Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, Dr. Jan Wilson, invited Tawanda Jones, founder of Camden Sophisticated Sisters, to discuss her organization and its significance in Camden, New Jersey and throughout the U.S.
This event was organized by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program as part of their theme of events for the year.
Jones is the founder of Camden Sophisticated Sisters, a drill team and drumline designed to get youth off the streets and into a positive environment.
“Through this drill team, Tawanda is truly changing lives,” said Wilson.
Tawanda Jones (center left) founded Camden Sophisticated Sisters, a drill team and drumline. She has appeared on a variety of shows with her team and will visit TU on Tuesday.
The mission of CSS, which can be found on their website, is “to motivate, educate, discipline and empower our youth through the structure of a drill team and the performing arts.”
Dr. Wilson suggested that students should attend this talk to gain further understanding of the relevance of race and poverty in cities across the nation.
“Though experienced in different ways and to different extents, many citizens in both Camden and Tulsa are negatively affected by the problems of poverty, racism, racial segregation, discrimination and inadequate social and educational services,” said Wilson.
Jones and her organization have received many nods from the media.
The drill team has been featured on Good Morning America, Dancing with the Stars and the Queen Latifah show, to name a few.
“She, and the members of the Sophisticated Sisters, are inspiring people all across the nation through their performances and television appearances,” remarked Wilson.
Though she won’t be bringing her dancers, Jones is going to make an appearance at TU’s campus.
Dr. Wilson’s hope for students that attend is that they “are inspired by Tawanda’s message that groups of people working together can have a lasting, positive impact on their communities and the individuals who comprise them.”
Jones will be speaking on Tuesday, March 3, at 5 p.m. in the Price and Turpen Courtroom located in John Rodgers Hall. Attendance is free and open to the public, with a light reception beforehand.
