Events

Nine Strong Women Reach their First Milestone

By Christiane Beljour on Monday, May 11 2009

Event on April 11, 2009

Nine Strong Women Reach their First Milestone

Who would think that the Bloods and the Crips could ever be friends? In fact they are and they are working together as part of a new gang called ‘The Council’ to help other gang affiliated individuals return home from prison in a safe way. Two members of The Council, Jessica (Jayda) a Blood gang leader, and the man she loves, Creep, a Crip gang leader have become partners in their street work. Love not only produced a baby between them but created the strength and compassion to begin a challenging gang prevention program with nine young high school women from the Newark Schools. Notwithstanding the reports to the contrary from the school, Jessica sees the strength, intelligence, creativity and beauty in these nine young women. They have responded to her leadership and high expectations for them and have changed their focus and their lives to see the importance of graduating high school and even going on to college.

Traditional counseling has not worked for these young women for many reasons but Jessica has a way of showing her commitment to each of these ladies and they trust and listen to her. Jessica encourages the ladies to think for themselves and to grow strong as independent young women in spite of the negative lure of the streets, drugs and gangs. Now word has spread and there are nine more waiting to be part of Jessica’s new family.

Tanya Bennett has worked with many of her colleagues from Drew, including Michael Christensen, National Director of the Shalom Resource Center. Through Michael’s help, $6,500 was raised for the new project, 9 Strong Women. Tanya and Michael are members of a group called the Newark Interfaith Coalition for Peace and Hope, a group dedicated to working with grass roots community leaders on ways to reduce the violence in Newark. As a result of the success of 9 Strong Women, we hope to bring in greater local and federal dollars so that more women will be helped through this remarkably creative project.

---By Dave Kerr

Posted in: Events
25 comments have been made

Comments

mrs vance September 23, 2009

I am watching the special as i write this. It compelled me to look up the 9 strong women concept. My heart went out to Jayda especially. I was very impressed how she put aside her differences to help females stay away from street life. Because of her efforts, I believe jayda and her family will be truly blessed. I wish i had someone to care about my friends and myself when we were coming up in Southside, Jamaica Queens. At 32, 3 kids and a husband I have just begun to love myself. Only because God saw fit to allow me to be happy, unused, respected, appreciated and so forth. I have lost alot of friends to the street and plan on not losing my kids to the streets.
Jayda...my prays go out to you and your family for making the time to show these young women how to love themselves first. They need to learn that what they have are treasures and should be treated as such. Not to be pretty on the outside and poisoned on the inside. I will continue to follow the show and as soon as this economy gets better I really do plan to pledge a donation. God bless

kimberly garrett September 23, 2009

I just finished watching episode number 3. I want to say thank God for a person like Jayda. I also grew up in Newark and wished I could have had someone that was real to talk to. The lesson she told the young lady in her apartment about watching the people you be around and being nice is all but too true. I would love to help out with the organization and can even give an example of my personal struggles of having the wrong people in your circle.

D. Ortega September 24, 2009

I also just watched episode 3 and I want to say that is the real Newark. Jayda, Creep ,The Street Warriors and the other orgs are the reason Newark is going to strive in the future. I personally believe (Cory Booker) is not the one who is saving Newark. It's finally the people from Newark .We are tired and making changes from the streets and all the way to City Hall ! Being from Newark also I seen both sides from the good all the way to the bad . I want to say THANK YOU and keep up the good work . You guys are making Newark Proud!!!!

Nicky September 24, 2009

I am 37 and from Newark. While I did not turn to the life of crime, drugs, or violence...this is what my community is about. I was raised by a single woman and she taught her daughter how to be STRONG LEADERS!!! So being a follower was not an option. Times have changed. I have a 12 year old and a 6 year old, both girls. I comment Jayda for turning her life around and allowing God to use her as a vessel. As the mother of daughters, I thank you for getting a positive message out to our lost little girls. One of the girls in your group is actually a girl that goes to camp with my daughter. Its nice to see that she has asomeone she can rely and count on. Keep doing GREAT work and positive results will continue to follow. We need more people like you in this community. We must remember that it DOES take a village to raise a child! God Bless!

Kanileah September 24, 2009

Kanileah September 24, 2009

I appreciated the series ending with the baby's birth. As a metaphor to grow on, the City needs a re-birth. Jayda's efforts are commendable but we need it to multiply from 9 to 90. We need to tap into one another and become mentors for groups and groups of children so that we can turn this City around for the best. It was mentioned on 9/23/09 at the town hall meeting, to look and make connections with others in the room so that a broader base can be built. I am here, I have friends who are willing to help. We don't share the same story as Jayda but our successes can be inspirational as well. Please make the group and others like it part of the City's "general information" so that it can grow and multiply. Thanks

TRU_ESSENCE September 24, 2009

MY WHOLE FAM FRM BRICK BUT OUR PARENTS RELOCATED US TO FLA. UNFORTUNATELY MY NIECE SPENDS HER SUMMERS UP THERE AND EACH TIME SHE COMES HM ITS ANOTHA BATTLE, MAY BE PREGNANT, GANG BANGED SUM HOEZ, BLAH BLAH ALL DAY... BETWEEN ME AND MY SISTAH MY NIECE FEELS MORE COMFORTABLE CONSULTIN' IN ME N ALTHOUGH I NOE I CANT CONTROL E'RY MOVE SHE MAKES I CAN PLANT DAT SEED JUST AS UR DOIN 2 THESE YOUNG WOMEN WHO ALSO MAY NOT HAVE SOMEONE TO GIVE IT 2 EM RAW...I'M GLAD U STARTED THIS PROGRAM BLACK WOMEN REALLY DO NEED TO OVASTAND THEY WORTH. MADD LUV 2 U AND GOOD LUCK I PRAY UR PROGRAM INFLUENCES IN OTHER STATES JUST AS WELL

