Letters to Black Girls
Black girls are under constant attack from racism and sexism. But they can survive. Better: They can thrive. Black women can help girls be healthy and whole if we approach them with love, honesty and vulnerability. There is no more powerful ally for a black girl than a black woman.
That is why Tamara Winfrey-Harris, along with noted author and award-winning columnist Rochelle Riley and writer Deesha Philyaw, is launching the Letters to Black Girls Project.
Our goal is to support and inspire teenage black girls through feminist, anti-racist, body positive, LGBTQ+ positive, anti-respectability politics and pro-black letters from black women.
Will you write a letter to a teenage black girl?
Here is what you need to do:
- Write a letter (see tips for writing a great letter in the next column).
- Complete a Letters to Black Girls submission form.
- Send us your letter and and submission form. You can do this in one of two ways:
or
Mail your letter and submission form (download form here) to:
Letters to Black Girls Project
℅ Tamara Winfrey-Harris
PO Box 472
Noblesville, IN 46061
Do you know a teenage black girl or girls who may like to receive a letter?
Tips for writing a great letter:
- Be real, honest and vulnerable.
- Share your experiences and words of encouragement. You won’t know the girl who receives your letter; simply think about what you needed to hear when you were a teen.
- Be mindful not to make assumptions about class, religion or sexuality.
- Make your letter as special as possible. For letters sent via U.S. mail, use nice paper. Sign it -even if you use a pseudonym.
Please spread the word. There are nearly 12 million black girls in the United States. That’s a lot of letters! We need as many letter writers as possible. Help us make this request go viral
Also consider hosting a letter writing party. Gather your friends, sorors or church members on an afternoon, provide some snacks and beverages, and spend a few hours writing inspiring and supportive letters to black girls. We’d love to feature your party here. Tell us about it and send pictures to info@letterstoblackgirls.com!
Get in Touch with Letters to Black Girls
Letters to Black Girls Project
℅ Tamara Winfrey-Harris
PO Box 472
Noblesville, IN 46061
Letters to Black Girls Project
1900 Pleasant St.
Unit #472
Noblesville, IN 46061
