She’s EmPOWERed: Detroit-area Tween Making a Positive Impact with Artistic and Athletic Talents 

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Empowered Flower Girl Salutes Joya Gorden during Black History Month

This Black History Month (BHM), we honor the legacy of those who’ve paved the way while bringing attention to the extraordinary accomplishments of young people who are actively shaping history today. Young people like 11-year-old Joya Gorden. 

As this year’s BHM theme celebrates “African Americans in the Arts,” Joya stands out as a multi-talented force, excelling in figure skating, visual arts, and dance. Her journey, however, is not only one of a rising artist but also a narrative of triumph over personal struggles.

Battling depression and anxiety due to bullying in school and the isolating effects of the pandemic, Joya discovered solace and strength through athletics and the arts. These outlets became her light, guiding her out of the shadows into a place of newfound confidence.

That confidence has led Joya to pursue her passion to skate and create. 

As a Black girl who loves figure skating, Joya recognized the lack of diversity in the sport and took it upon herself to break barriers. Becoming an ambassador for Diversify Ice in October 2023, Joya advocates for inclusivity in a sport often marked by its exclusivity and high costs.

“This role allows me to share out on my skating journey and encourage others to explore figure skating as a sport,” Joya said. 

In January 2024, Joya’s incredible essay and abstract painting paying homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. unanimously won first-place in the T-Rose Foundation’s MLK Day Essay contest. She shared what Dr. King’s legacy means to her in both words and art and was presented with a $250 cash prize during a ceremony at ArtBlock in Detroit. Joya’s painting will be on display throughout Black History Month at the Carr Center as part of Bedrock’s Celebrating Black Arts young artists competition. 

A Triple Axel Future

Joya has many aspirations for the future, like becoming a professional skater. With her talent and determination, we know someday, she’ll achieve that and other goals. 

“Once I graduate from high school, I plan to pursue employment opportunities with Disney on Ice, participate in collegiate skating, and pursue studies related to art education,” Joya noted. 

Joya not only exemplifies Black history in the making but also paves the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of figure skating.

Keep up with and support Joya’s journey by following her on Instagram. 

How to Be Strategically and Randomly Kind: An Interview with The Little Bit Project

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As Random Acts of Kindness Week kicks off (February 11-17), Empowered Flower Girl is connecting with community champions who share their ideas – from simple gestures to profound acts – to spread kindness. Check out our interview with Terri ‘Diviniti’ Smith, founder of The Little Bit Project, who shares her inspiration behind the movement:

What inspired you to launch The Little Bit Project? 

I started The Little Bit Project near the end of 2015. To me, it seemed like a very dark time for the city (Detroit). At that time, I think we were the murder capital of the world. Crime and violence were on the rise and the spirits of the residents seemed lower than ever. Detroit had been profiled on a few national news/documentary type programs in a less than flattering light. It felt like people were discouraged, and I wanted to find a way to put the spark back into people’s tone when they spoke of the city.  

I thought of things I could do to uplift those around me. It’s easy to encourage those we love, but I wanted to make an impact on as many people as I could – friends and strangers alike. That’s how The Little Bit Cards came about. They are like portable, printed affirmations that you can give to anyone or leave so that the message is seen. There are 12 different cards – each with a different message. You matter.  Shine.  You got this. Those are some of the messages. I thought they were a little way to make a big impact.

What are a few of your most memorable or awe-inspiring service projects?

It’s a beautiful thing to see someone get a Little Bit Card and you see their face light up. Engaging with the public and the Little Bit Cards is always heart-warming. One of the other initiatives close to my heart involved donating coffee, doughnuts, and Little Bit Cards to various trauma and surgical waiting rooms at hospitals in the city. After having the experience of being in those waiting rooms with my family as we visited my sister who was being treated for cancer, I knew those were places where a little love would make a big impact. Most hospitals don’t provide complimentary snacks and beverages for families with a loved one being treated. We knew that just providing a little nourishment could help eliminate some of the stress and added expense that comes with caring for an ill relative.  

Also, for the past seven years, we have collected items for young people whose families are in crisis during the winter season. Our Holiday Drive offers our supporters a way to give back, while making sure some of the deserving youngsters in Detroit get gifts for Christmas. Our adopted young people have received necessities like coats, boots, clothes, and some wish list items like bikes, skates, books, and musical instruments. In the past seven years we have made sure close to 100 young people had happy holidays.  That really makes me proud.  

What are some ways that people can be kinder to one another?

Watch your words. That’s something simple and easy to remember and do, no matter your age. If we all just spoke a little nicer to one another, can you imagine the difference that could make? I mean, there would be a massive shift in the way everything works. So I’d start there. 

Being considerate is something I think we could all benefit from as well. Just slowing down instead of cutting in front of that person in traffic; or holding the door for a stranger, actually using manners consistently. When you think about it, it takes quite a bit of effort not to be kind. Kindness is easy.

How can we purchase the cards?

The cards are sent upon request. We ask for a donation to at least ensure that we can continue to print and mail packages of cards. I do have to say, though, that we are rather backlogged on sending out packages, so it may take some time for them to arrive.