In the fall of 2017, young Black women hailing from across Peel Region were invited to take part in the Young Black Women’s Project, a leadership program aiming to encourage participants to explore issues affecting health and well-being through facilitated discussions, expert presentations, and creative, communications and arts-based activities.
Weekly workshops focused on mental health, sex and relationships, body and self image, and leadership, among other themes of interest identified by community members. Classes were led by a talented roster of community mentors, who shared personal insights while skillfully guiding participants through sometimes-delicate subject matter.
Participants in the Young Black Women’s Project took part in a public speaking workshop led by a local celebrity, story-boarding activities and expressive painting with a talented visual artist, and a creative writing workshop facilitated by a New York Times best-selling author, among many others.
Participants in the Young Black Women’s Project forged bonds both with one another quickly, as well as with community mentors. The supportive group dynamic helped to foster an open atmosphere, allowing group members to communicate their ideas around tough subjects like sex and racism freely. With the help of a variety of creative mediums, group members shared thoughts and opinions that had hitherto gone unexplored.
Many graduates of the program have committed to leading future iterations of the project, as members of the Young Black Women’s Project Advisory Committee.
Look out this Spring for Her Story: The Young Black Women’s Project Anthology, a book comprised of contributions from members of the Young Black Women’s Project.