The streets of Indianola echoed with a message of empowerment last Saturday as local youth gathered at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church for a fiery workshop on social media safety and personal branding.
Hosted by the GAP Leadership Program in partnership with the Girl Scouts and She Uplifts Coaching and Empowerment, the event aimed to arm young minds with the tools to navigate the treacherous waters of the digital age.
Led by Dr. Nakisha Watts, the session titled “Smart Social Media: Building Your Brand & Staying Safe Online” did not hold back. Watts, the executive director of She Uplifts, delivered a no-nonsense presentation that tackled everything from understanding your personal brand to avoiding cyberbullying. Her fierce message was clear: these kids need to know how to protect themselves—and how to use social media as a force for good.
"Today’s youth are growing up online,” Watts declared. “It’s critical they’re equipped with the tools to protect themselves and to present themselves with purpose." Her words struck a chord with students who left the workshop not just with knowledge, but with a new sense of confidence and agency.
Dr. Shequite Johnson, founder of the GAP Leadership Program, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation for a digital future. “This isn’t just about safety,” Johnson asserted. “It’s about recognizing their power, protecting their peace, and helping them shine online.”
The workshop was just the beginning. The program announced plans for a summer camp at the Henry Seymour Library throughout June, offering activities focused on literacy, civic engagement, STEM, and healthy decision-making. The camp is open to students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with high schoolers encouraged to volunteer as mentors.
For more information, interested parties are encouraged to contact the GAP Leadership Program at 662-207-5278 or via email at info@gapleadership.org.
