Love Your Magic

Deep gratitude to?Dr. Monique Couvson, Ed.D.?for her powerful keynote at The State of Our Girls! Her words truly reminded us of the transformative power of love: “Love is a powerful agent. It’s not just a cutesy word. That is a powerful agent of transformation. I would argue the most powerful agent of transformation, and if you love our girls, what does that then call you to do?” Dr. Couvson’s message challenges us all to act with love in ways that uplift and support the Black and Brown girls in our communities. ???? Thank you, Dr. Couvson, for inspiring us to lead with love!

Black girls, I see you. An important opinion piece in today's The Philadelphia Inquirer on how the nation’s teachers over-discipline and more severely punish Black girls than girls of any other racial background: https://lnkd.in/gKiHskdw

This past week, we’ve been holding space for the girls in our programs to reflect, process, and share their thoughts and feelings post-election. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but we’re choosing to let this radicalize us—transforming our frustration into purposeful, transformative action, all while affirming ourselves and each other.

We’re thrilled to celebrate more of our 40 Liberation Leaders as part of BWF’s 40th anniversary. These amazing leaders are dedicating their time and talents to creating new systems for our communities to thrive throughout the Greater Boston area. ??Andrea Swain ??Ivanna Solano ??Joanne Christine Suarez ??Ruth Rollins Swipe to learn about these four incredible changemakers and read their full bios here: https://lnkd.in/etRRe68D

In our work to end the criminalization of Black women & girls, it is impossible not to talk about survivors of domestic violence: Black women disproportionately experience domestic violence and intimate partner violence, with 54% facing stalking, physical, or sexual violence in their lifetime. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month concludes, our mission to end the criminalization of Black women and girls includes survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. To learn more about the pathways in which Black survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence are disproportionately criminalized, check out our factsheet: Black Women & Girls, Gender-Based Violence, and Pathways to Criminalization & Incarceration? https://lnkd.in/gwDw5BFQ #DomesticViolence #BlackWomen #MassIncarceration #DomesticViolenceAwareness

**NEW DATES** Every day, Black girls face unfair challenges in schools, including being perceived as loud, angry, and aggressive and facing "adultification” bias, where adults perceive Black girls to be older and more mature than they are. This often leads to punitive policies under which Black girls are punished more harshly than other students and creates a school environment where Black girls feel unsafe and that hinders success—increasing Black girls’ risk of poor mental health, being pushed out of school altogether, and potentially bringing them into contact with the juvenile legal system. But change is possible. The CARES (Creating, Affirming, Responsive, Equitable, Schools) Initiative aims to end school pushout by transforming schools into the nurturing, caring, and supportive educational spaces that Black girls & gender-expansive youth and all students deserve, where they can grow and thrive. We provide schools with essential tools, resources, and training to enhance educators' awareness and commitment to policies and practices that affirm the identities of all students. Join us for a two-part series launching the CARES Initiative hosted by Tenaj Moody, our director of capacity building and learning. Session 1: You will be introduced to the CARES assessment tool. Developed with insights from Black girls and gender-expansive youth, this tool helps schools implement policies and programs that support mental health and well-being for all students. Hear directly from educators at Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy and Democracy Prep Public School about their experiences using the tool and how it has empowered their approach to supporting Black girls in their schools. Session 2: Learn from the adult advisory experts who contributed to the CARES assessment tool’s development. Discover how it addresses gaps in supporting Black girls' mental health and explore the innovative resources it offers. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of creating affirming and equitable educational spaces. Together, we can foster safety, belonging, well-being, and opportunities for every student, especially Black girls and gender-expansive youth. RSVP ?? https://bit.ly/CARESLAUNCH

The Be Well Retreat is a one-day experience for Black and Brown girls in elementary school, offering healing through art, yoga, and dance in the North Shore. Join us as we create a space for connection, self-care, and community! Register today at https://lnkd.in/e4XTamW8

Dr. Monique Couvson, Ed.D. just gets it. The magic is already within—rooted in the wisdom our girls carry from their lived experiences. At Love Your Magic, we honor and uplift that brilliance. ??: @thebeautifulbostonian

On Friday, we were honored to hear from the brilliant voices of our youth, who courageously shared their personal stories, challenges, and hopes. With the guidance of the amazing Beyazmin Jiménez, and alongside Jasmine Welcome, LICSW of?Roots Unraveled, our panel sparked crucial conversations about healing, growth, and creating spaces where our girls feel truly seen and supported. We are deeply grateful for their wisdom and vulnerability. Let’s continue to listen, learn, and act in support of the well-being of our girls. ??

Thankful for the opportunity to share this space. This was my first Love Your Magic event and I am delighted to continue to follow and support the organization as it supports our young women and girls.