The Black community is familiar with “The Talk,” a conversation African-American parents have with their children about the dangers they will face due to racism. Today is International Day of the Girl, the annual day to celebrate girls and advocate for increased opportunities that support strides toward gender equality. In its eighth year of observance, more and more has been done to raise awareness about the need for more equitable outcomes for girls. From access to education and healthcare to protection against violence, progress is evident, but there is still much work ahead. An important conversation that’s necessary for real progress for all girls is about how society is desensitized to the needs of Black girls.
Black girls are more likely to be suspended or arrested in school, and are more likely to be punished for more subjective violations such as insubordination or dress code violations. Studies have shown that Black girls are viewed as less innocent and have a lesser need to be nurtured and protected than white girls starting as early as five years old. So how does that bias play into how the actions of Black girls are judged by authorities? If a Black girl is seen as less innocent and older than her actual age, you can see how inaccurate conclusions may be drawn. Is she disrespectful to authority while a white girl is sassy or precocious? Are her clothes seen as inappropriate because her body shape is curvier than the white girls in her class? Is it easier to punish a Black girl because her teachers think “she can handle it?”
The myth of the strong, unshakeable black woman starts at an early age. And as disheartening it is for me, as a Black woman, to know that my pain is deemed as less severe, it’s heartbreaking to know that such a label for Black girls essentially takes away their ability to just enjoy childhood and be kids.
There are lawmakers such as Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Kamala Harris who are speaking out about the disparities that most deeply impact Black girls, and organizations like Grantmakers for Black Girls, Black Girls Code and Black Girls Smile are working to drive funding and resources towards initiatives that support girls of color. These groups are proving that Black girls thrive when they feel valued and celebrated. And in these supportive environments, they are showing up as future leaders and innovators, ready to be the change makers of tomorrow.
We need to support and help grow these organizations to continue progress. And even with these encouraging steps, change doesn’t feel immediate enough. What can we do now to instill in Black girls that they are seen and they matter? How do we encourage them to express themselves while some may not be as sensitive to their pain? How do we make sure Black girls move through this world with their spirits intact?
Support for Black girls can’t only fall on the shoulders of the Black community. It needs to be a cross-sector, cross-community effort. We all need to be the ones that hear their cries and let them know they are worthy. They need to feel nurtured, protected and cherished. We have to lift them up and tell them they are strong, kind, beautiful and intelligent. We need to fight for their freedom to enjoy childhood with endless moments of laughter, wonder, fearlessness, creativity and joy.
In honor of International Day of the Girl, learn more about how you can support organizations that are working to change the narrative about Black girls.
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