CHICAGO—Girls Like Me Project Inc. (GLIMPI) is proud to host their 13th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl, on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center on the city’s South Side. This year’s focus will be on mental health and empowerment.
The Day of the Girl is dedicated to affirming the incredible strength and potential of Black girls ages 13-18.
GLIMPI Executive Director, Lakeisha Gray-Sewell, is proud to say that the Girls Like Me Project has expanded from 80 girls in 2012 to 250 this year. She told The Final Call,
“I am hoping that girls walk away with their intrinsic power and control of their destiny and future and I hope that the adults of this society all walk away with a reinvigorated commitment to the wholeness of Black girls.”
Ms. Gray-Sewell was particularly excited to have the event at the cultural center because of its history and beautiful scenery. “It was an exclusive place and behind the walls is a beautiful lakefront, it’s a place that makes you feel free and [want] to dream,” she said.
The event also offers invaluable resources and experiences in the following categories: cultural exploration, resource access and community connection. The program intends to serve as a resourceful career-driven program in the Chicagoland area by creating a safe space for Black girls who aspire to pursue careers in the media industry.
Part of this year’s program will include fun and educational activities for the girls such as art therapy and workshops. “Our girls will be talking to other girls from other communities and really foster our global sisterhood,” Ms. Gray-Sewell continued.
In 2012, the United Nations declared October 11 the International Day of the Girl. In observance, GLMPI produced Chicago Day of the Girl to connect Chicago’s Black girls to a global community and advocate for their success beyond the myriad of injustices.
Ms. Gray-Sewell also rallied for 11 years to have the city of Chicago recognize October 11 as an official Chicago Day of the Girl holiday. On September 21, 2022, the resolution was passed by the city council, officially making October 11 Chicago Day of the Girl.
For more information, visit chicagodayofthegirl.com.
