Childhood bullying is an epidemic growing annually in numbers and affecting families and communities nationwide. Channeling depression, anxiety, and even suicidal effects, the topic of bullying is one that increases in awareness year after year.
A survey from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System reported that 19.1 percent of students in Texas had been bullied on school property, and 13.8 percent of students had been electronically bullied (i.e. cyberbullied) during the 12 months before the survey.*
Though daunting, many organizations, community leaders, and programs are coming together for anti-bullying campaigns to put a stop to the staggering statistics.
On July 8, 2017 from 5PM to 9PM at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Elles Entertainment will partner with Single Parents and Teens Foundation of Dallas to host the first ever EllesInspo, a celebrity clad fashion event to raise awareness and support for anti-bullying initiatives.
While confirmed celebrity guests include actor and musicianĀ Romeo Miller, award-winning choreographer Jordan Alex Ward, the current reigning Miss Texas and more — EllesInspo is bringing more than just the Hollywood flair, it’s bringing change.
“As one of the only young people in my school who participated in the performing arts, I am no stranger to bullying,” says special celebrity guest and internationally acclaimed choreographer Jordan Alex Ward (pictured above).
“It can be detrimental to someone’s confidence and really only speaks to the unresolved issues that a bully has within themselves. However, I encourage people to use this negative energy as a tool to gain strength and resilience, because once we become secure with ourselves, we approach other obstacles in life with a proven, tested, reliable foundation.”
The first annual EllesInspo will focus on fashion with proceeds set to benefit The Single Parents and Teens Foundation of Dallas (“SPTFD”). An organization of action, SPTFD has spearheaded multiple anti-bullying initiatives across the country, including its ground-breaking bullying prevention curriculum being implemented in school districts nationwide.
“This event will definitely capture the attention of people who may have turned a blind eye to what has been going on with [the] youth,” says Leona Lee of Elles Entertainment (pictured right).
“Everyday, there is another story about a child killing themselves because of bullying. Music, dance, and other artistic endeavors is many of their escapes. Therefore this event is a combination of nearly every art form with an anti-bullying agenda.”
Top legislators and policymakers have already confirmed attendance and now EllesInspo wants you to join in the fight. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $25. For more information, visit EllesEntertainment.com or visit our Events Calendar.
*Statistics taken from Texas School Safety Center.
