Kenechukwu Uwajeh

Why continuing an education is so important to her:

“An education is something that no one can take away from me; so I want to build my knowledge and eventually use it to change the world and the trajectory of my life. Higher education creates a better life for myself and my loved ones. Additionally, continuing an education is important to me because it allows me to gain expertise in a career field(s) that is enjoyable and beneficial for me.”

Kenechukwu proudly supports:

Interact Club

Model United Nations

National Honors Society

George Pullman Scholarship Foundation

Teen Helping Teen

Habitat for Humanity

Angel Tree Prison Foundation

Kenechukwu, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?

“The term Golden Women can be described using several monikers, such as: versatile, selfless, withstanding, and valuable.

Versatile: A Golden Woman is versatile because she is not defined by one title or purpose. A golden woman is a mother, daughter, grandmother, boss, entrepreneur, etc. A golden women can have several degrees, play several instruments, won several awards, worked with one or more non-for-profits and traveled the world all at the same time!

Selfless: A Golden Woman is defined as selfless because she realizes that her purpose on Earth is not mainly for self satisfaction (or promotion) but to be a beneficiary for others as well. A golden women gives back to her community be it through volunteerism or other forms of servitude.

Withstanding: Like gold, a Golden Woman cannot be rusted because her drive and spirit is unbreakable. A Golden Woman overcomes many of the darts that life may throw her. Instead of breaking this woman down, life’s trials and tribulations strengthens her and prepares her for the rest of life’s journey.

Valuable: A Golden Woman is an asset to any situation she is involved in. A Golden Woman brings something to the table every time she takes a seat through her knowledge and expertise. The product of a project involving a Golden Woman is enhanced by her involvement in it, despite being an individual or group project.”

Kenechukwu, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?

“Take these lyrics from the popular rap artist, Juice WRLD: “It's her body or nobody, I refuse to compromise/So if she leaves, I'ma kill her, oh, she'll die/Did I say that out loud? I'm so crazy about mine!” Juice WRLD recently achieved fame through his emo hip hop music, with harsh lyrics such as those above. Several of his songs have gone platinum and his fame is still growing tremendously. But what about his music is so appealing? Is it the catchy beats, the creative music videos, or the objectification and blatant abuse of women? Themes of misogyny, patronization, dominance, and possession are common in the song lyrics in the hip-hop industry, which is currently the largest growing industry in the United States and the most popular genre for young people today. These songs often go viral, which spreads ideas to the average male and female in society. The objectification of women in the 21th century rap industry currently restricts the female identity and promotes unequal and unethical gender roles.

An older example can be observed in Biggie’s hit song “Dreams,” which targeted over 20 R&B singers. He boasts about the sexual relations he’d like to have with the singers of the time. He raps their names on the song so explicitly, yet so nonchalantly. Biggie received a lot of backlash as a result of the song, sparking an intense conversation in society. As the rap industry continues to grow, society must look at the way these seemingly catchy and hype song lyrics manifest. Today, artists like Juice WLRD AND Drake are beginning to come under close scrutiny. While artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Chance The Rapper are examples of male sensations supporting rights for women. If we continue to counter the bad with the good, we will eventually begin seeing more positive change. As a consumer of hip-hop music, I have stopped supporting artists who objectify and degrade women. This may seem very minor but overtime, this can result in something more substantial. My actions can influence those around me, and those around them and so on. For example, back in the 1990s, when rap group 2 Live Crew was charged for obscenity for their explicit album, the trial resulted in the government law requiring the addition of explicit stickers to musical works of arts containing highly vulgar, foul, and/or obscene language due to public outcry. Change came when enough people spoke out about something they believed was unacceptable. If I continue to take a stand, change can and will occur.”