On a day dedicated to affirming the strength and potential of Black girls, the Girls Like Me Project hosted the Chicago Day of the Girl, a free event celebrating young change-makers and their voices.
The program was designed to align with the National Health Education and Illinois State Standards, covering topics in media literacy, language arts, social studies, and more.
La’Keisha Gray-Sewell, Founder and Executive Director of the Girls Like Me Project, emphasized the need for safe spaces for girls to advocate for themselves.
“In a world-class city like Chicago, which has been a safe harbor for many who need shelter, opportunity, and protection, too many are disenfranchised and locked out. It is time to provide space to affirm and advocate for all the girls, finding their voice beyond circumstances that silence them,” she stated in a press release.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a variety of activities, including Sound Bowls, yoga, hip-hop dance lessons, mental wellness sessions, DJ workshops, art therapy, and anti-bullying workshops.
The event was supported by numerous organizations, including Sista Afya Community Center, Black Girls Smile, and Discover Financial Services.
The highlight of the event was the capstone discussion titled “Voices Rising: Black Women Leaders Reclaiming Philanthropy for Our Girls,” featuring a salon-style conversation on the impact of philanthropy in empowering Black girls.
Notable speakers included Gray-Sewell, Keenya Lambert of the Chicago Foundation for Women, and Venisha White Johnson from Discover Financial.
During the discussion, speakers highlighted the transformative power of philanthropy and the vital role Black women play in shaping the future for girls.
“The philanthropic data has presented a stark reality; Black girls remain the least funded. Yet, they are oversaturated with societal detriments,” said Gray-Sewell. “Throughout herstory, we find Black women creating pathways for our girls to move forward and thrive in their promise. It is time to amplify that narrative.”
The event not only celebrated the contributions of Black women in philanthropy but also fostered connections among attendees, creating a supportive environment for authentic self-expression.
For press inquiries, contact Kevin Lampe at 312-617-7280.
