#BlackGirlsMatter Because…
It’s been quite a year to be a Black girl! Misty Copeland was the first Black woman to become principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. Director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay wowed the world with Selma (and later became immortalized as a Barbie doll!). And don’t even get us started on Shondaland (shout-out to Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis) and #TeamCookie!
While #BlackGirlMagic was a trending topic, there were some downfalls, too. Take for example 15-year-old Dajerria Becton who was arrested at a Texas pool party this summer. Or the mysterious death of Sandra Bland. And don’t forget the young woman who was dragged like a rag doll inside a classroom at a South Carolina high school.
We believe that #BlackGirlsMatter, which is why we’re teaming up with Stories She Wrote to give you a chance to speak your mind and tell us how you REALLY feel.
In 500 to 1,000 words, tell us why you think Black girls matter. Entries will be read and judged by Stories She Wrote and Sesi. The entrant who submits the most original, inspiring and empowering essay will receive a special prize pack including a one-year subscription to Sesi, books by Black women writers and more. The winner’s essay will also be published in an upcoming issue of Sesi!
The contest is open to girls between the ages of 13 and 19. Email your essay to submissions@storiesshewrote.org by 10 p.m. CT on Monday, February 1, 2016. Please include your name, age and hometown. We can’t wait to see what you write!
