Kickoff Event - Equity for Black Women and Girls

23 Maine Avenue,Richmond CA 94804

03 March, 2023

Description

Here is the link to donate or sponsor the event: bit.ly/kickoffbwg In October 2020, Dr. Cynthia LeBlanc, RCF Connects’ Board Chair, recommended that the organization’s recently adopted equity statement be actualized through a board initiative to address equity for Black women and girls in Contra Costa County. The launch of this project in 2021 included interviews and focus groups called Sister Circles, to explore the needs of and current supports for Black women and girls in Contra Costa County, including Richmond residents. These Sister Circles were a necessary safe space for Black women and girls to convene, discuss community issues and solutions, and learn and grow together. When surveyed, thirty-eight of the forty initial Sister Circle participants reported enjoying the circle “Incredibly." When asked, “What needs to be addressed mostly for Black Women and Girls”, participants prioritized (top three): Mental/Emotional Wellness Business Development/Entrepreneurship Physical Health and Relationship Health (tie) Across both the focus group written comments and the post-circle surveys - support, mental (wellness), business, and community trended most often. The final report included two recommendations: Launch Sistas SOAR (Success Opportunities Apprenticeship and Resilience), an incubator program to provide tools and resources to Black women and girls who want to be entrepreneurs and own their own businesses, with the goal to build generational wealth and financial freedom. Continue the Sister Circles and train and pay community facilitators to host them. Strive for Greatness supports this objective, by providing facilitation training and employment for Black young women and caregivers in Richmond, as they in turn facilitate the next set of Sister Circles in the Richmond community.During this event you will meet the Director of the Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative, Taylor Sims, the committed Taskforce members, and RCF Connects' staff and board. There will be a short presentation on where the origins of the initiative, how things are going thus far, and programs scheduled to launch very soon. Connect with fellow Black leaders in Contra Costa and folks committed to making sure Black Women and Girls of Contra Costa County are seen, heard, valued, and served.