In this discussion based class, students will learn about the emerging academic field of Black Girlhood Studies- a fast developing knowledge base that gives specific attention to the nuances of Black histories and futures through the eyes of Black girls. 

The voices of Black girls are often overlooked, underrepresented and undervalued in both the historical retelling and present day documentation of Black history/culture. To combat this, this course will discuss the lesser known stories of Black girls as organizers, leaders and change-makers and develop a deeper understanding of how Black girls have contributed to the very fabric of America. We will begin by building a foundation of understanding various social concepts and systems including misogynoir, colorism, adultification, safekeeping and healing and use these ideas to further understand the challenges Black girls have faced throughout history in present day. From there, we will use our budding knowledge to map out a call-to-action demanding protection, respect and inclusion for Black girls. Students will also be guided in documenting their personal journeys through journaling, photography and memory-making. 

This is a five week educational series that is rooted in 3 core beliefs:
1) Black girls are expanders of global knowledge as learners and creators of history, culture and change.
2) There should be an exchange of learning in the (virtual) classroom setting with respect and opportunity given to Black girls to share, unpack and understand the nuance and depth of their varied experiences.
3) All Black girls are change-makers, story tellers and worthy of documenting and sharing their experiences.
 
Week 1: - The Intro (Intersectionality, Respectability, Adultification and Criminalization of Black Girls) / Foundations In Black Girlhood Studies / Colorism & Cultural Appropriation

Week 2: Our Unsung: Mapping Black Girlhood History / 19th/20th Century Black Girlhood / The Story of Latasha Harlins: The LA Riots, Trayvon Martin and Tupac

Week 3: #BlackGirlsMatter: Black Girls & State Sanctioned Violence / Pushout: School to Confinement Pathways / The Crown Act: Black Girls & Hair Love

Week 4: Around The Way Girls: The Emergence of the Black ‘Girl Next Door’ (From Brandy to Raven Symone) / Y2K Black Girls and the fight for Pop Culture Inclusion / Black Girlhood and Culture Across the US

Week 5 : Healing & Liberation: The Safekeeping of Black Girls / Black Girlhood Studies: An Academic Study, What's Your Change? / Final Presentations

In each class session, we will begin by setting our intentions, creating a shared affirmation and reviewing the previous week for understanding. We will then move into the discussion of the week's topic utilizing in-depth discussion, Google slide presentations, and a discussion of our weekly reading. #BlackGirlMagic: Introduction to Black Girlhood Studies will be followed by #BlackGirlsMatter: Continuing Black Girlhood Studies for students who wish to dive deeper into Black girlhood studies and exploration.