People often assume what is best for Black girls without directly asking us for our own input on the topic.Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. (Wikimedia Commons)
Rosa Parks is a name known round the worldoften dubbed the mother of the modern-day civil rights movement, and the inspiration for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. But far fewer know the story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin who, nine months before Mrs. Parks refused to give up her seat, was arrested and jailed for not giving up her seat on a Montgomery bus.
Colvin was inspired by Negro History Week (the precursor to Black History Month) lessons about Harriet Tubman, abolition and womens rights. The day she refused to give up her seat, she told reporter Phillip Hoose:
My head was just too full of Black history, you knowthe oppression that we went through.
Colvin became one of four plaintiffs in Gayle v. Browder (1956), the ruling that concluded Montgomerys segregated bus system was unconstitutional (the case was decided in favor of the girls). It has been reported that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) considered using Colvins case to challenge segregation laws, but they decided against it because of her age.
The decision not to use Colvins case due to her age did not surprise many of the teen girls who participated in We REIGN Incs five-week advocacy, activism and organizing (AAO) internship this summerparticularly how Colvins age became a hindrance to her freedom of expression and advocacy.
Throughout the summer, the Philadelphia based non-profit led attendees in exploring the personal characteristics that impact their political views. Together, the teens concluded that gender, race and age are the most salient factors impacting not just their politics, but how they are perceived by the world.
People often assume what is best for Black girls without directly asking us for our own input on the topic, said one participant.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2ctwvl_UU/
Like Girls for Gender Equity (GGE), a New York-based organization that launched the National Agenda for Black Girls, We REIGN Inc is on a mission to support Black girls advocacy and freedom of expression. So, they created a space where their voices and policy priorities matter.
During the five-week AAO internship, the group asked Black girls what they need to become advocates, and they said they need political education that is relatable, understandable, with opportunities to be a part of the worknot just for themselves now, but so they can support future generations of Black girls. Their work created the foundation for Black Girl Politics.
Participants described Black Girl Politics as discourse about social issues and solutions that directly impact the lives of Black girls.
Black Girl Politics is extremely essential because we are often overlooked, but we have issues that affect us daily in health care, education, our communities and neighborhoodsissues that deeply impact us, another explained.
There are so many standards about how I should act, what I should wear, how I should look, how I should talk and so much more, but I believe thats wrong, a rising 10th grade student shared. Black Girl Politics is important because it helps me to define me. It teaches me that I am important, and so is what I stand up for.
For starters, Black girls want to be represented in government. Pennsylvania, a state poised to play a pivotal role in the 2020 presidential election, has no Black women in the state Senate, nor among the state cabinet and executive officials.
This lack of representation is also noted in state and local executive offices across the nation: Black women have yet to attain governorship in any state and just seven of the nations 100 largest cities have Black women mayors.
Limited representation means issues and experiences that impact the lives of Black girls and women may not be considered, because they are not represented.
As one of our interns explained, Black Girl Politics is the opportunity to fight for representation and advocate for ourselves.
Here atMs., our team is continuing to report throughthis global health crisisdoing what we can to keep you informed andup-to-date on some of the most underreported issues of thispandemic.Weask that you consider supporting our work to bring you substantive, uniquereportingwe cant do it without you. Support our independent reporting and truth-telling for as little as $5 per month.
Together, the group moved beyond what some described as the boring theory of politics to create the Black Girl Agendaa space for interns to practice advocacy and activism in their community.
When asked why they signed up for the second session, several girls described the internship as relatable and interesting.
These workshops [are] teaching me the stuff I need to know not in an easy way, but a more understandable way. For me, politics isnt really interestingit doesnt grab my attention, but doing this helps me get into politics a little bit morewithout it being straight boring.
During the internship, participants were invited to use the National Agenda for Black Girls ten-point plan to identify political issues that impact them and their community, then develop a message and campaign to raise awareness and organize.
While many issues were identified as critical, the top three were:
Thr program was designed to develop public engagement and policy analysis skills. Girls formed community groups to discuss their areas of concern, and developed political planks and one-page policy briefs to be shared with legislators. Their policy recommendations included increasing funding for comprehensive sexual health education including consent, continuing the fight for the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act until it is national law, and funding for counseling not criminalization of domestic violence survivors.
All of the girls engaged in healthy debates about defunding the police and reproductive justice. They practiced listening to the perspectives of others and using research and facts to justify recommended actions.
