In a world that too often ignores, dismisses, or outright attacks the worth of Black girls, it is up to us—their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and allies—to stand as unwavering protectors of their future, their dignity, and their dreams. We are the guardians of their stories, the keepers of their light, and the ones who will fight, tooth and nail, for a world that will not diminish them. As the challenges grow, so too does our resolve. We cannot and will not stand by and watch as our precious girls grow up in a society that often fails to see their full humanity.
The struggles that Black girls face in America are not new, nor are they small. From the moment they enter the world, they encounter forces determined to strip them of their innocence, confidence, and even their dreams. In schools, they are disciplined at disproportionate rates, viewed through biased lenses that label their energy as defiance and their self-expression as aggression. In media, they are either made invisible or painted with stereotypes that ignore the depth of their individuality and the richness of their stories. And in communities and homes across the country, too many Black girls suffer in silence as they navigate environments that undervalue, underestimate, and misunderstand them everyday.
But this must end here and now. It is our duty—our sacred obligation—to make sure that Black girls know they are cherished, celebrated, and safe. They deserve to grow up in a world where they are respected and uplifted, not torn down. They deserve the same freedoms as any other child: the freedom to explore, to dream, to be loud, to be bold, and to know they are loved, no matter what the world might say. To ensure this, we, the elders and protectors, must be willing to step up and stand in the gaps that society leaves.
Black women have always known what it’s like to carry the weight of prejudice, to battle against systems that try to keep us small. And we also know that we survived, not by luck or chance, but because generations of Black women before us protected us, taught us, and held us close when the world was cold. We come from a line of women who didn’t just survive but thrived, despite the obstacles—and that legacy lives on in us today. Now it is our turn to create that same world of safety and possibility for our girls.
To our young Black girls: know this truth. Walk tall and speak with confidence, because your voice matters, your dreams matter, you matter. We are here to make sure that you never feel small or alone. If the world tells you that you are “too much” or “not enough,” know that we are behind you, telling you the truth—that you are perfect exactly as you are. When the world tries to diminish your light, we will be there to reflect it back brighter.
Our work will not stop at words. We will push for change in schools to address the systemic discrimination that harms our girls. We will fight for media that portrays Black girls as they are—complex, brilliant, diverse, and full of potential. And in our own communities, we will lift each other up, supporting Black-owned businesses, arts, and initiatives that give our girls examples of what is possible.
We also call upon our allies in other communities to join us in this work, to understand that protecting Black girls is not just a task for Black women, but a duty that calls upon all people who value justice and equality. To our allies, know this: our struggle, our fight to protect Black girls, is one that requires a collective effort. You can help by supporting Black communities, listening to Black voices, and challenging the structures that oppress us all.
Our commitment to you, dear Black girls, is lifelong and unwavering. We will protect you at all costs because you are our legacy, our joy, and our future. In your strength, we see our own, and in your dreams, we see the promise of a better world.
We are here to hold you up, to lift you high, and to make sure that no matter how loud the forces of oppression might seem, our Black voices of love and support will always be louder.
