The transition from childhood to adolescence can be challenging for many young people. This experience is a bit more difficult for young women of color. According to a report by the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and the National Women’s Law Center titled “Unlocking Opportunity for African American Girls,” young Black women are disproportionately impacted by racial stereotypes, lack of educational equity, poverty and numerous other societal ills. One data point from the Civil Rights Data Collection noted that during the 2011-12 school year, 12 percent of all African-American female pre-K–12 students received an out-of-school suspension, which is six times the rate of white girls and more than any other group of girls and several groups of boys.
The Circle City Chapter of Links Inc. will host an event titled Real World Real Girls this Saturday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana facility. The event will tackle these issues and more, as well as give attendees valuable information on how to navigate the odds stacked against them. Debra Shoffner, the event chair, said there is a need to address these issues in Indianapolis.
“We learned that Black and Hispanic girls are significantly disadvantaged in terms of health, the academic achievement gap, socioeconomics and exposure to violence. When it comes to violence, they are more prone to becoming victims and are more likely to be exposed to (violent acts) than the majority culture,” she said.
The program will feature interactive and informative activities geared toward girls of color in grades 7-9. Links members will be in attendance to have one-on-one interaction with attendees. The hope is that the bonds formed Saturday afternoon will not only impact the young women in that moment, but also carry on in their lives for years to come.
“This year, our focus is on closing the achievement gap and on developing healthy habits with fitness, well-being, self-esteem and, of course, financial literacy,” said Shoffner.
Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis will present on the topic of leadership; Yvonne Harrington, vice president of Key Bank, will speak about financial literacy and accumulating wealth; Michael Twyman, executive director of OpportunINDY, will talk about conflict resolution and the importance of recognizing healthy relationships and Ghemaiya Bradley, a Desmond Tutu Center Fellow, will speak on self-esteem. Lewis, who is also a Links member, said she is honored to be a part of the event.
“To whom much is given, much is required. I have been blessed more than I deserve, so I feel it is important that I give back to young ladies,” she said. “This is my calling and my duty.”
Tracie Humphries, whose 21-year-old daughter participated in Real World Real Girls years ago, was excited for the opportunity to bring her 11-year-old, Teah, to this weekend’s event. Humphries said The Links has had a great impact on her children. “It seems like our race is No. 1 for so many things that aren’t positive. I support anything that can teach her to do well. I want her to learn as much as possible before heading to high school,” she said. “I want her to be the best she can possibly be.”
Caregivers and parents are invited to attend a session on stress management, locating scholarships for their children and self-care.
Limited space is still available. For more information, visit circlecitylinks.org.
