5 Organizations Empowering Black Girls as Leaders

By Aziah Siid | Word In Black (WIB) – 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...