A Year of Impact, Gratitude, and Purpose

This blog has been months in the making because I needed some time to breathe. What a whirlwind January was — a month of heartbreak and chaos. The devastating fires in LA, Trump’s disrespectful inauguration falling right on MLK Day, and Daughters making the shortlist but not securing a nomination. But let’s be clear—the movement we’ve built isn’t defined by awards or accolades. Sure, they bring visibility and can spark broader change, but our mission is bigger than any trophy. We move onward and upward, and what an honor it’s been so far.

Meanwhile, executive orders are being passed that do nothing for those already at a disadvantage, making it even harder to find a level playing field, let alone get ahead. There’s been an outright attack on our contributions, and as if that wasn’t enough, a tragic plane crash claimed lives while DIE practices were unjustly blamed.

January was been chaos at its peak—truly insane. But even in the madness, we find our focus, our purpose, and our path forward. I took my breath, reminded myself why I show up, and leaned on the strength of my family, friends, mentors, and ancestors. Now, with the weight lifted, I’m ready to elevate—rooted in purpose and crystal clear on why I do this work every single day. 

As I reflect on 2024, I am overcome with gratitude, pride, and an unstoppable sense of purpose. 2024 marked a milestone in my journey as a founder, activist, CEO, and storyteller. It was a year of navigating the uphill climb of sustaining a nonprofit organization, celebrating two decades of Girls For A Change (GFAC), and amplifying the voices and stories of Black girls in ways I never thought possible.

This year has been a testament to the strength of belief, the power of collaboration, and the enduring fight for respect and love for Black girls—a fight that fuels my purpose every single day.

At the heart of my work lies a sobering reality: Black girls continue to face a systemic lack of love and respect. Their voices are silenced, their humanity diminished, and their stories either ignored or twisted into harmful stereotypes.

For centuries, Black girls have been boxed into narratives that deny their creativity, complexity, and brilliance. This year, I leaned further into storytelling to challenge these misconceptions, highlight the resilience of Black girls, and ensure their stories are told authentically.

2024 introduced me to a new lane, one with fewer drivers but immense potential. It’s a lane dedicated to telling truthful, unapologetic stories about Black girls. The success of Daughters, a film I co-directed, proved that the world is hungry for these narratives. Daughters not only shed light on the systemic injustices faced by Black girls but also reminded audiences that these young women are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. They are the heartbeat of their families and communities, and their stories demand to be heard.

The film also reignited my purpose, reminding me why I’ve been chosen to be in rooms with these girls to listen to their dreams, address their unmet needs, and amplify their aspirations. No reflection on this incredible year would be complete without honoring my family, who held it all together, supported me unconditionally, and rooted me in love and strength.

To My Father

At 85 years young, you continue to show up for me with unwavering love and support. You’ve always been my biggest champion, and I remain the luckiest little girl because of you.

To My Mother

You taught me to be a strong woman with a big voice. Your example of grace, resilience, and love inspires me every day.

To My Husband

You believe in my wildest dreams and fill my days with laughter, joy, and unconditional love. Thank you for being my partner in this beautiful journey.

To My Children

I am the luckiest mom to have you both. You light up my life and embody everything I hope to see in the world.

To My In-Laws

Your love and connection enrich my life in countless ways. I am so thankful for the joy and encouragement you bring to my days.

To My Sistah Circle

To my Sistah circle: thank you for holding me accountable, uplifting me, and reminding me of my purpose. Your love and support are essential to my journey.

To the Daughters Team

Together, we created more than a film we built a movement. Thank you, Netflix, for amplifying this story and believing in its importance.

To the GFAC Team

You are the backbone of this organization. Your dedication ensures that Black girls feel seen, valued, and supported. I am in awe of what we’ve achieved together.

To the Creatives, Celebrities, and Influencers

Your mentorship, guidance, and authenticity have left a lasting impact. Your encouragement and kindness inspire me and others watching.

To Daughters Participants

Thank you for letting us into your lives to share your stories with the world. Because of your courage and vulnerability, others who have experienced the same hardships can themselves in you and begin to heal. This documentary was never about awards and accolades, it was about creating change in the criminal justice system, sharing Black stories, and offering a perspective on family healing, bonding, and connection.

As I look ahead and move into 2025, the question I’ve been asked most is: “What’s next?” It’s time to re-up, re-introduce, or for those tuning in for the first time—welcome to the real Girls For A Change.

The Next Four Years! 

The new administration is already full of instability, turmoil, and danger—but for Black girls, this is nothing new. Systems designed to destroy them, harmful policies, and constant threats have long shaped our realities. What’s different now is how we choose to respond. Are we stepping up, and how are we engaging our youth to take a stand for their future—and for their children to finally experience true freedom?

At Girls For A Change in Richmond, VA, a program centered on Black girls’ dreams and futures, we refuse to be distracted. While others are busy worrying about TikTok trends, they’re out here tap dancing on our rights, values, morals, and dignity. The goal is clear: to erase us. But if we don’t stand together—if we don’t strengthen our programs, show up for our girls, and engage as a community—they will win.

We are not here for that.

In the next four years and beyond, Girls For A Change is making our own commitments. We’re building, analyzing, and fighting back as a community. This is about power, resistance, and action. Our focus on Black girls is more critical than ever—not just because of what’s happening politically, but because our girls deserve to thrive, lead, and demand the best for themselves and their communities.

This new administration has made its intentions unmistakably clear—the agenda to damage, oppress, and dismantle our communities in the first 100 days is out in the open. But at GFAC, we refuse to be shaken or sidetracked. We are setting our own agenda, standing firm in our purpose, and moving forward with the strength and wisdom of our ancestors, who understood the enduring power of resistance and unity.

At Girls For A Change, we know better than to put our trust in the broken promises of presidents and elected officials. They have never saved us—and they never will. We are the leaders, the changemakers, the ones we’ve been waiting for. It’s time to rise up and act like it.

But here’s the truth: we can’t do it alone. We need parents to engage. We need our girls to show up. Our strength lies in what we do together.

As we prepare for Get Free: Girls For A Change, this isn’t just an after-school program—it’s a celebration, a strategy, a movement. It’s a purposeful moment to honor the legacy of those who came before us while carving out a future where Black girls are seen, heard, and valued.

GFAC is set to break ground on our new center, a space where Black girls can dream without limits and overcome systemic barriers. The Daughters Impact campaign will expand, advocating for policy changes, hosting screenings, fostering dialogue, and mobilizing communities to take action.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. There are new hills to climb and new stories to tell. With the lessons I’ve learned, the partnerships I’ve built, and the belief that change is possible, I am ready to move forward with intention and purpose.

We’re inviting you to be part of this work. Support Girls For A Change and organizations that are guiding our girls to do better, be better, and accept nothing less than the best. Because when we show up for them, they show up for the world.

Top 5 ways to join our movement and support our progress

1. Support our Building Campaign
2. Support the Impact Campaign
3. Continue to support ongoing programs standing in the gaps that Black girls have faced and continue to face
4. Support Workforce Development and become a Hiring Partner
5. Support our Education Fund

Let’s resist. Let’s rebuild. And let’s imagine—and create—a better future.

With love and gratitude,