Black Girl Fest Studios’ Post

This Black History Month, we’re demanding action to tackle an alarming inequality: 1. In the past 5 years the number of black girls saying they enjoyed taking part in exercise and sport has plummeted from 50% to 39%. 2. In stark contrast, 65% of black boys say they enjoy sport and exercise. 3. Only 36% of black girls meet recommended activity levels compared to 48% of white girls In primary school, 59% of black girls like being active ‘a lot’ and 72% want to be more active in school. But black girls are still missing out on sport. Economic inequalities, stereotypes, limiting narratives, and a lack of opportunities all play a part in this injustice. We are calling for better recognition of this crisis and for the needs of black girls to be taken more seriously. Better sport provision for girls at school must be a vital part of the solution. All girls deserve to experience the joy, fulfilment and lifelong benefits of sport. The future health and wellbeing of our girls depends on it. We must change the system. 📊 Data from Sport England’s Active Lives survey, Academic Year 2021-2022 and Girls Active Primary National data, June 2022 #BlackHistoryMonth #Breakthebarriers

Where is C.J. Stewart? 🌎✨ In every crucial conversation about Black youth, mentorship, education, sports, crime, poverty, and racism, my commitment is unwavering. Specifically, I aim to be present in discussions shaping Atlanta and Georgia. I invite you to read and share my blog, contributing to the narrative and creating lasting global impact. #CJStewart #Atlanta #Georgia #GlobalImpact #SocialChange #ReadAndShare https://lnkd.in/efE3ycJe

We know how important sports can be to the positive mental wellbeing of youth. But what is the make-up of a positive environment for youth sports, and particularly for Black girls? 🏀👧🏾 Coach Ramona, who's coached high school Volleyball for the past 10 years, shares her top 3 tips for creating a positive environment for Black girls playing sport. 🏐👩🏾🦱 💬👧🏾 Cultivate a positive and caring culture – be approachable and encourage girls to use their voices. 🎯👧🏾Help girls focus on the process – it’s not just about the outcome. Helping girls to break down a larger goal into bite-sized chunks will help to keep them focused and help them build their confidence. 👩🏾💼Connect girls with role models they can relate to – it may be another girl who looks like them, shares a similar background, or has achieved great success in a field they're interested in. These tips are opportunities to inspire confidence among the girls you work with and motivate them to believe in their potential. 🌟 Beyond Sport Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc. #HeadInTheGame #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMentalHealth #BlackMentalHealthMatters #Coach #Inclusion

Honoring Juneteenth: Acknowledging the Impact of Racism on Athletes' Mental Health As we commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history that marks the end of slavery, it's crucial to reflect on its significance and the enduring challenges faced by Black athletes. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the long journey toward equality and justice. At Onrise, we recognize the profound impact that racism has on the mental health of athletes. From microaggressions to systemic discrimination, the psychological toll on Black athletes can be immense. The pressure to perform while battling racial bias and stereotypes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Racism affects every facet of an athlete's life, from their sense of belonging in the sports community to their overall mental well-being. This reality underscores the importance of providing comprehensive mental health support tailored to the unique experiences of athletes of color. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. By acknowledging the impact of racism on mental health, we can better support Black athletes in their journey to mental wellness and equality. Let's use this day to reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes. Together, we can ensure that every athlete, regardless of race, has the opportunity to thrive both mentally and physically. #Juneteenth #MentalHealth #AthleteMentalHealth #Onrise #Equality #Inclusion #SupportBlackAthletes

"The Heart of the Game" (A Transformational Thursdays Post) Here's Why 'Youth' Belongs at the Center of Athletic Associations: Introducing... Westchester Youth Athletic Association. You see, it's not just about a name change; it's about a mindset change. By placing 'Youth' smack-dab in the middle, we're sending out a crystal-clear message: young people are not on the sidelines; they're the MAIN EVENT! This tweak isn't just semantics; it's about keeping the youth as the hub of the wheel, the nucleus of the cell, the heartbeat of the organization. And guess what? This aligns beautifully with our Belong Believe Begin Model™. When young people feel like they belong, when they believe in their own potential, that's when they truly begin to shine. So here's my challenge to you: let's reshape the narrative and make our young athletes the stars of their own stories! What do you think? Drop a comment and let's get this conversation started! #TransformationalTales #BelongBelieveBegin #YouthInTheMiddle #InclusiveSpaces #HeartofTheGame #AthleticAssociations #YouthSports #YouthDevelopment

