Nationwide — The 13th Annual Chicago Day of the Girl was celebrated on Friday, October 11, 2024, in Chicago. The event brought together more than 350 girls to celebrate sisterhood on the International Day of the Girl. The Chicago event was created and produced by Girls Like Me Project, Inc.
“In a world-class city like Chicago, which has been a safe harbor for many who need shelter, opportunity, and protection, too many are disenfranchised and locked out. It is time to provide space to affirm and advocate for all the girls, finding their voice beyond circumstances that silence them,” said La’Keisha Gray-Sewell, Founder/Executive Director of Girls Like Me Project. “It is time to amplify the voices of the girls who will unite across our segregated neighborhoods and disconnected conditions to create a city that lives up to its promise.”
All day long, Chicago Day of the Girl attendees participated in Sound Bowls, Yoga, Hip-Hop Dance lessons, Mental Wellness sessions, Learn to DJ seminar, Art Therapy, Girls and Youth Guidance Bullying Workshops, and Girls Like Me Project Global Exchange Panel Discussion.
The events of this day were sponsored by Sista Afya Community Center, Black Girls Smile, The Still Searching Project, Discover Financial Services, Allstate Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, and American Family Insurance.
The capstone of the Chicago Day of the Girl was “Voices Rising: Black Women Leaders Reclaiming Philanthropy for Our Girls,” an Evening Salon Style conversation showcasing an enriching exchange of ideas and insights into the transformative power of philanthropy directed toward empowering Black girls.
The featured Speakers were La’Keisha Gray-Sewell, Founder and Executive Director of the Girls Like Me Project; Keenya Lambert, CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women; Venisha White Johnson, Lead Engagement Consultant Discover Financial; Alicia C. L. Bailey, co-chair of The South Side Giving Circle. The evening also features youth talent with performances from DJ Maya Unique and Miss Taylor Iman.
The speakers discussed how philanthropy is a powerful tool for change and development within our communities. The Salon celebrated and acknowledged the unique contributions that Black women make to the philanthropic world, ensuring that their voices are heard and influential in shaping our girls’ future.
This Speakers Salon is more than just an event. It recognizes that Black women need spaces where they can be authentically themselves, where respect and perspective reach their highest levels, and where connections are formed from a deep understanding of each other’s life stories and experiences. It is a chance to hold a sacred space and speak the truth about how financial support is contingent on our silence and assimilation.
The Girls Like Me Project’s most anticipated day affirms the incredible strength and potential of Black girls.
“The philanthropic data has presented a stark reality; Black girls remain the least funded. Yet, they are oversaturated with societal detriments,” said Gray-Sewell. “Still, throughout herstory, we find Black women creating the pathway for our girls to move forward and thrive in their promise. It is time to amplify that narrative.”
Discover Financial Services and Allstate Foundation sponsored this capstone event.
For press inquiries, contact Kevin Lampe at 312-617-7280.
