Doors open at 5:30 pm – Event starts at 6:00 pm. Featuring a panel discussion hosted by comedienne Rita Brent.
Advocates like the MS Black Women’s Roundtable champion these legislative efforts as this cause deeply affects black women and girls. According to the Dove CROWN study for Girls (2021), 53% of Black mothers say their daughters have experienced racial discrimination based on hairstyles as early as five years old. “How black girls see themselves is crucial to their development,” said Cassandra Welchlin, Executive Director of the MS Black Women‘s Roundtable, “and when they are told their natural is wrong or should be changed, it completely affects their self-esteem.”
Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Angela. She credits her mother for single-handedly cultivating her talents and preparing her for the entertainment business. By 18, she joined the Army National Guard where she served as a drummer in the 41st Army Band, ending her time in service as a sergeant. She began her radio broadcasting career at WJSU 88.5 FM as a student at THEE Jackson State University from which she graduated, and later spent six years at Mississippi Public Broadcasting as a host and producer.
In 2013, she made a big leap into standup comedy. 9 years later, she has appeared on Comedy Central, truTV, Epix TV, LOL Network, Circle TV, CNN, and more. She tours as an opening act with her mentors, Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer. She wrote for the 73rd Primetime EMMY Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, The People’s Choice Awards, and Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration on Netflix. In 2023, she became a first-time Writers Guild Awards Nominee in two categories.
The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable is working to increase economic security for the state’s Black women. Take your seat at the table, use this information as an empowerment tool, and participate with MSBWR in steering the issues that directly impact your life.
