(BPRW) The Tiger’s Comfort Closet Celebrates One Year of Creating Change for Women Students

(Black PR Wire) According to UN Women, in the United States, one in four teens and one in three adults struggle to afford period products, especially teens of color and households of low wage earners. The lack of access to these products, and the consequences of not having them, increases stress levels and negatively affects students’ attendance, performance and overall well-being.

Tuskegee University juniors Jaida Bazemore and Amaya Waymon saw this problem in real-time on campus and, in true Tuskegee fashion, decided to solve it.  One year ago, they created The Tiger’s Comfort Corner, an initiative that provides menstrual care products at no cost to students on campus. Last fall, they were recognized by the NAACP during the Freedom Awards ceremony of the organization’s 72nd Annual Alabama State Convention.

“The Tiger’s Comfort Closet is an excellent example of what the Tuskegee Renaissance Era is – our students are not here to get an education just for education’s sake.  At Tuskegee they are here with the purpose of uplifting communities, finding solutions where none had existed, and innovating to create scalable change,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO. “We are the help that we need, and we are enough.”

The Tiger’s Comfort Closet was created with guidance and support from The Black Period(t) Project, a nonprofit organization founded in 2018. Former Miss Tuskegee Mykala Thompson helped Bazemore and Waymon connect with the founder Lena Vann and things took off from there. They worked with The Black Period(t) Project to source supplies and learn operational best practices.

Looking back the student leaders are proud of how the organization has grown – including the creating of a leadership council and use of digital scheduling for volunteers.

“Our operations have expanded well,” sad Bazemore, a supply chain major from Birmingham, Alabama. “We have served nearly 250 students since our launch with nearly 3200 products that women need during the menstrual cycle.”

“I value helping to create solutions that actually support people in our community,” she added. “Working on this project showed me how supportive the Tuskegee community can be, especially my peers. Students and different organizations were willing to help and spread awareness once they understood the purpose. It really showed me how people here come together to support each other.”

One organization that has stepped up is the Tuskegee chapter of African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND).  In honor of Women’s History Month, the chapter is collaborating with the Tiger’s Comfort Closet on The Menstrual Product Giveaway of gift bags filled with menstrual cycle-related products as well as lotions, hair ties and other goodies. The event will also include a raffle for bigger prizes.

“Our e-board is proud to be a part of this supportive and celebratory event,” said Da’ Monik Milan, A²MEND lead and Students First advisor. “We feel it is essential to support Black women.”

The Tiger’s Comfort Corner is in Tompkins Hall and operates Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students who need them can pick up items including tampons, sanitary pads, and feminine wipes.

To support the Tiger Comfort Closet, click these links: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/TIGERCARE

https://www.instagram.com/tigerscomfortcorner/

Source: Tuskegee University