A teenage girl is manhandled like a rag doll for not turning in her cellphone. A police officer puts his knee in the back of a teenage girl in a bikini as she is face down on the ground for attending a pool party. When the issue of police brutality is discussed, it downplays the injustice inflicted on black girls and women. Black girls and women were preyed upon by a police officer because he assumed no one would believe their story. Black girls suffer harsher discipline in school more so than black and white boys. Yet, the plight of black girls has often been pushed aside. Who addresses their needs? Enter Black Women for Black Girls. Black Women for Black Girls is a giving circle of black women from the greater New York area seeking to make a difference in the lives of black girls in New York City. To that end, Black Women for Black Girls commissioned a study of black girls in NYC.
In 2009, the findings were compiled in a report titled, Black Girls in New York – Untold Strength & Resilience. The study found that: (1) poverty is one of the biggest challenges; (2) black girls face unique hurdles in educational settings; (3) personal safety is a prime concern; (4) black girls have a distinct perspective on issues of self-esteem; and (5) faith, family, and racial identity are protective factors in the lives of black girls. Although most of the girls in the study faced many challenges, instead of despair there was a story of fortitude. Like Maya Angelou’s poem, And Still I Rise, these girls rise above the obstacles life has placed before them.
Armed with the results of the study, Black Women for Black Girls has set out to assist NYC black girls by financially supporting organizations whose mission targets empowering black girls. Additionally, Black Women for Black Girls developed two signature programs to assist black girls via its College Shower and Girl Summit.
The College Shower is held annually in the summer. Girls can apply or be nominated. The College Shower selects black girls entering their freshman year of college who live on campus. It provides linens, bedding, towels, laptops, and toiletries. Girls that maintain a 3.0 GPA are eligible for an additional tuition scholarship their second semester. Tianna Morris is a 2015 College Shower Honoree and scholarship recipient. She said, “It was a wonderful experience to know that people cared and gifted me with so many things. The scholarship knocked out student loans that I would have had to take out. Plus, I am super close to my mentor. I can talk to her about everything. It helps to know that she grew up in Harlem and has done well. I can identify with her.”
Believe in a Black Girl Summit is an inspirational and educational event connecting black girls throughout NYC and the surrounding areas to resources and information that will empower them to make positive life decisions. The Girl Summit brings together a panelists of black women from various professions and offers workshops for attendees on addressing the needs of black girls in NYC.
Black Women for Black Girls is seeking to make a bigger impact with its Believe in a Black Girl Campaign. To be part of the #BelieveInABlackGirl movement, all are invited to attend the campaign launch dinner on Thursday, March 17th.
This originally appeared on Mr. Refined, where Ronda is a contributing writer.
Also published on Huffington Post.
Ronda is an attorney, writer, and entrepreneur. She is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Originally from Chicago, she has lived in Los Angeles and New York. She loves to travel and is passionate about education equity, especially for first generation college students.