Hey Corage Crew! Happy Women’s History Month! We’re so excited to celebrate this glorious month with all of you.

As we pay homage to the heroines of the past, we are also taking the time to champion and empower our future by discussing a topic that is near and dear to our heart, supporting Black girls’ to love and value themselves. While it is our hope that every Black girl feels confident in herself to pursue her highest potential with ease, we understand that these values are not always reflected in the media. From TV shows and music to social media posts and ads, young Black girls are constantly exposed to content about beauty, success, happiness, love and self-esteem, some of which sometimes mislead them. These messages are more complicated as they often have to navigate both societal expectations and their cultural identities. 

And as if growing up wasn't already challenging enough, Black girls face even more pressure to fit into a world that often fails to celebrate them for who they indeed are. They face biases in school, stereotypes at work, and unrealistic beauty standards on their screens, all of which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem.

How media influences self-Image

While social media has its positive aspects, such as helping you find your community and educating, inspiring, and empowering you, it also has a way of tugging at the esteem and confidence of young Black girls.

 1. Beauty Standards That Exclude Them

When they repeatedly see beauty standards that favor lighter skin, straighter hair, and a certain body type, it can send the message that their natural features aren't enough. This causes them to feel unwanted and invisible, leading to depression and self-loathing. 

2. The Stereotype of The Strong Black Girl

Black girls are frequently represented as either loud and confrontational or as "strong" and self-sufficient to the point of not needing help. The idea that Black females should constantly be tough can be harmful, even while resilience is a lovely quality. 

3. Limited and One-Dimensional Roles

How often do we see Black girls in lead roles that aren't about struggle or survival? While stories of overcoming adversity are important, when they see limited representations of Black girls in leadership roles, academic spaces, or creative industries, they might internalize that their ambitions are out of reach or that they must constantly struggle to achieve their goals.

Challenging biased media messages  

It's important to understand how your daughter's media content shapes her. Instead of passively consuming media, encourage her to think about what she sees and hears. You can ask questions like:

• How do you think this movie portrays Black girls?

• Are the images in this ad realistic?

• Why do you believe lighter skin is often praised more in the media?

Open Discussions About Social Media Filters and Edits

Social media is filled with filters, editing, and unrealistic beauty trends. That's why it's essential to teach your daughter to question what she sees online and remind her that many "perfect" images are not so perfect. 

Help Her Find Positive Representations

If mainstream media isn't doing a great job of showing positive and diverse portrayals of Black girls, look out for content that does. Find books, movies, and influencers celebrating diverse skin tones, hair textures, and body types. Representation matters, and when she sees Black girls being brilliant, beautiful, and confident, she'll be more likely to believe that she can be those things, too.

Create Safe Spaces for Vulnerable Conversations

Ensure your daughter knows she can talk to you about her feelings, experiences, and any pressures she faces. Expressing her thoughts openly, without fear of judgment, will help her navigate challenges confidently.

Combating Negative Stereotypes

As parents and educators, we can create spaces that affirm our daughters' worth and encourage them to embrace who they are.

• Encourage her to use her voice. Whether speaking up in class, creating content that reflects her reality, or simply questioning unfair portrayals, remind her that her perspective matters.

• Support her in fighting for inclusivity. If she notices a lack of diverse representation at school, encourage her to bring it up in discussions or start an initiative to celebrate Black culture.

• Teach her that she defines her own identity. No stereotype can dictate who she is; only she can decide that.

• Compliment her beyond looks; celebrate her intelligence, creativity, kindness, and resilience. Let her know that her value is not tied to how she looks but to who she is.

• Let her experiment with her style, interests, and personality without feeling pressured to conform. Self-expression, whether through art, music, sports, or fashion, helps her build confidence and embrace her unique identity.

When we encourage our daughters to question stereotypes and embrace their true selves, we empower them to be confident. Instead of shrinking themselves, they will grow to become women who know their worth. 

But it all starts with the conversations we have today - asking the right questions, celebrating their individuality, and reminding them that they are enough, just as they are.

As we continue our efforts to create products that support Black girls, their families, and communities, we invite you to join in our efforts by taking the time to share your stories with us. By taking our simple survey, you will help us bolster our community outreach and spread our message of self-love, compassion, and empowerment.

Click to Take the Survey Here.