“A how-to book to encourage and empower Black teenage girls. Co-authored by a professor of psychology, a nonprofit CEO, and an educator, this is a comprehensive guide to help Black girls learn to assert their fullest selves in a world designed to oppress them. The text provides anecdotes and activities to ensure that as readers embark on their journey through the workbook, they will achieve three stated goals, namely that they will be seen, they will be knowledgeable, and they will be empowered. The book is divided into four sections—Identity, Body Image, Relationships, and Institutions—each of which has multiple activities for readers to engage with. The individual sections begin with anecdotes to help frame conversations about intersectionality and conclude with activities like designing a T-shirt to express positive feelings about their racial identity or suggesting readers map out, via a tree illustration, the roots of their insecurities about colorism.... Offers a necessary opportunity for Black girls to reflect and breathe.”
—Kirkus Reviews
~Kirkus Reviews
“A thoughtful and actionable guide for Black girls and women navigating a wide range of feelings and experiences with support, affirmation, and resilience.”
—Jamia Wilson, author of Young, Gifted and Black; Step Into Your Power; and This Book Is Feminist
~Jamia Wilson
“This has been my experience! An excellent workbook for black girls and young women! I certainly could have used this growing up! Will be using the workbook as I mentor young, Black girls. Loved the format—could relate to all of the stories. Understanding potential meanings behind the experiences and having a plan for what to do about them—invaluable! A boy’s version for my two younger brothers?”
—Sydney Leigh Payne, honor student and STEM scholar at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA; mathematics major on a premed track; scholar; social and political activist; community volunteer; mentor; tutor; and musician
~Sydney Leigh Payne
“Finding Her Voice engages Black girls in an intimate conversation about the multilayered realities of racism. It blends evidence-based research with African-centered wisdom, cultural heritage, and practical strategies. The real-life experiences and reflection exercises acknowledge difficult emotions while strengthening inner resources and support networks, including ancestors, family, and community organizations. This book can help Black girls stand strong in their identity while facing a world that often disaffirms their relevance.”
—Sandra Y. Lewis, PsyD, professor of psychology and director of African American Studies at Montclair State University, and author of Life in 4-Part Harmony
~Sandra Y. Lewis, PsyD
“Finding Her Voice is a much-needed piece of work for Black girls everywhere! As a mom of two daughters who were educated in predominantly White schools, each section of this workbook resonated profoundly. The scenarios are accurate and the activities intentional. Having access to this resource years ago would have been beneficial throughout my parenting journey with my own daughters—especially during those adolescent years.”
—Michelle C. Blair, MSW, assistant director of TRIO programs at Virginia Commonwealth University
~Michelle C. Bair, MSW
“As someone who has worked closely with groups of Black girls in school settings, this book was a breath of fresh air! A comprehensive guide to being a young, Black girl in today’s society. I wish there was something like this when I was younger. It speaks directly to subjects that my girls struggle with every day. I definitely plan on using it with my group once it’s released!”
—Jennifer Hall, coordinator for Color of Brilliance girls group
~Jennifer Hall
“This book will save lives. It’s the long-overdue guide that Black girls deserve in White spaces. This book makes structural what many Black girls may wrongly interpret as personal failings. White mothers, like me, can learn so much from reading this book and understanding how our blinders can lead us to bump up against Black girls and do real harm. Once we know, we can do better; this book makes that chance possible.”
—Courtney E. Martin, author of Learning in Public
~Courtney E. Martin
“Finding Her Voice is an incredibly thoughtful and comprehensive collection of powerful resources and tools for Black girls living and learning in predominantly White spaces. Authors Patton, Belgrave, and Belgrave get at the heart of girlhood and adolescence—to belong and be loved for one’s true self. Foundational, contextual, and historical information and concrete action steps create a guide for positive identity development and self-advocacy.”
—Laura Haskins, head of school at Orchard House School
~Laura Haskins
“Truly an amazing work that sensitively broaches the unique problems of Black girls through interactive activities, heartfelt stories, and educational takeaways. If you need a book that will bring a new light on your inner self and outer world, then I suggest this experience.”
—Genisus Holland, student at George Mason University, and advocate for rights of Black girls
~Genisus Holland
