Tuskegee University announced on Mar. 10 that The Tiger’s Comfort Closet, an initiative providing free menstrual care products to students, has completed its first year of operation.
The program addresses a widespread issue in the United States, where many teens and adults struggle to afford period products. This lack of access can increase stress and negatively affect student attendance and performance.
Juniors Jaida Bazemore and Amaya Waymon started The Tiger’s Comfort Corner after noticing the need among their peers. Last fall, their efforts were recognized by the NAACP during the Freedom Awards ceremony at the organization’s 72nd Annual Alabama State Convention. “The Tiger’s Comfort Closet is an excellent example of what the Tuskegee Renaissance Era is – our students are not here to get an education just for education’s sake. At Tuskegee they are here with the purpose of uplifting communities, finding solutions where none had existed, and innovating to create scalable change,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO. “We are the help that we need, and we are enough.”
The project was developed with guidance from The Black Period(t) Project, a nonprofit focused on menstrual equity. Former Miss Tuskegee Mykala Thompson helped connect Bazemore and Waymon with founder Lena Vann to source supplies and learn best practices for operations.
Bazemore said their operations have grown over time: “Our operations have expanded well,” she said. “We have served nearly 250 students since our launch with nearly 3200 products that women need during the menstrual cycle.” She added, “I value helping to create solutions that actually support people in our community… It really showed me how people here come together to support each other.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, the campus chapter of African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND) is collaborating with The Tiger’s Comfort Closet for a Menstrual Product Giveaway event featuring gift bags and a raffle. Da’ Monik Milan, A²MEND lead and Students First advisor, said: “Our e-board is proud to be a part of this supportive and celebratory event… We feel it is essential to support Black women.”
The Tiger’s Comfort Corner operates in Tompkins Hall Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering items such as tampons, sanitary pads, and feminine wipes.
