Embracing Black Girl Brilliance: Navigating Interlocking Systems of Oppression

2 August 2023

In the journey of Black girlhood, the intersections of various oppressive systems present unique challenges. STILE Project is committed to providing a safe haven for Black girls where their brilliance is not only acknowledged but celebrated. As bell hooks aptly puts it, “The act of critical thinking is the only way to create a world where our bodies are loved, honored, and respected.” The STILE-isms page resonates with this sentiment, highlighting the importance of self-belief, self-worth, and solidarity among Black girls. By instilling these empowering affirmations, STILE equips these young minds to combat the “isms” they encounter daily.

STILE-ology, a unique methodology coined within the project, takes participatory research and ethnography to forge a path toward reclaiming and honoring Black girlhood. Through this approach, STILE creates a space where Black girls are not objects of surveillance but subjects of empowerment. By recognizing and nurturing their embodied literacies, STILE aims to reshape narratives that have historically marginalized Black girls. This work in the public humanities, fueled by love and dedication, aims to build a world where Black girls thrive as their authentic selves, breaking free from society’s labels and embracing their inherent potential.