by Aziah Siid
Black women who are a force to be reckoned with aren’t just in films like “Hidden Figures” or “Black Panther.” They’re the real-life brains behind NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover, and the creative intellects crafting the architectural wonders of the modern world. But there’s no denying the road to such massive success is tough for Black women, who deal with constant racism and sexism throughout their K-12 school years.
As Word In Black has previously reported, Black girls experience damaging “adultification.” In addition, plenty of research has shown that Black girls are often erased in school and disciplined more harshly than their white peers for the same infractions. Instead of being seen as leaders, Black girls are often viewed as having an attitude and being disruptive.
That’s why programs that nurture and empower the next generation of Black girls to rise up as leaders in society matter. Indeed, from entrepreneurship to STEM, there’s a movement nationwide of organizations carving out space for the next generation of Black women to not just enter professions, but to lead them. They work to equip Black girls with the leadership skills and self-confidence they need to break barriers and take their rightful place in society. Here are five organizations whose efforts to uplift and empower are a blueprint for creating a future where Black girls not only dream of reaching for the stars, but also lead the way there.
1. 400 Forward
In 2020, Detroit’s own Tiffany Brown had a vision sharper than the skyline of her hometown: she was going to carve a direct path for Black girls into the world of architecture. Naming her initiative 400 Forward, she spotlighted a stark reality — as of 2017, there were only 400 licensed Black female architects. With a $50,000 matching grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in her toolkit, Brown set out to change the blueprint.
400 Forward is more than a program; it’s a launchpad providing mentorship, professional exposure, and a treasure trove of resources for young, aspiring female architects of color. From the whir of woodworking classes to the creativity of a free art and architecture summer camp, girls in the program are getting a holistic education that’s about building dreams as much as it’s about building structures.
2. National Coalition of 100 Black Women
On a chilly day back in 1970, Edna Beach and 23 other trailblazing Black women gathered, fueled by a resolve to address the racial inequities the Black community, and Black women in particular, had been navigating throughout the ’60s. That historic gathering birthed the National Coalition of Black Women.
Now, with a robust network of 63 chapters across 25 states, the NCBW stands as a beacon of support, guiding youth toward their educational North Stars. They’re not just about hitting the books; they’re invested in crafting experiences that uplift, foster self-love, and champion excellence from the classroom to life’s every arena.
Their work includes ending educational inequities, boosting outcomes, hiking graduation rates, and paving clear paths to vocational and college readiness, with a laser focus on S.T.E.A.M fields, HBCU enrollment, and making sure education doesn’t just seem accessible — it is accessible.
On a winter day in 1970, 24 visionary Black women led by Edna Beach met to discuss the turbulent conditions that were plaguing the Black community — specifically Black women — all throughout the 1960s. By the end of the meeting, the National Coalition of Black Women had been formed.
With 63 chapters in 25 states, NCBW delivers support services that help youth achieve their educational goals. In supporting positive experiences and fostering a positive self-perception and self-respect, they encourage excellence at all levels of education.
Their programs focus on eliminating disparities, improving outcomes, increasing graduation rates, focusing on vocational/ college preparation, S.T.E.A.M, enrollment into HBCUs, and affordability access.
3. Black Girls Leadership Academy
In 2020, a powerhouse group of Black women leaders from diverse professional arenas across the U.S. united with a singular, powerful vision: to uplift and empower young Black girls and women. And so, Black Girls Leadership Academy was born.
Amid the upheaval of COVID-19, the group zeroed in on the unique challenges faced by young Black girls — navigating the rough waters of educational disparities, mental and emotional turmoil, and economic uncertainties unleashed by the pandemic’s new normal.
4. Girls for Change
Launched into action in 2000, Girls for Change hit the ground with a mission: elevate young women by diving into social change projects that mirror the very challenges they confront daily in their own communities.
Snagging nonprofit status by 2004, they’ve been on a roll, unleashing initiatives left and right. Among them, the Girl Ambassador Program (GAP) stands out, carving out pathways for Black girls to blaze trails in “economic opportunity, technology, and entrepreneurship.”
5. Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN)
WEEN, short for Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, is where powerhouse women are shaping the future queens of color in entertainment, business, and tech. This organization isn’t just talking the talk; they’re leading the charge to mold young women of color into the leaders and innovators our world needs.
With a global impact touching over 80,000 young women through dynamic outreach, engaging programming, and their hallmark summer intensive, WEEN is on a mission to change girls’ lives. Since launching the WEEN Academy, in 2011, they’ve opened doors for students to learn from and rub elbows with the entertainment industry’s most accomplished execs and celebs.
