Special to The Mississippi Link
The statistics are alarming. African American girls are more likely than their white counterparts to get pregnant, to become infected with HIV, to be in an abusive relationship, to live in poverty, and to commit suicide. Black girls in 2009 face many of the same challenges faced by their mothers and grandmothers and many must overcome even greater challenges. In addition to the pressure to succeed in academics, athletics, socio-economic and other cultural challenges, add the pressure to be thin and look like a runway model, then the stress can be overwhelming.
According to a survey by Girls Inc., “support systems bolster girls’ ability to believe they can achieve their dreams and endure stress, and yet one in ten girls (12 percent) and one in five high school girls (20 percent) say they do not know three adults to whom to turn if they have a problem.”
On Sept. 20, Sunday Girls International, an organization “Celebrating African-American Girls” will introduce itself to the Mississippi community with an invitation to mothers, daughters and friends to join us for a 90-minute motivational and inspiration program for girls aged 6 to 18. “I am Divine…Virtue en Beauty” will take place at the Community Meeting Room of the Jackson Medical Mall Thad Cochran Center from 3 pm to 5 pm. The event is free to the public.
Sunday Girls is an organization that aims to give black girls the mentors, support and foundation they need to foster self-esteem, to achieve academically and personally, and to learn to make the choices that will allow them to live their mission and purpose.
Sunday Girls founder Jacqueline Boykin is often asked, “When it seems girls from every culture are in need of special nurturing or counseling, why is this project focused on black girls?”
“I agree that all girls need counsel and advice,” said Boykin, “but the statistics show that there are special needs for black girls. Throughout this country black girls are facing challenges that negatively influence their quality of life and their future. They have high rates of pregnancy, single parenthood, and even suicide. They face a life of economic disadvantage because of low-skills and lack of education and the list goes on and on. We want to leave a mark on the hearts, souls and spirit of these girls that can never be erased.”
Historically, black women have been instrumental in imparting the “woman-to-girl” wisdom needed to build a strong life foundation. Mothers, grandmothers, and women from the church and community still have much to give; they have life lessons to share that can have a lasting effect on the lives of black girls.
Sunday Girls is more than an organization-it is a sisterhood connecting girls to mentors and organizations that can help them discover themselves, find their mission in life, build self-esteem and learn to make good choices that will lead to personal and professional success. The organization’s multi-media approach is designed for “teaching without preaching.”
Mississippi-based Sunday Girls International will spread its message throughout the nation with its mission of “Celebrating African-American Girls.”
For more information, contact Jacqueline Boykin at 601-506-4890.
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