For one participant, these conversations were the highlight of the program: The most useful aspect of the Black Girl Agenda internship was sharing my ideas and opinions with other Black girls.
Another told us that having the opportunity to discuss issues with girls who all wanted to make a change made her want to try harder to understand the issues.
A 2018 report by the Center for American Progress reported that civic knowledge and public engagement are at an all-time low.
While schools would be the most likely place for students to gain knowledge of politics, government and civic engagement, few states require more than a half-year of instruction in these areas.
This creates a major barrier for Black girls and women who are already underrepresented at all levels of government and have limited opportunities to learn about their rights as citizens, who represents them, and the policies that impact their daily lives.
Black girls are regularly excluded from decision-making tables and rarely engaged by legislators and policy makers. We REIGNs goal, then, is to fill an educational gap and support the development of a coalition of Black girls in Philadelphia who are politically astute and prepared to advocate and organize around issues that are important in their lives and communities. So far, the group are succeeding.
Combating apathy requires representation, access and knowledgethe right to vote alone does not create civic engagement. If we want Black girls to be involved and invested in shaping the future of this country, starting at 18 is simply too late. Political education and civic engagement must begin early and be, as one participant explained, relatable, and personal to us.Black girls want to know about their herstory, Black women activists and the concept of people power.
All youth will benefit from early access and multiple opportunities to learn about the judicial, legislative and executive branches of government. But, like Claudette Colvin, Black girls want to participate, not just observe the work of what they labeled the fourth branch of government: the people.
Black girls are poised to lead the change the United States is waiting for, and they are no longer bringing folding chairs; they are taking their seat at the table.
The coronavirus pandemic and the response by federal, state and local authorities is fast-moving.During this time,Ms. is keeping a focus on aspects of the crisisespecially as it impacts women and their familiesoften not reported by mainstream media.If you found this article helpful,please consider supporting our independent reporting and truth-telling for as little as $5 per month.
Here is the original post:
- Jackboot - Wikipedia - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- The Federalist #51 - Constitution Society - January 8th, 2017 [January 8th, 2017]
- Free oppression Essays and Papers - 123helpme - January 25th, 2017 [January 25th, 2017]
- Labour movements in Congo Brazzaville: Between oppression and self determination - CADTM.org - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- A Modern Choice on Life - Harvard Political Review - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Opinion: While true oppression exists, hypocrisy of some women is clear - Shelby Township Source Newspapers - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Understanding Information Oppression in the Era of Trump - MediaFile - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Angolans Bravery Broke Down Chains of Colonial Oppression - Minister - AllAfrica.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Hoosier attorneys travel to Rwanda on legal mission trip - Indiana Lawyer - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Bishop: Government has betrayed me over refugees - Premier - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Open Letter to NFL Players Traveling to Israel on a Trip Organized by Netanyahu's Government - The Nation. - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Police Disperse Shiite Protesters Demanding Release Of El-Zakzaky - SaharaReporters.com - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Turkey's HDP Women's Assembly issues feminist call-to-arms against 'one man rule' - Left Foot Forward - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Collin Nji: The first African to win Google's CodeIn Challenge - Pulse ... - Pulse Nigeria - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Student leader says 'black-on-black crime is not a thing,' wants to ... - The College Fix - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Sri Lanka: Tamil Insurgents Marxism Versus Nationalism - Sri Lanka Guardian - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Israeli Knesset 'legalizes' robbery of Palestinian land - Liberation - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- LETTER: Evangelical Lutheran Church respond to political cartoon - The Dickinson Press - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Visiting Our Past: Odyssey of Clyde pioneer Jacob Shook - Asheville Citizen-Times - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Organize to defeat Trump's Muslim ban | Fight Back! - Fight Back! Newspaper - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- Do we have a legitimate government? - Altoona Mirror - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Anti-Castro Cuban-American lawmakers see a champion in Trump - The Daily Progress - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Anti-Trump Swedish Government Accused of Hypocrisy for Kowtowing to Iran - Heat Street - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- CSG President vetoes Israel-Palestinian lunch resolution | The ... - The Michigan Daily - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Sweden's 'Feminist' Government Defends Veiling in Iran After Attacking Trump - Breitbart News - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- U. Mass Students Plot Strike Against 'Oppression' of Migrants - Breitbart News - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- March on Washington: Drawing the Line between Empowerment and Oppression - The Index - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Ethiopian Athlete Who Made Anti-government Gesture in Rio Reunites With Family - Voice of America - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Mottley: Tax clearance certificate an 'instrument of oppression' - Loop Barbados - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Sweden's 'feminist' government criticized for wearing headscarves in Iran - Washington Post - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Turkey