Real help for girls of color

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DENISE CLAY made an impassioned plea for black girls in her column titled For colored girls whose needs have been ignored. Her basic argument–that we can’t leave girls behind in our quest to help young men of color–is a good one. The statistics she cited in support of that argument are sobering.

“There are many programs. The issue is that the girls do not want to participate or are not aware of them. The retention rate of girls in these programs [is] high, so it’s more of an issue … [of bringing] more awareness to these programs.” – Teresa Lamore

Denise’s column has started a much-needed discussion around solutions for girls of color. Denise argued passionately that there aren’t enough resources. One reader in particular was adamant in saying that there are initiatives available, and she wasn’t shy about saying so.

“Though I agree that we need to do more with our Black and Brown girls, I must disagree that there are a lack of organizations,” reader Teresa Lamore wrote in the comments section. “In Philadelphia there are many programs. The issue is that the girls do not want to participate or are not aware of them. The retention rate of girls in these programs [is] high, so it’s more of an issue on how to assure that the programs attract and retain the girls as well as advertise in the right places to bring more awareness to these programs. It’s about working more effectively with the School District, where in some cases [it] has been very hard to get them to buy into programs coming to the schools to meet the children where they are at.”

I challenged Teresa to send us a list of these programs, and to her credit, she did. I am proud to publish them now, because here is the inescapable truth: When we point out problems we can change the discussion, but when we point out solutions, we can change people’s lives.

Resources for girls of color

Teenshop Inc – www.teenshop.org
Elleanor Jean Henley
1207 Chestnut Street, Suite 402
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4102
tel: 215-851-1843 fax: 215-981-0709
teens@teenshop.org

Project A.L.O.E – www.projectaloe.com
Jumoke Dada
P.O. BOX 56207
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Uniquely You Summit – http://www.uniquelyyousummit.org
Shaleah Laché Sutton
P.O. Box 304
Glen Mills, PA 19342
484.383.4UYS
info@uniquelyyousummit.org

Tomorrow’s Girl – http://www.tomorrowsgirls.org
Pat McLean

The Pink Ladies Youth Mentorship Program / Pink Girl (Scouts) – Click here for website
Ms. Nakia Campbell – President & Youth Mentor
{267} 265-3617
pinkladypres@gmail.com
nsfoutreach.org/Pink_Ladies.html

Black Women in Sports Foundation
Brianna Downing
4300 Monument Road Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215.877.1925 ext.320 Fax number- 215.877.1942

Institute for the Development of African American Youth, Inc. (IDAAY)-http://www.idaay.org
S. Archye Leacock
aleacock@idaay.org
215-901-6976
2221 N. Broad St. Ste 202
Philadelphia, PA 19132

Women in Natural Science Program  http://www.ansp.org/education/programs/wins/
Linda V. Ellsworth
215-299-1045 or ellsworth@ansp.org.

Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & South New Jersey   http://www.girlsincpa-nj.org/
(215) 735-7775
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Two Penn Center, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Philadelphia Futures Sponsor-A-Scholar
http://www.philadelphiafutures.org/sas-high-school/overview
(215) 790-1666
Joan C. Mazzott
230 South Broad Street, 7th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.790.1666
Phone 215.790.1888 Fax

Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author and award-winning columnist. He is the editor and creator of Solomonjones.com. Click here to learn more about Solomon