(Rock Island, IL.)-Love Girls magazine honored nine girls from ages 13 to 19 for their perseverance and extraordinary accomplishments Friday, April 10 at the Stern Center, 1713 3rd Ave. in Rock Island, Illinois.
Special guest, Actress Imani Hakim from Chris Rock's, "Everybody Hates Chris" and Lifetime Network's "Gabby Douglas Story" was among the celebrities who attended the purple- carpet gala. Local author, Kit Evan Ford delivered the keynote address and a variety of Quad Cities talent provided musical, dance, and spoken word performances to celebrate honorees. Performers include students from Davenport West, Sherrard, Orion, and Rock Island , along with young adult performers. More information is listed on lovegirlsmagazine.com.
The event is the brainchild of Jasmine Babers, publisher of Love Girls magazine, a publication focused on promoting self-esteem in girls. Jasmine and her mother Teresa Babers received a Nation of NeighborsSM grant from Royal Neighbors of America to help her with the magazine. Royal Neighbors, with its headquarters in Rock Island, continues to support Babers in her efforts to empower young girls.
"We had many wonderful people involved, and I am grateful for all the hard work and talent the community has put into honoring and supporting girls," said Babers, who is also the recipient of the Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes, and USA Network's Characters Unite Award. "I am forever grateful to Royal Neighbors for supporting my dreams and girls in my community and throughout the United States."
