International Day of the Girl
The Commission on Black Girls (COBG) also participated at the Girls Will Summit, presented by Eryn PiNK, at Columbus City Schools for Girls to host an empowering session on how girls can use their voices to create change. The session highlighted COBG’s work with youth in advocating for the Crown Act and emphasized the importance of legislative advocacy.
One of the highlights of the day was a policy pitch in which participants advocated for issues such as mental health resources for girls, the adultification of Black girls, and social media safeguards. Presentations were heard by a panel of community leaders including Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla and COBG founder Priscilla R. Tyson.
Big Table Talk
Joining The Columbus Foundation’s Big Table Talk which is aimed at community-wide discussions, COBG in partnership with Councilmember Shayla Favor hosted The State of Black Girls” event at Independence High School. The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, and Columbus youth for a dialogue on critical issues affecting Black girls.
The panelist including Councilmember Shayla Favor, COBG founder Priscilla R. Tyson, and Commissioner Erica Crawley addressed critical issues like emotional well-being, adultification, appearance pressures, and bullying. The focus now is on translating these discussions into action, fostering inclusivity for Black girls in Columbus through ongoing dialogue and tangible plans.
My Hair, My Crown
In 2023, the Commission launched the My Hair, My CROWN workshop, based on the DOVE Self-Esteem project curriculum which focuses on appearance pressures, stereotypes, and self-esteem. The workshop was offered to community partners – engaging 6 organizations and reaching over 60 girls.
The workshop features interactive activities such as a screening of the Hair Love video, a love letter to Hair exercise, and discussions on: Hair and beauty Stereotypes, Hair Beliefs and experiences, and Bullying and building “CROWN Confidence”. While learning how to advocate for themselves participants also explore the meaning of equity along with information on The Crown Act law and protections against discrimination.
For more information on how to schedule a workshop please email cobg@columbus.gov .
COBG 2023 Events & Collaborations
Major events sponsored by COBG in 2023 consisted of the HairStory Crown Act Event, The Little Mermaid Movie showing, the Say My Name Event (in partnership with Columbus City Schools), and the Black Women’s Equal Pay Day & Pay Equity Signing Event (jointly sponsored with the Columbus Women’s Commission). Collectively these events reached over 500 girls and women sharing information on relevant issues for Black girls which included: protections against hair discrimination, the importance of positive representation of Black girls in film and media, building girls’ self-esteem, and pay equity for Black women.
