COLUMBUS, Ohio — Black Girl Rising is more than a research project. It’s also a space where Black girls can connect.
“I really wanted to get in touch with my Black side and particularly being able to be with Black girls around my age,” said Tiara Haggins, a 17-year-old senior at Cristo Rey Columbus High School.
“I found it as a chance to build a sisterhood and find other Black girls in the community I could connect with,” said Nancy Abaogye, also a 17-year-old Cristo Rey senior.
Black Girl Rising is a research organization focused on the experiences of African American girls living in urban Ohio. Founder Fran Frazier partnered with the Ohio Department of Mental Health to uncover the strengths of Black girls and address their challenges.
The organization also hosts a think tank for Black girls. Haggins and Abagoye are part of the think tank, along with Cristo Rey senior Fatmata Ly, 18, and Downtown High School senior Kiara Price, 17.
Together, the girls are researching topics that impact them and their communities, including the history of African American hair, safety at home and school, stereotypes about Black girls and sexual assault.
“We are bringing new ideas to the table,” Price said. “Talking about different topics and bringing up different things that they may not be comfortable talking about at school or with other people. We have a safe space with each other.”
All four girls are graduating from high school this year and have been accepted into the colleges of their choice. They said the future of Black girls in Columbus is bright.
“We’re getting better. We’re learning how to speak out, stand up,” Ly said. “With Columbus, they need to know that we are out there, and we will be showing our confidence."