Our mission is to create safe-brave spaces where young people who identify as Black and girl are visible, and their strengths, needs, voices, and stories are centered as they define themselves, practice living unapologetically, and develop the skills needed to become change agents in their own lives and communities.
We believe it is essential for Black girls to be rooted in loving themselves, and from whence they came. Because Black girls embody intersectionality through race, gender, and in many cases class, their marginalization renders them invisible in many settings making it hard for them to love the skin they are in. Their experiences, too often, send the message that they are not important. Our “we Speak” program emphasizes identity development, community activism, and the opportunity for girls to define themselves for themselves by telling strength-based stories and creating community with one another.
Knowing is empowering, and understanding sets the stage for advocacy, individual decision-making, and civic engagement. Through our internships, convenings, school and community-based workshops, we support Black girls in understanding the world around them. Group sessions that focus on Community Violence, Sexual Health, Intimate Partner Relationships, Health & Wellness, and College & Career Planning, provide the information girls need to make informed decisions. These sessions also offer the opportunity for girls to practice speaking out on issues that are important to them
It takes more than words to inspire, so we create opportunities for our ambassadors to advocate, network with others, travel, attend and host community events, and explore careers and college options. These opportunities offer the chance for girls to experience what they imagine. Taking girls outside of their community and beyond their comfort zones stretches their thinking into the future. We make space for girls to plan, organize, and take ownership of their becoming.