
Protecting . Inspiring . Empowering. Girls’ Futures
The Building Beautiful Black Girls Project is dedicated to empowering teenage girls and young women (ages 13-17), through impactful training sessions, workshops and mentorship. In collaboration with organizations like The LINC Program, The Walker Foundation, GivingHope and many others we have:
Reached 20-25 girls each month across local elementary and middle schools.
Hosted engaging sessions at Garcia Elementary, Center Middle, and Hickman Mills Middle Schools.
Led transformative sessions at The Walker Foundation’s Annual Heritage Events
Provided training sessions to the Kansas City Ms. Juneteenth Pageant contestants (over 20-25 girls)
Provided essential guidance on self-esteem, self-love, self-advocacy and healthy relationships to every participant.
Additionally, our EmpowerHER and Little Queens sessions have become a vital part of the neighborhood, offering consistent support and mentorship to girls in the community. Through these programs, we are proud to help build a foundation of confidence, resilience, and self-worth in the young women we serve.
The ToolBox
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1. Laying the Foundation: Building Self-Value and Self-Worth
Black teenage girls face unique societal pressures and challenges that can negatively impact their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. These challenges, compounded by systemic racism, colorism, and narrow beauty standards, can leave them vulnerable to unhealthy relationships. By addressing these issues, we empower Black girls to recognize their worth, celebrate their individuality, and foster a positive self-image. This foundation is essential for helping them embrace their full potential.
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2. Embracing Identity: Loving the Skin They’re In
Once a sense of self-worth is established, we guide girls in embracing their whole selves—both inside and out. This includes celebrating their unique ethnicity, physical features, and diverse shades of beauty, as well as recognizing their character, talents, skills, and temperament. By helping them understand that their individuality is a blend of physical and internal traits, we teach them to value what makes them different and unique. Through this process, they learn to take pride in every aspect of who they are, fostering confidence and self-acceptance.
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3. Building Strength: Resilience, Self-Respect, and Advocacy
With a solid foundation of self-worth and pride in their identity, we equip Black girls with tools to navigate life’s challenges. Resilience training helps them adapt to change, recover from setbacks, and thrive in adversity. Lessons in self-respect, advocacy, and boundary-setting teach them how to stand firm in their values, prioritize their well-being, and confidently voice their needs.
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4. Creating Connections: Healthy Relationships
The final step is teaching girls how to develop and sustain healthy relationships. Building on their strong foundation, we help them identify the attributes of healthy relationships—trust, respect, communication, and equality—and recognize red flags in unhealthy dynamics. Through practical tools, mentorship, and a supportive community, we prepare them to make informed decisions and establish meaningful connections grounded in mutual care and respect.