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By the end of an hour-long self-esteem forum, the aura of girl power was palpable.
Nearly 40 female Largo High School students attended the school's first annual "New Vision, New Purpose" forum March 4 in the school's media center.
The event's speakers, ranging from a radio disc jockey to Prince George's County's first lady, talked to the students about self-esteem.
"You're stronger than you know, you're stronger than you think," said the Rev. Akisha Greene, minister at Community of Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hillcrest Heights and a co-owner of a Washington, D.C.-based cleaning company, to the 40 girls in attendance.
"You can't be Rihanna, but you can be the best you — she's a superstar, but so are you," Greene said. "You don't need another Facebook friend, pocketbook or hairdo. You need strength to go to class, do your homework and love yourself."
India Brown, the school's parent liaison who helped coordinate the event, said the goal of the forum was to support, empower and inspire the girls.
The students who attended the event, 10 from each of the school's four grades, were selected by the school's staff to help inspire the girls' success, Brown said.
Principal Angelique Simpson-Marcus said it is important for the girls to hear from successful, positive women.
"The goal [of the forum] is to really help their self-esteem," Simpson-Marcus said. "I hope the girls will be able to make connections that they are powerful. You can be smart, pretty and successful."
Junior Latisha Waller, 16, of Largo said Greene was a powerful speaker.
"The strength thing — she got me with Rihanna — it relates to us," Latisha said. "[This event] was just powerful."
Leslie Johnson, wife of County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), shared a story with the students about how she excelled academically with the help of a math tutor and surrounded herself with a good group of friends who uplifted each other.
Johnson, an attorney who has worked for the Washington, D.C., Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation, has taken a lead on women's issues during her husband's two terms in office. She announced in November she plans to run for the Prince George's County Council District 6 seat, but has not yet filed with the county's Board of Elections.
"As a people we are often afraid to say we have a problem, afraid to say we need some help," Leslie Johnson said. "You are wonderfully and perfectly made. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Believe in yourself and your abilities."
Johnson said it was important for her to speak to the girls and to share her story
"The road isn't easy. They see you in these positions — it doesn't just magically happen," she said.
Tameka Swain, also known as DJ Fyne from Radio One 93.9 WKYS in the District, told the girls that before anyone can love themselves, they must first love God.
"I love myself [but] to first love yourself you have to love God. If I don't grow spiritually, I don't grow at all," Swain said.
Senior Tatiana Holmes, 17, of Forestville said she enjoyed the event.
"It was real. No one tried to be phony — they're real people," Tatiana said. "When they all talked about their [bachelor's and master's] degrees, I want to be there. It gave me a little boost."
E-mail Liz Skalski eskalski@gazette.net.
