BLACK GIRLS & WOMEN—CENTERED, PROTECTED, & THRIVING
WE CENTER BLACK GIRLS AND WOMEN IN RESEARCH THAT PROMOTES HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT, EMPOWERMENT, PROTECTION, THRIVING, AND WELL-BEING.
We serve Black girls, women, men, families and communities. Our research addresses the social, cultural, familial, and structural factors that shape Black girls’ and women’s development, with the goal of advancing justice, opportunity, and holistic well-being.
WHAT GUIDES US
OUR PRIORITIES AND VALUES
Everything we do starts with these values.
CENTER BLACK GIRLS & WOMEN
Prioritizing Voices
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Collaborating authentically
PROTECTION
Protecting Black girls & women
EQUITY & JUSTICE
Challenging systemic inequities
INTERDISCILINARY COLLABORATION
Addressing complex realities
WHAT GUIDES US
OUR PRIORITIES & VALUES
Everything we do starts with these values:
CENTER BLACK GIRLS & WOMEN
Prioritizing Voices
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Collaborating authentically
PROTECTION
Protecting Black girls & women
EQUITY & JUSTICE
Challenging systemic inequities
INTERDISCILINARY COLLABORATION
Addressing complex realities
OUR WORK
WHY OUR WORK MATTERS
1 in 4
Black girls will experience sexual abuse before age 18.
4.5x
Black girls aged 15–19 are more likely to contract chlamydia.
3x
Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy.
35%
of Black girls report poor mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression.
INVESTING IN BLACK GIRLS IS ESSENTIAL TO ADVANCING EQUITY, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES, AND CREATING A FUTURE WHERE BLACK GIRLS AND WOMEN ARE ABLE TO THRIVE FULLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY.
Black girls and women navigate unique social, cultural, and structural experiences that profoundly shape their development, health, identity, relationships, and opportunities. Yet their experiences have historically been ignored, overlooked, misunderstood, or marginalized within research, policy, and practice. Too often, Black girls and women are viewed through deficit-based narratives that ignore their strengths, humanity, and developmental needs.
This work matters because Black girls and women deserve to be seen, protected, affirmed, and supported. Research shows that experiences such as adultification, racialized gender stereotypes, inequitable educational and healthcare systems, exposure to violence, and limited access to culturally responsive support can negatively affect Black girls and women’s well-being and long-term outcomes. At the same time, supportive families, positive relationships, cultural affirmation, and community connection serve as powerful protective factors that foster resilience and thriving.
The Black Girl Development (BGD) Research Group is committed to producing research that not only identifies challenges but also highlights the strengths, brilliance, leadership, and resilience of Black girls and women. By centering their voices and lived experiences, this work aims to inform policies, interventions, educational practices, and community efforts that promote healthy development, safety, healing, and empowerment.
“Historically, science and scientific research have prioritized non-Black bodies. Rather, research was done to us and not with us, and I think that’s why our work is important. Because as Black researchers, we center Black voices.”
THE BGD RESEARCH GROUP
“Research has real world ramifications for girls, families and communities. We are able to shine some light on the issues they face. We have have the ability to directly support and pour into girls which extends into other systems.”
THE BGD RESEARCH GROUP
OUR KEY OUTCOME?
Improve sexual, mental and maternal health outcomes among Black girls and women.
IN ACTION, WE:
→ Conduct innovative research studies
→ Partner with communities and organizations
→ Mentor students and emerging scholars
→ Disseminate findings through publications and presentations
→ Develop evidence-based programs and interventions
→ Advocate for policies that support Black girls' healthy development and well-being
OUR WORK
RESEARCH THAT GIVES BACK
Through collaboration with Black girls, families, schools, community organizations, and policymakers, we generate knowledge that informs solutions, strengthens support systems, and promotes equitable opportunities for Black girls and women to flourish.
