Finding Her Voice: How Black Girls in White Spaces Can Speak Up and Live Their Truth - Paperback

by Faye Z. Belgrave (Author), Ivy Belgrave (Author), Angela Patton (Author)

"A how-to book to encourage and empower Black teenage girls."--Kirkus Reviews

Find the strength and confidence needed to speak up, be heard, and assert yourself in a world filled with microaggressions and discrimination.

Have you experienced stress, frustration, anger, or sadness as a Black girl in a predominantly White space? Have there been times when you were the only Black voice to speak up in class or in a social situation? Maybe you have felt lonely as the only Black person in a group.

Unfortunately, you are far from alone. However, there are steps you can take to build self-empowerment, develop skills to address microaggressions, and explore your feelings and experiences in a meaningful way. This workbook can help you get started. Written by three powerful women who are lifelong advocates for racial justice, Finding Her Voice provides activities and exercises to help you challenge dominant culture, cultivate self-compassion and self-confidence, and build resilience in a world still filled with microaggressions and discrimination. You'll learn how to navigate awkward or difficult situations at school, with friends, and on social media.

You'll also find real stories from other teens who share your experiences. By reading about situations faced by other Black girls in White spaces and responding to the critical questions and exercises in the workbook, you'll learn to recognize and address some of the challenges unique to the Black girl experience.

Finally, you'll learn to strengthen your wonderful sense of self and own your power, and discover ways to share your amazing gifts with the world.

Author Biography

Faye Z. Belgrave, PhD, is professor of psychology and founding director of the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Center has implemented several interventions targeted at reducing problem behaviors and strengthening healthy behaviors among African American girls and young adults. Belgrave is the first author of cultural curriculums for African American girls (Sisters of Nia) and boys (Brothers of Ujima). Sisters of Nia helps girls ages eleven to fourteen embrace their culture and develop fulfilling relationships, while learning skills to navigate risky situations. It has been favorably reviewed in several peer-reviewed journals, and is one of a few cultural curriculums specifically targeting African American girls. Belgrave has published extensively on topics related to African American psychology.

Ivy Belgrave has been an educator for more than two decades. She has taught in the United States and abroad. Currently she lives in the Cayman Islands. Outside of the classroom, Belgrave has worked with girls focusing on racial identity and social and emotional development. Belgrave cofounded and led CREATE (Culturally Responsive Education and Advocacy Together for Equity) for teachers at a previous school, and has trained teachers on the tools of cultural proficiency. Belgrave is a member of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.

Angela Patton is CEO of Girls For A Change (GFAC). She was recognized in Richmond, VA's Style Weekly in 2015 as a Top "40 under 40," and listed in a national coalition of girl-serving groups that identified GFAC as one of five programs to note. In 2016, President Obama recognized Patton as a White House Champion of Change for after-school programming for marginalized girls of color. In 2018, GFAC was recognized as Nonprofit Partner of the Year, and in 2019, the Richmond Times-Dispatch nominated Patton for Person of the Year. Patton was appointed to the Virginia STEM Commission, and selected to participate in the Omega Women Residency Leadership program for women leading nonprofits for women and girls. Patton is available for speaking engagements, trainings, panels, and consulting services on Black girls and other girls of color.

Foreword writer Lauren Christine Mims, PhD, is assistant professor of educational psychology at Ball State University. Mims' work focuses on promoting the well-being and development of Black students. Mims was appointed assistant director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans by President Barack H. Obama.