Recently, we celebrated the success of Amanda Gorman - We were in awe of her presence, accomplishments and oratorical skill. She was fabulous and she made us proud.
We generously give admiration to hollywood stars, successful business leaders. entertainers and athletes, but it doesn't feel like we give the same energy to young people living in our own backyards. I wonder how many Amanda Gorman's are going unnoticed, unappreciated, unsupported and uninspired.
We want to be part of something that changes that - The Nia Project wants to shine a light on girls, and work to ensure that more girls have an opportunity to be.
Black girls are 16 percent of girls in schools, but 42 percent of girls receiving corporal punishment, 42 percent of girls expelled with or without educational services, 45 percent of girls with at least one out-of-school suspension, 31 percent of girls referred to law enforcement, and 34 percent of girls arrested on campus. Black girls are the only group of girls overrepresented in all discipline categories for which data are collected by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. "Excerpt from the Atlantic article below."
The Nia Project seeks to answer the question, "How are Black Girls faring in Kansas City and what specific opportunities do we have to increase and ensure more positive outcomes for them?"
The American experience has always been a challenge and uphill battle for Black women. National statistics are sobering, and The Nia Project will specifically explore and examine, the quality of life for Black women in Kansas City, with an overall goal of increasing awareness, support and outcomes. These articles help to provide background and perspective on the challenge.