purge: dark cloud of oppression hangs over country's universities - Times Higher Education (THE) (blog) - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Fox News' Todd Starnes Redefines 'The Deplorables' - Forward - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Christophobia: a Global Perspective - AINA (press release) - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- AzaadiFreedom from Indian Oppression - Economic and Political Weekly - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Iraqi forces advance on Islamic State-held western Mosul - Stars and Stripes - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Henry Rollins Doesn't Smoke Pot, But Demands The Right to Choose To - Weed News - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- UC San Diego Students Protest Visit by 'Oppressive and Offensive' Dalai Lama - Heat Street - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Commentary | We must all stand with Tibet - The McGill Daily (blog) - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- In Trump's America, Christian proselytizing is another form of oppression - LGBTQ Nation - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Elders share experiences with oppression from their youth - B.C. Catholic Newspaper - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Iran tells US chess champion to wear a hijab here's how she responds - TheBlaze.com - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Afro-Mexican people brought to light - The Daily Evergreen - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Online activism is leading the fight against oppression but at what cost? - Asian Correspondent - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Stephen Miller was no hero fighting left-wing oppression at Santa ... - Los Angeles Times - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Grass-roots leaders join call for 'disrupting' oppression that hurts many - Catholic News Service - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- President Trump Breaks a Promise on Transgender Rights - New York Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Pussy Riot Protests Through Make America Great Again Viral Video - Conatus News - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Governor Treen brought sunshine to Louisiana governmental conservatism - Bayoubuzz - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- I want an international probe into failed Turkey coup Fethullah Glen - Citifmonline - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Lateral Oppression Hurts Us All - The Lakota Country Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- On finding freedom from oppression, fear - Davisclipper - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Supreme Court denies bail to leading anti-base activist in Okinawa; government accused of oppression - The Japan Times - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Disobedience Checks Unjust Laws - The Oberlin Review - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Cycles and Oppression - Patheos (blog) - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Another Jewish cemetery desecrated; what will the President say? Isn't the government supposed to help? - San Diego Jewish World - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Transport groups hold nationwide transport strike to protest government's PUV modernization program - CNN Philippines - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Opinion: The Relevance of Orwell's 1984 - Emertainment Monthly (registration) (blog) - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Monitoring group documents Turkey-backed profiling in Netherlands - Turkey Purge - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- What should we see in the ashes of the Standing Rock protest camp? - Liberation - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Opinion: Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big ... - CNN - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Trump Vows Teamwork with 'Allies in the Muslim World' to 'Demolish and Destroy ISIS' - Breitbart News - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Freedom House: Chinese Communists Intensifying Religious ... - Voice of America - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- ISIS Threatens China In New Video Showing Chinese Jihadists - Vocativ - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - Gant Daily - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- This Is Why The Youth Is Picking Up Arms In Kashmir - Youth Ki Awaaz - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Saudi Arabia: Music video and government initiatives split society - Freemuse - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- From Latin America to South Africa: it's time for effective solidarity towards Palestine - The Daily Vox (blog) - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - CNN International - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Articles: Islam, the Veil, and Oppression - American Thinker - American Thinker - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- UK's student union rebukes officer for Israeli embassy plot - The Electronic Intifada (blog) - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- Public needs to help get government back on track - Fairfield Daily Republic - March 4th, 2017 [March 4th, 2017]
- Shahbaz Bhatti's legacy six years on - DAWN.com - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- The Readers' Forum: Monday letters - Winston-Salem Journal - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- Focusing on religious oppression in China misses the big picture - CNN - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- How America Became a Colonial Ruler in Its Own Cities - Vanity Fair - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Plurality of Americans are right: "dissatisfaction with government" worst problem facing country - Hilltop Views - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- The Oppression of Eve: Was Patriarchy Actually The First Sin? - Patheos (blog) - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Thousands in women's rights march in Polish capital - National - thenews.pl - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Probe: Artist Blacklist Antidemocratic Oppression - KBS WORLD Radio - KBS WORLD Radio News - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Peoples' Tribunal Indicts Myanmar Leaders for Genocide Against Rohingya, Atrocities Against Kachin - The Chicago Monitor - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]