Tangela Babb empowers young women in Hopkinsville with Lipstick After Dark program

Tangela Babb, a native of Hopkinsville, established the Lipstick After Dark initiative in 2019, aiming to empower young girls and young women to discover their self-worth and confidence amidst the challenges of adolescence.

ContributedTangela BabbLipstick After Dark initiative began in 2019 with just five girls.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville native Tangela Babb established the Lipstick After Dark initiative in 2019, aiming to empower young girls and women to discover their self-worth and confidence amidst the challenges of adolescence. The group’s objective is to provide a safe space for young girls and to destigmatize mental health issues. Babb focuses on minority groups and observes that many lack the necessary support systems and grapple with anxiety and body image concerns.

“Lipstick defines us as women. It provides a mask for us no matter how we are feeling,” Babb explained. “When we come home after dark and take off that mask what are we still battling with.”

Reflecting on her 16-year tenure as a social worker, during which she mentored girls at the Boys and Girls Club in Bowling Green, Babb transitioned her passion into the Lipstick After Dark initiative. Together with a team of social workers and volunteers, she now serves over 20 girls in the community.

Community meetings and growth

At their bi-monthly gatherings at the Aaron McNeil House, the participants form a circle, recite their pledge, and engage in discussions covering topics like anxiety, stress, self-worth, or the impact of social media.

Presently, the program accommodates 22 participants, with room for 30, offering eight-week sessions for seventh to twelfth-grade girls. At the end of the eight weeks, there is a pinning ceremony to commemorate their progress. Looking ahead, Babb envisions expanding the initiative by enrolling more members and enhancing support structures. Additionally, she has introduced a virtual journaling group called Reveal, dubbed Lipstick After Dark’s sister program, catering to parents’ needs.

“These girls gain normality, insight, knowledge, and tools. We have provided them with a lot of education materials and guest speakers,” Babb said. To join the program or donate to the initiative visit Lipstick After Dark website or email lipstickafterdarkllc@gmail.com for more information.