Deputy Chief Curtis Greene of the Chattanooga Police Department taught the Rape Aggression Defense course to students
Learning defensive moves
The students wore red ribbons for heart disease awareness
National Beta Club members at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy empowered themselves and their classmates with a week of activities during Women’s History Month, said officials. Beta Club sponsor and Art Instructor Olivia Bagby helped organize Women’s Empowerment Week at the all girls public charter school.
Nearly a dozen students kicked off the week as participants in a self-defense class taught by Deputy Chief Curtis Greene of the Chattanooga Police Department. Deputy Chief Greene pared the normally 14 to 16 hour Rape Aggression Defense course down to two hours of basic moves to identify and defend against would be attackers.
In addition to becoming physically strong, the Beta Club promoted stronger health with the distribution of red ribbons and information about heart disease. “Heart disease is the number one killer among women and our girls should learn now how to protect their hearts with exercise and wiser food choices,” said Ms. Bagby.
With help from Chattanooga Cares, club members offered information to the high school students about AIDS and HIV awareness. A representative from Chattanooga Cares also conducted a workshop on age-appropriate makeup application.
The Beta Club concluded its week with “Jeans for Justice” in support of survivors of sexual assault. For a $1 donation, CGLA students paid for the opportunity to wear jeans instead of their school uniform. Ms. Bagby said all proceeds from the monies raised will be donated to a local women’s shelter.