In July of 2020, The Commission on Black Girls (Commission or COBG) released A Report on the Quality of Life of Black Girls in Columbus, Ohio outlining its findings and next steps to ensure Black girls in Columbus have equal access to opportunities for success.
Researchers developed a survey that engaged more than 400 young girls and convened focus groups to assess the perspective of girls on their quality of life. Further, the researchers focused on three quality of life indicators: economics, academics, and emotional health and well-being. Information was also compiled from listening sessions. These sessions allowed commissioners to hear from service providers, parents, caregivers, and girls between the ages of 11-22.
In addition, The Commission hosted monthly meetings where they heard presentations from subject matter experts on topics such as physical health, behavioral health, education, juvenile justice, child welfare, social media, programs for Black girls and more.
Information received through the research and fact-finding efforts were used to inform the next steps for the Commission. There are three strategies and eighteen recommendation areas in the report:
Strategy #1: Create an environment that is free of racism that impairs the ability of Black girls to see themselves and be seen in a manner that fosters their ability to develop and maintain positive quality of life perspectives to the same extent as their non-Black peers.
Strategy #2: Create and strengthen holistic, systemic approaches to address and disrupt pervasive cycles of education, health, and economic, societal inequities that adversely impact the progress of Black girls toward their individual quality of life goals.
Strategy #3: Many of the recommendations address: education, mentoring and leadership, healthcare, safety, racism and bias training, health and well-being, economics, issues experienced by LGBTQ+ youth and families and youth in the child welfare system.
Many of the recommendations address: education, mentoring and leadership, healthcare, safety, racism and bias training, health and well-being, economics, issues experienced by LGBTQ+ youth and families and youth in the child welfare system.
Please advocate for resources and initiatives to enhance the successful quality of life pathways for Black girls!
To view the report visit https://www.columbus.gov/cobgreport/