The PerfectlyMe Project.

There appears to be either an underrepresentation or zero representation of Black professionals in many spaces that our children and young women occupy. Whether it be in school, workplaces, meetings, etc. We are oftentimes not at the decision-making tables on issues affecting our community. Furthermore, Black people are often feared by non-Black individuals and are assumed to be violent, aggressive, and loud. Throughout the pandemic, an increase in Ant-Black racism, hate crimes, prejudices and discriminatory actions taken against Black people, and other marginalized groups dominated the news cycles and crowded social media. Black women have historically been seen as sexual objects lacking human nature. Black women’s femininity, body, and physical features continue to be under heavy scrutiny. They are sexualized in the media (especially in the music industry) and are often seen as promiscuous.

The Perfectly Me project will provide opportunities for Black girls and young women to participate in confidence-building activities and workshops that will combat those narratives, stereotypes, and prejudices. With a strength-based approach, Black girls and young women will learn about the many Black women in history who strived to improve the plight of their people and build a more equitable society. They will have the opportunity to meet Black women leaders in Windsor Essex who are making a difference and hear their stories of triumph and resilience. These sessions will encourage Black girls and young women to believe in themselves and affirm that they are smart and can achieve great things. We hope that these sessions will build their self-esteem so that they can be confident and comfortable in any space they are in.

At the end of each session, attendees will receive a Black Woman in history storybook as well as inspirational books written by Black women. By providing these books to Black girls and young women they will see characters and authors who look like them and share similar backgrounds.

Goals and impact of the project:

·       Build Black girls and young women's confidence, reinforce self-love

·       Strengthen relationships, build strong communities and cultural connections

·       Increase Black heritage, and cultural knowledge to strengthen self-image and confidence

·       Increase access to services that promote positive Black identity and self-worth

Project is funded by:

This project is supported by the Fund for Gender Equality, a collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada and the Equality Fund, with the support from the Government of Canada and the WindsorEssex Community Foundation.