72 MAY 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM “When I had my daughter, I wanted to make sure that would not be the case,” said Hollowell. Hollowell wanted to create an opportunity and non- judgmental space for young ladies to come and receive positive information and support from like-minded women who would be their encouragers. “God gave me the vision for the group as a young mom, that through His strength, wisdom, and guidance, a lot of trials, failures, and learning, I am grateful that it continues to be all that I set out for it to be.” There have been as many as 41 young ladies on the roster. The impact has always been the focus as opposed to the number. “BCRS is my ministry and my joy. I own the name, the creed, and the logo. From idea to fruition is a celebration of 20 years. I had the first meeting in my living room in California in 2003 with two young ladies,” said Hollowell. “What took its ground roots of development in California has become full bloom here in Paducah the last three years.” So, how did the name Black Coal & Roses Society come about? “Coal suppressed over time, through a heated and refined firing process, creates a gem. The image of coal is considered to be tainted, dark, and dirty. Though over some time, illuminates a precious jewel,” said Hollowell. “Additionally, the rose has been separated into three parts to represent the transitional stages from a girl, to a young lady, to a woman. The rose being a beautiful flower metaphorically represents the foundation of BCRS. The teachings are designed for the young ladies to represent themselves as the delicate rose.” God gave me the vision for the group as a young mom, that through His strength, wisdom, and guidance, a lot of trials, failures, and learning, I am grateful that it continues to be all that I set out for it to be. & Black Coal Roses Society BCRS has had the honor of having young ladies who have participated from Massac County, McCracken County, and Paducah Public Schools, as well as Christian County Schools. “We currently hold our meetings at Washington Street Baptist Church, and the young ladies have been able to service the community by participating in the 8th of August parades, being of service during Juneteenth events, hosting their own events that cater to women, as well as serving at fall festivals and Christmas events to give back to the community,” said Hollowell. The program in Paducah offers various leadership and life skills training activities, including etiquette teaching dinners, guest speakers, and topic discussions.” There is a structured agenda, yet, as a trained school counselor, Hollowell prioritizes the social-emotional development of participants as well. “Topics have spanned to cover discussions such as healthy hair care, hygiene, mental health, etiquette, healthy relationships, gossip and drama, dressing for success, father/daughter relationships, career goals, etc., and at times the meetings are comprised of simply team building and confidence activities that allow our ladies to be children in a world where sometimes our children are oversexualized and exposed to ideas and lifestyles far beyond their age, we simply let them ‘play’,” said Hollowell. “Some meetings have also been replaced with field trips and outings over the course of the years, such as Black College Expos, bowling, skating, sleepovers, and friends and family days to name a few. The program and all ideas, thoughts, and planning, returns itself to our mission and vision statements which are equipping young ladies today to be women of tomorrow and instilling in each participant to know their worth and to understand that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. They cannot know where they are going without realizing where they have been.” Shonda Hollowell with her daughter, Serena
