Terisa Griffin hosted her legendary “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” at Malcolm X College, providing essential materials and workshops for prospective students and their parents (photo courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Back to school season is upon us, from daycare to college. Regardless of grade level, there are many resources in our community that can help us plan budgets or provide free supplies to parents and students.
Remember preparing to move to college and shopping for pillows, blankets, cleaning supplies and clothes?
If you haven’t heard of the Better Love Yourself Trunk Party, this event is all about giving back to students and providing them and their parents with a fun, lively and educational experience before they head off to college.
Love yourself better – a party with a purpose
The swim trunks prepared for the students at the “Better Love Yourself Trunk Party” (photo courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Recording artist Terisa Griffin started the Better Love Yourself Trunk Party at the Green Dolphin Lounge, where she also performed. As the event grew in popularity, she moved it to the DuSable Museum, and this year it was held at Malcolm X College.
Griffin explained, “I started organizing these events in 2006. For 18 years, my fans have generously helped me raise money for this cause because they love it. We receive help through donations and partnerships with various organizations. For example, we have received support from 100 Black Men, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We also work with institutions such as the Missouri History Museum. We strive to build new partnerships every year to keep this initiative going.”
The Better Love Yourself Trunk Party is a pep rally for education. In addition to helping students get what they need, Terisa offers workshops for students and parents on topics such as networking in college, mental health challenges and growth, financial aid, and sex and abstinence (Choosing you).
There are even games like Parent Bingo where parents can win prizes for their children. Terisa also offers a program for students and parents who attend these workshops to support their children in college and prepare them for life as empty nesters.
Teresa and her team personally pack each suitcase every year. To ensure they are well prepared, each student receives a suitcase containing everything from laundry detergent and dryer sheets to irons and lamps.
We even have personal care items like shower gel, toothpaste and deodorant.
Dedicated volunteers make the difference
Volunteers at the Better Love Yourself Trunk Party (photo courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Volunteers play a critical role in the fabric of our communities, offering their time, skills and enthusiasm to drive positive change and support important causes. By dedicating their efforts to diverse initiatives, volunteers help meet local needs, build meaningful connections and create a ripple effect of goodwill and progress.
Teri Manson, a dedicated volunteer for over four years, expresses why she enjoys working with Terisa and the organization each year.
“I love the sense of community and the opportunity to support such a meaningful cause. When I heard about this opportunity, I jumped in. It got me thinking. I had to figure things out for myself and wish I had packed some pasta in my trunk back then,” she said.
“I can still remember those days clearly – my mother lived on welfare, and when I went to school I worked hard to cover all my expenses, including travel and school fees, on my own.”
Since 2017, Tanya Neal and her daughter Tanaijah Fields have made it a point to return each year to give back and volunteer.
This tradition began when Tanaijah received her trunk and graduated from the University of Illinois. Tanya also supports students through the Michael Field Scholarship and recognizes their achievements.
Tanya says, “It’s my daughter’s passion that drives us. Last year she even raised money to provide a scholarship and she’s working on doing the same this year. It’s about giving back and helping other children benefit. My niece got a suitcase a few years before my daughter and since then we’ve made it a tradition to come back and volunteer. It’s something that’s very close to our hearts.”
Desiree Washington, who lost her husband several years ago, and her son Quilin McBride, 18, look back on this new chapter and say, “While I will have more time for myself, I am sure I will find ways to stay involved. Quilin is my only child, so it is an emotional transition for me. I need to let him go so he can experience life independently. I hope the foundation I have given him will help him make good choices and enjoy his time away.”
Jaylen Jones, who is attending Jackson State University to study psychology, was excited when he received his suitcase. He mentioned that it will help him save money on things that may seem inexpensive individually but can add up over time. Thanks to the suitcase, Jones received essential items he may not have thought to purchase before, such as rubbing alcohol, laundry detergent, bleach, and other cleaning supplies. Jones expressed his gratitude, noting that he likes to keep things clean and tidy and the suitcase will help him maintain that standard.
A warm conclusion
Attendees of the Better Love Yourself Trunk Party (photo courtesy of Terisa Griffin).
Terisa noted that new venues across the city and suburbs continue to be explored for the annual event.
They are open to collaborating with any institution and want to show the community that even after 18 years they are still going strong and have expanded their activities to other cities across the United States.
After the student workshops, dinner was served, followed by a special presentation with Dr. Angelia Roberts Watkins, Alexis Dionne “Breeze,” Lauren Tyner Ford, Helen Crawley Austin, and Terisa and her husband John S. Kendall.
They awarded scholarships, book grants and gift vouchers to the students.
The evening was marked by a rousing performance by Terisa and her band, who played three songs and invited the students on stage to dance, sing and win additional prizes.
The students also received practical tips for everyday college life, such as how to deal with a traffic stop.
The evening ended with a prayer and the students picked up their bags, ready to start their new journey with the support and guidance of Terisa and her team. Terisa assured them that they could always count on her ongoing support.
To apply, donate or volunteer for 2025, visit www.betterloveyourself.com
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