When you change the way you think about yourself, you become empowered to change the world around you. That was the message delivered to hundreds of attendees of the Sure Women Conference at the MassMutual Center by Dr. Annie B. Watson, founder of Sure Women Ministries.
Dr. Annie B. Watson, founder of Sure Women Ministries, leads hundreds of women in the Unity Walk in downtown Springfield on Saturday. SPRINGFIELD- When you change the way you think about yourself, you become empowered to change the world around you.
That was the message delivered to hundreds of attendees of the Sure Women Conference at the MassMutual Center by Dr. Annie B. Watson, founder of Sure Women Ministries.
The three-day conference brought together music, comedy, fashion, faith and the community with one goal in mind- empowering women.
While some guests from last year's conference, such as gospel artist Vicki Yohe and financial expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, new additions included Grammy Award and Stellar Award-winning gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard, Jazz Gospel artist Kim Burrell, empowerment speaker/best selling author Dr. Juanita Bynum, former television “Divorce Court” show judge Mablean Ephraim and Christian comedian Chinnitta “Chocolate” Morris, who has been showcased on Def Comedy Jam and BET Comic View.
Larlie Alvaranga and Gertrude Banks, both Bloomfield, Conn. residents, made the trek to Springfield for the conference.
Bloomfield, Connecticut residents Gertrude Banks, left, and Larlie Alvaranga said they enjoyed the conference for the holistic approach it took toward the modern woman.The women said they initially came to the "City of Firsts" to show support for a friend who was speaking at the event, but once they arrived, they found themselves caught up in the empowerment.
"Just to be around so many strong and empowered women is an amazing feeling," Alvaranga said. "The music has been wonderful and the fashion show was out of this world. I even got a purse."
Banks said that she ranks the Sure Women Conference among the best she's ever attended.
"I've been to several conferences in Texas and throughout the South, but none have addressed the whole woman like this one." Banks said. "The holistic approach to every aspect of who we are as women in society has been very refreshing. We are glad we came."
Around 11 a.m. on Saturday, the women took the streets for the Unity March. Hundreds of women from all walks of life joined as they walked while chanting slogans of empowerment and singing traditional gospel songs.
Onlookers and people driving on city streets slowed and some stopped, in awe of the mass of strong, vibrant women walking together under one banner.
"When we come together we have the power to change the community," Watson told the group. "And when we change ourselves and our community, we are changing the world."
A 30 second TV ad featuring the 2011 Sure Women Conference
For more information about Sure Women Ministries, send an email to info@SureWomenMinistries.com or call 1-866-973-SURE.