KEEP IT BRICK

TIANA September 25, 2009

I JUST WANT TO COMMENT ON JAYDA AND CREEP'S PORTRAYL ON THE BRICK CITY DOCUMENTARY THAT I HAVE LOYALLY BEEN WATCHING. HOW BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL YOU TWO ARE TO ALJAHMER AND TIANNA (GREAT NAME CREEP!!) IM SO PROUD AT THE MATURITY AND THE PROGRESS YOU BOTH BRING TO THE STREETS OF NEWARK AS ACTIVISTS AND PARENTS. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT NINE STRONG WOMEN IS AS SUCCESSFUL AS IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE. PLEASE DONT QUIT THE WORK YOU ARE DOING NO MATTER HOW MANY OBSTACLES YOU FACE. NEWARK TRULY NEEDS YOU BOTH!AND DEFINETLY KEEP IT BRICK!!! P.S. STAY ON KAYLA JAYDA...SHE NEEDS YOU TOO PEACE AND LOVE-TIANA

chelleby September 25, 2009

I watched the documentary on "Brick City." I saw the city in a new light and saw one of my dreams realized right before my eyes. Jayda, we come from different worlds, but have experience life in a similar way. It has always been my dream to work with young girls and keep them on the path to success. I would love to assist you by starting a chapter of your organization in my area. Let me know how that can be done or if you have other chapters. You organization is small right now, but I think that it can be useful nationally if not worldwide. I look forward to seeing the last episode in the series. I am praying for you and your family. You are very brave and an inspiration to many. You are doing what GOD put you here to do.

pat horgan September 26, 2009

Thank you Jayda.

Do you get how many people's lives you've inspired and educated?

So generous and brave to share so much with us - .

I wish I could write words that would really show how deeply affected I am, but all I can come up with is "thank you".

My very best to you, your family, and the people of Newark that are working so hard to better your community.

May God bless you always.

Shaheeda Wilkins September 28, 2009

C. Alexander September 28, 2009

nannette September 29, 2009

Nicole September 29, 2009

Nicole September 29, 2009

C. Alexander Hello Jayda, September 29, 2009

C. Alexander Hello JaydaHello Jayda, I am so happy this documentary was created. I run a program for teens in Orange, East Orange, Irvington and Newark. There were so many things said in that documentary that validated what I have felt for the youth I w September 29, 2009

Deirdre ellis September 30, 2009

Jayda i would like to say big ups to u and ur heart thanking your fiance for supporting u in this effort that means alot in what ur doing and not forgettin your little man and princess #1,#2 in the documentary i have family n friends in newark i hang in da many places uve shown not as heavy now i even lived in newark at one time in my life i know what it is like to get caught up in da game da bullshit but my son who is 17 now made me realize its not bout me and what i want continue what u do GOD BLESS U N UR FAMILY PEACE

Tiffeney cooper September 30, 2009

I love what you are doing, but I beleive your continued affiliation with the Gangs sends a mixed message. On one hand , you denounce the foundational priciples the gangs stand for- violence, drugs, destruction, etc.. Yet, when asked on Tom Joyner, you would not definitively withdraw your membership with them. I don;t get it. As a Middle School Counselor deeply concerned about my girls, but when you stand before them, adn don;t seem to have the will to distance yourself and Creep as well from the Gang, you loose your credibility in my eyes. I beleive this observation is shared with many who listen to you speak, znd then watch your actions. "Doesn't add up".

Brother Frankie October 12, 2009

i agree with ms cooper. while i find ms jayda to be inspirational as well being on a mission from God, withdrawing from all affiliation with the "gang" would give backbone to her message.

think of it this way,

father talking to his son whike rolling a joint, "son, i dont ever want you to smoke dope. it has caused me nothing but pain. it has robbed me of what i wanted to do with my life, my passion, my dreams.... pass me the ligher son...now where was i ? oh yeah, we need to make better choices with our lives, so dont smoke pot..." inhales... hold smoke...

esh October 23, 2009

love what your doing i think more mother s need to be involved i would let me know your next event

Tanika Green October 27, 2009

Hello All,

I am a former resident if Newark formaly known as Brick City. As Jayda said there are alot of things that I am not proud of but I can honestly say I am happy and proud that I was able to over come some of the triumph that I had gone thru. If there is anything that I can help or assist with please contact me via email. I am still always in newark and would love to meet these women.

D February 07, 2010

I just finished watching the first 3 episodes of Brick City and was compelled to research Jayda and the 9 strong women movement. Jayda, you are truly called by God to be an ambassador for a time like this! I am praying God's love, protection, and strength will surround you and your new family. Have you considered expanding 9 string women? I would love to see this movement in my city, Baltimore. See you at the top!

mimi March 01, 2010

mimi March 01, 2010

Jada, I paused the Brick City documentary for a few minutes to say how impressed I am with who you are and what you are doing. The moment your face was shown, I could tell there was something special about you - even before I heard you speak about 9 Strong Womem, I knew.

I wish you well!

Leave a Comment

Name *

Email * (your email address will always be kept private)