Ahmiya Jones
Senior Ahmiya Jones turned her insecurities into her super power after transferring to Stockton University and starting The Plus-Size Project, the first organization on campus dedicated to creating an inclusive space for plus-size women and loving the skin they’re in.
When I came to Stockton, I couldn’t find a club that highlighted body positivity, self-love and self-empowerment on campus.
I hope to leave a positive mark on the Stockton University campus, and shine light on how being positive and staying true to yourself is something that can’t be compared to ANY process.
It was definitely a little difficult starting the club; I noticed there weren’t many people who looked like me and were actually being heard at Stockton. It was a process, but the safe space the club creates is like no other. My advisor, Laurie Dutton (of the Women's Gender and Sexuality Center), and mentor, Dianne Stalling (of Student Development), helped me like no other as I was starting the club.
The Plus-Size Project is a community of people coming together to uplift one another, no matter their size. I’ve always struggled with body positivity, but since starting college and The Plus-Size Project, I’ve overcome that.
People struggle with accepting their body every day. Many people feel uncomfortable just walking through the hallway, and may need that one compliment to make their day or that one organization where they feel safe. The Plus-Size Project makes room for an environment where plus-size individuals can feel safe in their own skin, the focus being on us and how we feel in our everyday life.
African American plus-size women, specifically, have always struggled with acceptance amongst our bodies. Many of the problems we face in our community are criticisms over our weight, whether it be from our family or even acquaintances. By just going into a store and not being able to look in certain sections, the plus-size community is separated from the real world, especially when it comes to aspects like the fat tax or our size not being available. Little things like these make a big difference, and the change starts with us.
I hope The Plus-Size Project remains on campus even after I graduate, because the message the club brings is like a movement that I hope never changes. I want incoming students who may struggle with body confidence or self-love to know that I hear you and I am here for you. I hope to leave a positive mark on the Stockton University campus, and shine light on how being positive and staying true to yourself is something that can’t be compared to ANY process.
This Voice was originally published in 2020. At the time of publication, Jones was a senior in Political Science. She has since graduated and is now a high school teacher.
Related Articles:
