A Love Letter to Black Girls

Continue reading →

February 8, 2019January 31, 2019

For Black Girls Who Are Tired, but Rest Isn’t Enough

Continue reading →

February 1, 2019February 9, 2019

An Open Essay to my Encounters with White Feminism

Continue reading →

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019

Reconstruction Over Reformation: The Argument Against Liberal Feminism’s Relevance in 2019

Continue reading →

January 22, 2019January 31, 2019

My Confessions | Kolby Whack

Continue reading →

January 18, 2019January 19, 2019

Masculinity Over Everything

Continue reading →

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019

Teach Black Children to Swim

Continue reading →

January 13, 2019January 13, 2019

What You Need: My Experience Being Dismissed by my Doctor

Continue reading →

January 12, 2019January 24, 2019

Why I Identify As an Intersectional Womanist

Continue reading →

Posts navigation

← Older posts

Black Feminist Collective is Now Accepting Submissions

Black Feminist Collective is an intergenerational online collective of womanists ages 14 and up that advocate for the liberation of all Black folks.

The Editor-in-Chief

Mark Strandquist/Performing Statistics

I’m Stephanie, a 16 year old Black student activist, organizer and writer who advocates for womanism, diversity in STEAM, youth prison abolition and community non violence. In 2017, I decided to create this website after creating a project called “Black HerStory Month” which went viral. I help other young people apply nonviolent conflict resolution at the Richmond Peace Education Center (RPEC), where I was given a platform to write spoken-word poetry in response to police brutality, the policing of mixed-race identity and White feminism. After seeing one of my performances, I was invited by the Afrikana Independent Film Festival to volunteer as a youth ambassador at a screening of Free Angela and All Political Prisoners, where I met Angela Y. Davis. This poised me to be the youngest person to contribute to Black Youth Project, and the youngest speaker at the Virginia Prison Reform Rally, which resulted in organizing with RISE For Youth for alternatives to youth incarceration. After about six years of participating and mentoring in life-changing STEM programs for underrepresented communities, I started attending Girls Who Code clubs, where I was soon selected to travel to Atlanta for a coding immersion program at G.E which not only changed my life, but also helped me give back to Black girls by launching Girls Who Code RVA. Delivering a speech at a March For Our Lives demonstration gave me the opportunity to write articles for the ACLU of Virginia, where I was then invited to attend the ACLU’s National Membership Conference where I met and interviewed Patrisse Khan-Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter.

"Super inspiring."
- Hamilton Glass

Havana Chapman-Edwards is the Student Activist We Need Right Now - The Melanin Diary

Black Girls and the Shootings That Don’t Make Major Mainstream News - Sesi Magazine

"You can find inspiration from other Black girls in the movement. A few of our faves: Stephanie is a student activist from Richmond, Virginia, who uses her blog and her connects with the Richmond Peace Education Center and the ACLU of Virginia to advocate for diversity in S.T.E.A.M., for the abolition of youth imprisonment, for the use of nonviolence as conflict resolution, and against gun violence."
- Sesi Magazine

Schools Need to Guide Black Girls, not Criminalize Us - The Melanin Diary

Activism at 16: RVA Youth Lead the Way - RVA Mag

"Most 16-year-olds aren’t writing articles for the ACLU of Virginia, planning to help lead a parade centered around juvenile justice, or interviewing Black Lives Matter (BLM) co-founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors."
- Brianna Scott, RVA Mag

The Power in the Simplest of Actions - RVA Mag

"At the beginning and end we heard speeches (one by my friend Stephanie), songs, raps, poetry, and freestyle dances, all of which went to support a bigger cause."
- Henry Haggard, RVA Mag

Movie Review - The Hate U Give

Interview with Chelsea Higgs Wise of Women and Politics WRIR 97.3 FM Richmond Independent Radio

NextGen America

"These young women may be too young to vote, but that didn't stop them from fighting in their own way to strengthen our democracy. Thank you to all of these young people out there trying to make a difference! You are the change."
- ACLU of Virginia

The Crisis Magazine

It is our responsibility as Virginians to direct attention to and put anti-black racism through police violence to an end. - ACLU of Virginia

"Young advocate and our guest blogger @blaquefeminist attended yesterday's march to demand justice for Marcus-David Peters, who was fatally shot by Richmond police. Seeking to hold the RPD accountable, she shared these thoughts in a recent blog post"
- ACLU of Virginia

Youth Gather to Discuss Gun Violence

"As a member of RPEC, I think it’s important to regard how black communities are disproportionately affected by gun violence, and how important it is to uplift their voices. We have a racist history of gun violence, and it’s our responsibility as Virginian’s to put this to an end."

I spent my 16th birthday at the ACLU National Membership Conference. It didn't disappoint. - ACLU of Virginia

"Stephanie has been a wonderful contributor to our blog and an ardent advocate for racial justice. To thank her, we asked if she'd be interested in joining us at the ACLU National Membership Conference in D.C. last month. Here's her reflection on the experience."
- ACLU Of Virginia

Black students deserve more inclusion in the conversation on gun violence that disproportionately affects them. - ACLU of Virginia

"I got to work with the city's coolest, most brilliant teens and young folks! We spent the day working with lawyers and advocates, using art to radically reimagine public safety in our schools. This awesome poster was made by Stephanie who is a member of Youth for Rise!"
- Mark Strandquist

Community forum on gun safety and violence set for May 5 - Richmond Free Press

Students organize 'Town Hall for our Lives" - NBC12

"I thought it would be a movement for keeping our schools safe, but it's not just that. It's helping our black communities and those disproportionately affected by gun violence. It continues to happen to marginalized groups, and I want to uplift the voices of the black community who has been fighting for gun reform for generations."

It's Important to Listen to Black Girls in the Fight Against Gun Violence - ACLU of Virginia

"Read @blaquefeminist's blog post on why it's important to uplift the voices of black girls in the fight against gun violence."
- ACLU of Virginia

Richmond students, community rally in the thousands for gun control - ABC 8News, NBC12, Richmond Free Press, Church Hill People's News

“How many more black families will be devastated by gun violence — threatened or killed by the people whose job it is to serve and protect? How many more times do my parents have to give me that talk explaining to me that I’m 10 times more likely to become a victim of gun violence because I am black?”

Virginia Prison Reform Rally

Girls Who Code RVA

“Virginia cannot grow if we are not preparing our girls for the jobs of the future. We appreciate programs, like Girls Who Code RVA, that empower and inspire young women."
- First Lady Governor Pam Northam

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program Project Gallery

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas - Book review Richmond Youth Peace Project, HCPL TeenScene, YA x YA

2018 National Award for AiC Certificate of Distinction Recipient @blaquefeminist used her programming skills to help Black girls "dismantle the negative portrayal of Black girls in the media." // https://t.co/Ac6ZfnwfG3 #NCWITAiC #BlackHistoryMonth https://t.co/5OcqJryGIH
— NCWITAIC (@NCWITAIC) February 6, 2019

"Written by Stephanie Younger, a 16 year old Black student activist, organizer and writer who advocates for womanism, diversity in STEAM , the abolition of youth prisons and community non violence." https://t.co/OyHQ69HTsD
— BlackGirlsUnscripted (@BGUnscripted) February 2, 2019

This week's cover story: Last year they marched; this year they lobbied. With the support of @richmondpeaceed and @MomsDemand these are the kids fighting gun violence. https://t.co/lQXksvcxBG pic.twitter.com/ot6Dfw408r
— Style Weekly (@StyleWeekly) January 29, 2019

This morning I spoke to students with the Richmond Peace Initiative and @MomsDemand to thank them for their advocacy to reduce gun violence. pic.twitter.com/E4vYXqGEn8
— Jennifer McClellan (@JennMcClellanVA) January 21, 2019

Go Stephanie! 🧡🧡🧡@blaquefeminist @ACLUVA https://t.co/lNKjjWpDYK
— Havana Chapman-Edwards (@TheTinyDiplomat) January 26, 2019

Shout-out to @womensmarchrva, who held their 2019 #WomensMarch and expo yesterday! Give these amazing organizers and their community a follow and tell us where you’re planning to march next weekend! #WomensWave

📸 via @womensmarchrva pic.twitter.com/xA38kpcPF3
— Women's March (@womensmarch) January 13, 2019

Why do you march Richmond? Comment below and let us hear from you 🗣
–
Join us on Sat. Jan. 12! For more details and to RSVP, visit our website (link in bio)
–#WomensMarchRVA #WomxnsMarchRVA #WomensWave #RVA #RichmondVA #RVANews #RVAIsForLove #Solidarity #WhyIMarch #WhyWeMarch pic.twitter.com/DhuN0f0kwN
— Womens March RVA (@womensmarchrva) January 10, 2019

Thank you @blaquefeminist for this opportunity 🖤
— Mei-Ling Ho-Shing (@MeilingIts) January 6, 2019

Beautiful pic of #RVA teen advocate, Stephanie Younger, @blaquefeminist
— Chelsea Higgs Wise (@ChelseaWiseRVA) December 26, 2018

My big sis Stephanie @blaquefeminist interviewed me on the #melanindiary about why we should listen to black girls when they talk about gun violence.
I loved all her questions. 💜✊🏾

📷: @MeganLandmeier/ @TeenVogue https://t.co/gjl08yHqHM
— Havana Chapman-Edwards (@TheTinyDiplomat) December 4, 2018

Amazing interview on my blog featuring @TheTinyDiplomat by @blaquefeminist! Havana is a 7-year-old who’s changing the world 💫 https://t.co/yuv0bNk8cP
— Chanice Lee (@ChaniceALee) December 1, 2018

Black Girls and the Shootings That Don’t Make Major Mainstream News >> https://t.co/79NPJ2NX06 pic.twitter.com/2XerySrzNQ
— Sesi Magazine (@Sesimag) November 26, 2018

“When Black girls are criminalized by their schools, excluded by their peers, and profiled by their teachers, they are robbed of their self-worth and their desire to thrive.” - Stephanie Younger (@blaquefeminist), 16 https://t.co/iARJW89rnT
— Chanice Lee (@ChaniceALee) November 22, 2018

Go @blaquefeminist!! You are awesome Stephanie!! 🙌🏾⭐️✊🏾 https://t.co/fE3cJ28L8w
— Havana Chapman-Edwards (@TheTinyDiplomat) November 9, 2018

"I internalized the idea that my Blackness wasn’t desirable. I lost my desire to thrive and excel in school which made me more susceptible to school push out." @blaquefeminist #prisonsdontwork #riseforyouth https://t.co/IvXdhxEvsT
— Seema Sked (@SeemaSked) November 4, 2018

So proud of you my dear. I get scared for Havana when she speaks out... but I know girls need to know you are not alone. Sending you love and light.
Keep going. You got this!
— Bethany M. Edwards (@biracialbookwrm) September 17, 2018

"Just because racism is as nuanced and camouflaged as these mannequins doesn't mean it isn't real."

to @blaquefeminist for speaking truth to power. pic.twitter.com/5TERJYHJA9
— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) August 11, 2018

To @blaquefeminist, who has been outspoken about police violence, the death of Marcus-David Peters hit close to home & prompted her to reflect on the injustices done to marginalized communities by those whose job is to serve and protect. #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/du3eqbHxtO pic.twitter.com/nbFTsebzuj
— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) July 28, 2018

Your video is phenomenal! Friends, you can learn more about Stephanie’s work at: https://t.co/ikaOTaTYAM Keep leading! #afamwomenlead #BlackGirlMagic https://t.co/oCl5dEbcrS
— Lauren Mims (@dreamwdeadline) July 28, 2018

One of our young people writes about her encounters with racism and bullying online and how she channeled those experiences into her art https://t.co/PyDreoJW7R
— ART 180 (@ART180) July 25, 2018

Here's who we're feeling this #FollowFriday, folks and orgs putting in that work to make #RVA a better place: @blaquefeminist @BMMPRVA @girlsforachange @TheKatinaMoss @SRossBrowne
— Afrikana Film Fest (@afrikanafilmrva) July 13, 2018

I spent my 16th birthday at the @ACLU National Membership Conference. It didn't disappoint, by @blaquefeminist : https://t.co/Boe6AxBber #ACLUCon18 pic.twitter.com/YvS2OsPY0a
— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) July 8, 2018

Yesterday at VCU's ICA, we got to work with the city's coolest, most brilliant teens and young folks! We spent the day working with lawyers and advocates, using art to radically reimagine public safety in our schools. This is the first workshop in a larger campaign #stayposted https://t.co/Io0SbbI0vG
— ART 180 (@ART180) June 15, 2018

Got my first great birthday president today: At the ACLU conference session on People Power, a young black girl from Richmond said that when young black girls speak on gun violence (which they have for a long time)... https://t.co/LIRBKQemZO
— joeynovick (@joeynovick) June 11, 2018

In the wake of Parkland one proposed solution to securing our schools is increasing police presence. @blaquefeminist, a black student activist in Richmond, believes that this may disproportionally affect black students and voices her concerns. https://t.co/DEdwEqMP4i pic.twitter.com/POnTxL3Zxe
— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) June 6, 2018

"People attempt to justify our inhumanity by saying “they didn’t comply” and downplaying the violence and racism Black people experience every day to a figment of our imagination.... https://t.co/ILtKuykrlB
— Leaders Of the New South (@RVANewSouth) June 4, 2018

.@blaquefeminist is one of the student organizers behind the #MarchForOurLives in RVA. She wrote this powerful blog post on why we must lift up the voices of Black girls in the fight against gun violence: https://t.co/4L07usyrf9

: Kailey Brianne Photography pic.twitter.com/1bF4oqFiwR
— ACLU of Virginia (@ACLUVA) April 5, 2018

I want WOC to always speak on social media, so no boycott. I want to shout out @KimyaNDennisPhD and @blaquefeminist #WOCAffirmation
— Ella Vincent (@codegirlchicago) October 13, 2017

One thing we love about teaching girls to code? Seeing how they change the world. Read about Stephanie's experience! https://t.co/xyuvykj9Gp
— Girls Who Code (@GirlsWhoCode) September 11, 2017