HAPPY BLACK GIRL DAY!
*jazz hands*
*red, black and green glitter toss*
As this is now an official monthly occurrence (we ladies deserve something good on a monthly basis, am I right? Hi-YO!), I’m still toying around with what my site’s contribution will be. This month, I realized I made a pretty grievous error in scheduling HBD on National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day. But then it hit me: what a great opportunity to spotlight some Happy Black Girls who are doing some TREMENDOUS work for the cause of KEEPING Black Girls Happy!
From left: Karyn and Luvvie aka Shiki Fierce aka She Got A Lot Of Names
Good health certainly makes for Happy(er) Black Girls, and Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins are working hard to make that happen. From what started last year as a call for Black female bloggers to to spread awareness via a widget on their sites has become an organization of women based in Chicago with affiliates all across the country.
Via the official website:
The Red Pump Project is now a national initiative that is doing work on the ground and online to ensure that women are empowered with knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the issues surrounding it. We have 30 ambassadors in 20 states “Rocking the Red Pump” to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls.
Chicagoans can check out the Red Pump Project’s inaugural fashion show “Rock the RED: Bold. Fashion. Awareness” on March 25th. The event will honor legendary HIV/AIDS activist Rae Lewis Thornton. Also, connect with the Project via Facebook and Twitter. I think we are witnessing the start of something very big and I’m excited for these girls and their Red Pump posse. Luvvie and Karyn are my fellow Whitney Young alums and it’s so dope to see the beautiful, inspiring women they have become. Kudos to The Red Pump Project for trying to keep Black girls happy and SAFE!
While HIV/AIDS is a weighty subject, there is great HAPPY to be found in taking an active stance against the forces that threaten us. Happy Black Girls don’t rock rose colored glasses; they rock condoms!* They understand the role they must play in continuing their Happy by protecting themselves. And if this illness has already found it’s way in, then they commit themselves to taking good care of themselves and protecting the lives of others through disclosure. A diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of your life, but I’m sure those who’ve gotten that news would BEG you to safeguard yourself so that you may have a much easier time being a Happy Black Girl. </message>
Happy Black Girl Day will be popping on Twitter, so please follow me and join in the fun! Leave a link to your HBGD blog post in the comments or drop me an email so I can send folks your way.
To end this on a light and shiny note, here is a song dedication to all my HBGs out there. Enjoy your day and spread love!
As of 4PM EST, these are the bloggers who are participating in HBGD today: (I will update this throughout the day):
HAPPY BLACK GIRL DAY!
peace.
Sister Toldja
*-Or abstinence or monogamy or whatever method of protection they choose. I personally recommend condoms if you ain’t married or trying to make a baby, but that’s just me.
You da bess, Toldja!! Thanks a lot for “Rocking the Red Pump” with us. And Happy Black Girl Day.
Yes, it’s about time we have a day celebrating the happiness and joy that all black women have! My blog, Recklessly Yours is definitely participating in Happy Black Girl Day!
Haha Thanks for the shoutout!!! Working on gettting my Happy Black Woman Shirt Remade though! The words are in the wrong place.
Happy Black Girl Day! I love this, ST!! I’m gonna be up on it every month from now on!
HAPPY BGD! I just discovered you from your article in Essence – I LOVES it!!!!!!! you have a new fan
Wonderful idea. I participated as well. Thanks for thinking of such a way to spread happiness and shine a light on the smiles that so many of us wear everyday.
And a special shout out to the Red Pump Project!
Didn’t know if you were aware of this site:
http://sistertoldjah.com/
*Waving wildly* Hey there! This is my first time visiting; Elita over at Blacktating did a post on Happy Black Girl day and I just had to see who was the brilliant woman behind such a lovely concept. THANK YOU for celebrating us and encouraging us to do the same! Happy Black Girl Day, indeed!