B-Radical will be hosting a very important talk on providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates. 🎤 “Assessing and Providing Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Candidates and Recruits” 📅 Thursday, 28th September ⏰ 12:00pm – 1:30pm Shockingly, only 53.5% of disabled individuals aged 16 to 64 were employed in 2021, while a whopping 81.6% of non-disabled peers enjoyed the workforce. These statistics are not just numbers; they are a glaring indictment of the status quo. It's time for businesses to band together, denounce these inequities, and work collaboratively to reshape our future. Link to book in the comments! #NationalInclusionWeek #DEIandB #DiversityMatters #InclusionForAll #Belonging 

School sports day for the majority is an exciting time and a day out from lessons, wearing comfy clothes. However for some young people sports day comes with anxiety, stress and worry. Our young people should feel emotionally safe on Sports Day. We need to think about how we can make our Sports Days more inclusive so this becomes the norm. Take a look here 👇 #InclusionMatters #Inclusion #DisabilityFriendly

⚽ Why is fair play important within and beyond the football field? ⚽ What are the main causes of unsportsmanlike behaviors in youth sports? ⚽ What is the role of coaches in addressing this issue? ⚽ How can we promote a culture of fair play, social inclusion, and respect for diversity? To find out, check out our newly released research report! Visit: 📎 https://lnkd.in/dHfZP78z  

This years National Inclusion Week’s theme is “Take Action Make Impact”. In support, B-Radical will be running three online “Radical Talks” events aimed at opening up discussions about various topics surrounding neurodiversity and disability. 🎤 “Assessing and Providing Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Candidates and Recruits” 📅 Thursday, 28th September ⏰ 12:00pm – 1:30pm Shockingly, only 53.5% of disabled individuals aged 16 to 64 were employed in 2021, while a whopping 81.6% of non-disabled peers enjoyed the workforce. These statistics are not just numbers; they are a glaring indictment of the status quo. It's time for businesses to band together, denounce these inequities, and work collaboratively to reshape our future. You can book your place here: https://lnkd.in/eiieAjTE #NationalInclusionWeek #DEIandB #DiversityMatters #InclusionForAll #Belonging 

#TakeActionTuesday: Women’s sports are on 🔥 and we are seeing tremendous investments start to pay out across the women’s sports landscape, such as Kansas City Current unveiling the first women’s soccer specific stadium, sellout crowds for the PWHL, all five power conferences saw new highs in women’s basketball tournament attendance and viewership, and so much more! All of this progress reminds us that, thanks to #TitleIX, the lifelong benefits of sport that girls and women have had access to through for the last 51 years are now being seen across the women’s sports ecosystem. The opportunities created by Title IX at the K-12 and collegiate levels has changed the game for girls and women in sports and allowed for greater access to equal promotion, facilities, coaching and more! This historic law has allowed us to witness the incredible rise of this new generation of athletes, like 16-year-old Alex Pfeiffer, the youngest goal scorer in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) history, and for athletes throughout the country to envision a path they can follow to professional sports and beyond. As Billie Jean King says, “you have to see it to be it!”  #TheEquityProject Your Turn: But we know that for all the progress, we’re not done yet! 1. Significant gaps in access and opportunity persist for girls and women in school sports. Speak with your members of Congress about the need for adequate funding for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education, which will enable OCR to strengthen and expand its efforts to fully enforce Title IX.  2. Girls and women of color, individuals with disability and LGBTQ+ youth, participate in school sport at lower levels and face greater barriers to participation. Learn more about the intersectionality of sports and identity with our Title IX 50th Anniversary Town Hall series available for free on our YouTube channel!  3. Ask the administration in your school to bring in a Title IX expert to speak to your athletic department to learn more about your rights and what the law means for your athletic program. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)