Fall 2020 | Page 20
In 2011, The Curve (Creating Unity Resulting in Voluptuous Empowerment) was founded on the campus of Delaware State University for curvy women. In 2019, when Rachel Williams learned about the organization through a friend who attended DSU, she decided to bring The Curve to Montgomery, Alabama and broaden its scope to include women of all body types at Alabama State University. I had the honor of sitting with four incredibly gifted young women who make up the Executive Board of the ASU Chapter of The Curve: Rachel Williams, President and Campus Founder; Kimberly L. Thomas, Vice President; Aunjelle Roque, Membership Coordinator; and Vachelle Robertson, Secretary. Their passions and career aspirations intertwine with their respective roles in The Curve in such an advantageous way. At 17, Rachel, who majors in political science, organized a protest in Washington, D.C. with her friends after the death of Trayvon Martin. Along with her plans to attend law school and strategize campaigns (she serves as a student organizer for U.S. Senator Doug Jones), Rachel seeks to learn policies and understand systems of privilege and oppression in order to advocate for immediate and pro-Black equality. It’s no surprise that in addition to leading protests and organizing campaigns that she would lead and charter a new chapter of The Curve. Kimberly, a senior marketing major, sees herself in a quote from Jay-Z: “I’m a business, man.” Her passion for entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and public speak-
ing supports her vice president role to motivate members, brainstorm innovative ideas to serve her community, and promote The Curve’s brand. Aunjelle is a criminal justice major who plans to pursue a career as a juvenile probation officer or as a youth correctional counselor. What motivates her toward this goal? She wants to pay attention to the children who are often overlooked. I believe that her heart for noticing those who others may not pay attention to gives her insight as a membership coordinator. This insight allows her to recruit potential members who may feel overlooked socially, so that they realize they have a home in an organization that values unity and empowerment. Vachelle, majoring in psychology, is on track to becoming a counselor. She describes herself as “observant,” a skill and requirement of any successful secretary. During my conversation with the E-Board, I certainly learned some valuable lessons about servant leadership. These women chose to be part of the E-Board, not for the perks, popularity, or prestige, but to set a standard of excellence and offer services to guide their peers. Such a decision took great courage and support. Kimberly, Aunjelle, and Vachelle were drawn to The Curve when the organization led them to step out of their comfort zone by attending an interest meeting and participating in the Curve Challenge on social media, where students posted a video or photo with their name and what they want to curve about themselves (e.g., procrastination, bad eating habits).
