Claudette to be a pretty average, normal child born into a family that was less privileged than many other families. As the book progressed you really learn how strong and determined she is even at such a young age. She impressed me by taking a stand and being committed to what she felt was the right thing to do. She never doubted herself.

3. How do you respond to Claudette’s story personally? Do you have experiences, struggles, goals, and/or accomplishments that connect you to this young woman?

Luckily, I have not experienced anything close to what Claudette experienced.  The closest experience I have personally dealt with relates to being a woman in a male dominated work environment.

4. In your opinion, how relevant is this story to contemporary issues surrounding race and sex?

I believe that we have made tremendous progress in eliminating racism and sexism but, unfortunately it still does exist and there is work to be done.

5. Claudette Colvin said, “When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You just have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’” How do you respond to that quote?

I have always believed that you should be willing to fight for what you believe in. This should be accomplished in an organized, non violent way in order to get lasting results.

6. Claudette Colvin was a teenager when she took her stand. How can adults encourage kids to have a voice and take action when they experience or witness an injustice?

Adults should always encourage children to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions. They should also learn to speak up when they feel strongly about a cause.  Sometimes this will lead to mistakes but we can always learn from our mistakes at any age.

7. If you had to draw one lesson from the book or Claudette’s story, what would it be?

Never give up on something you truly want and believe in.

8. The Claudette Colvin Project is a year long interactive relationship with the story. In your opinion, why should others read this story and what should they expect to get from it?

I hope this book will inspire other young readers to go after what they believe in.

9. The YW’s mission is to eliminate racism and to empower women.  How does the Claudette Colvin Project help the YW work towards that mission?

This book demonstrated that one person can make a difference.