The John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom at Alabama State University was filled with inspiration and empowerment during the “Queen’s Soirée,” held March 27, where Dr. Jacqueline Walters, affectionately known as “Dr. Jackie,” took the stage to share her journey and inspire those in attendance.
Dr. Jackie, a philanthropist, health expert, women’s advocate and TV personality is widely known for her role as a star of Bravo’s hit reality series, “Married to Medicine.”
As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Dr. Jackie established the 50 Shades of Pink foundation, an organization established in 2013 to treat the inner and outer beauty of survivors. She is also on a mission to end racial disparities in health care through her upcoming initiative called, “If We are Dying More, We Should Do More.”
Dr. Jackie spoke to students about various topics such as resilience, self-empowerment and female health. She started by acknowledging the power in women and shared her proclamation for the year.
“This is the ‘Queen’s Soiree’; and I see queens in the room,” she said. “In every woman in this room, whatever you give us, we multiply it and we make it extra. So, this year’s proclamation is ‘Moving forward together.’ We refuse to be stagnant as women, to give up, to cave in, or quit.”
Dr. Jackie told her story and shared the hardships and challenges she overcame throughout her life. She highlighted three specific pieces of advice with students. First, Dr. Jackie advised young ladies to spend time with God.
“If you think of the queendom that we’re sitting in, I think of a few principles that I want you to live by,” she said. “In everything you do, put God first. It’s more than just having faith, it’s having a relationship and an alignment. Every triumph, challenge, success, and failure that you encounter is to prepare you for a purpose. Life will test you and pain will give you a purpose. Misery will build a ministry in your life and struggles will make you strong.”
Along with the importance of having a close relationship with God, she explained how imperative rest is for overall health and success.
“The next thing I’m going to tell you to do in your queendom is to get some rest,” she said. “Rest is a power move and essential for the human body because it allows time for healing, hormone regulation and cell repair, which is vitally important for maintaining a healthy life physically and mentally. Take time to rest so that your body and your soul is healthy.”
Alongside physical health, Dr. Jackie spoke about the power of affirmations. She credited her own success to daily affirmations, which helped her clear college debt and gain acceptance into medical school.
“Affirmations shape your future,” she said. “They remind you of your purpose and guide you toward the right direction.”
Her fourth piece of advice to students is for each individual to embrace their own story.
“Every wrinkle, every scar, and every challenge that I’ve been through, and the same for you, is a part of the blueprint to your purpose,” she said. “As I have aged, which I also call maturing, I have learned that nothing just happens. Everything you come against is a launching path for your greatness. Don’t ever let pain, misery or struggle make you think you missed the mark.”
A key part of Dr. Jackie’s message was her reflection on the importance of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She spoke about the necessity of HBCUs.
“HBCUs have taken all the adversity we have faced and used it to build resilience and leadership,” she said, acknowledging the critical role they have played in shaping Black professionals and leaders.
Throughout her speech, Dr. Jackie inspired the audience with her words: “Give us a sperm, and we will make it a baby. Give us food, and we will make it a meal. Give us a house, and we will make it a home,” emphasizing how women have the unique ability to multiply and elevate whatever is placed in front of them.
Dr. Jackie also reflected on Women’s History Month. She explained how it evolved from Women’s History Week, first established in 1981, to officially becoming Women’s History Month in 1987. She also spoke about how 1995 marked the beginning of the Women’s Proclamation in March, emphasizing the month’s importance in recognizing women’s contributions.
She then honored women who broke barriers, paving the way for future generations, including Mary McLeod Bethune, Barbara Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Jeanetta Cole, Ph.D., Montgomery Rice, Ph.D., Michelle Obama, J.D., and others.
She shared an uplifting message to the audience.
“We are unstoppable.”
Dr. Jackie described how moving forward together means progress, growth, and resilience.
“We will not be bound by fear or disappointment,” she said, urging everyone to keep moving forward in life and to never stop growing.
She urged the audience to stop looking for validation from others.
“If excellence were a fashion statement, Black women would be the hottest thing on the runway,” she said, drawing applause and admiration from the audience.
Dr. Jackie also emphasized the importance of who you spend time with and how you invest your time.
“Watch who you invest your time in,” she advised the audience. “Your time is a gift; do not waste it on people who do not align with your purpose.”
She encouraged everyone to be mindful of the influences around them, as it directly impacts thoughts, words, actions, and ultimately, destiny.
She stressed the importance of putting God first in everything you do.
“It is not just about having faith; it is about having a relationship and alignment with God,” she said. “Everyone in this room was created with a purpose. Life will test you, pain will give you a purpose, misery will build your ministry, and struggles will make you stronger.”
She shared her personal practice of talking to God in the morning as a way to start her day centered and aligned.
Before the event ended, Dr. Jackie spoke about the concept of the “Power of Perseverance (POP).”
“We all have POP,” she said, encouraging everyone to tap into their inner strength and keep moving forward despite challenges.
Miss Senior Faith Blackwell, expressed her gratitude for the people who attended the the celebration of Women’s History Month.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for being here today to stand together in celebration for women’s empowerment,” Blackwell said. “Today is all about uplifting, honoring, and inspiring one another.”
Chris’siah Felton, a junior majoring in criminal justice, felt that Dr. Jackie’s words of wisdom, affirmations, and encouragement positively influenced young women of the university to be strong throughout their journeys.
“I really enjoyed this event and I wish more students had come out to participate,” she said. “I grew up watching Dr. Jackie on TV and I really take her manifestation words to heart. Women need to start encouraging themselves within, and not giving in to drama is key to surviving and thriving.”
Freshman Alea Hampton shared how inspiring she found the event. “Dr. Jackie’s story was empowering, and I realized how important it is to stay true to yourself,” she said.