As a parent advocate, I am ride or die for our Black students. In my work in schools, I have seen so many of our kids work, struggle, toil, and ultimately succeed. I have seen many of our Black students unlock their superpowers.
Many of the young Queens I meet hold a special place in my heart. I feel like they are family. Not only am I raising a future Queen, but I see my younger self in them.
The Black girls I meet in our schools not only work hard for academic success but are leaders. They speak up and stand up – they are filled with potential. These kids do great things in their school and are a positive force in their community.
They head student councils and serve on student senates or Black Student Associations. Many of the Black teenage girls I meet are equity-minded warriors who invest in standing up for and with others. Still others are dedicated to their families and community watching younger siblings – and sometimes older ones.
Moreover, along with these remarkable efforts, I have also seen what I recognize as a deep and often unspoken struggle.
Black teen girls need — and deserve — an abundance of self-love and nurturing
Recently, during a presentation to a local school board on the impact of anti-Black racism in our schools, the words and emotions of a young woman – a student leader – in the audience brought me to a standstill. Through tears, she shared her feelings that she felt she should have done a better job shielding her fellow students from the racism that persisted within their school walls.
This young Queen’s truth reminded me of the unique burden often felt by our young leaders.
In a world where they’re expected to shoulder so much responsibility, Black teen girls also need — and deserve — an abundance of self-love and nurturing. They deserve this inspiration all year round, not just during Black History Month.
The Importance of Positive Affirmations for Young Black Girls
Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for building self-esteem and combat negative thoughts. By repeating positive statements, our girls can counteract negative messages and promote a growth mindset.
Affirmations for Black youth can help girls develop a positive self-image, improve their mental health, and increase their self-confidence.
Regular use of affirmations can lead to better academic performance, improved relationships, and a more positive outlook on life.
By incorporating positive affirmations for Black girls specific to their identity, our girls can develop a sense of agency and empowerment.
“I am a powerful and beautiful Black girl, and I celebrate my dreams.”
They start to embrace positive thoughts and learn to love and accept themselves just as they are.
Here are some affirmations to help them do just that:
- “I am a powerful and beautiful Black girl, and I celebrate my dreams.”
- “I am worthy of love and respect, and I deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion.”
- “I am capable and confident, and I trust myself to make good decisions.”
- “I deserve the clarity, healing and peace that comes from rest.”
- “I can speak up. My voice matters.”
- “I am a part of a rich and vibrant Black culture, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
- “I am enough, just as I am, and I celebrate my individuality.”
Creating a Daily Affirmation Routine
Creating a daily affirmation routine can be powerful for Black children. Particularly in a young Queen’s life these affirmations can help them grow into the Black woman they are meant to be. Here are some tips for creating a daily affirmation routine:
- Start by writing down positive affirmations that resonate with you, such as “I am worthy of love and rest” or “I am capable and confident.”
- Choose a specific time and place to repeat your affirmations, such as first thing in the morning or before bed.
- Repeat your affirmations out loud with conviction and feeling, using a mirror to make eye contact with yourself.
- Try to focus on your body and feel the positive energy of the affirmations.
- Repeat your affirmations daily, ideally at the same time each day, to make it a habit.
Quotes to Foster a Strong Sense of Self in Black Teen Girls
If there is one thing that I wish for our girls is for them to know the importance of self-identity and individuality.
This is a hard thing in a world that doesn’t always see us or show us diverse versions of ourselves. So many of our teen girls are working to build a better world. But before they can spread compassion and kindness to others, they’ve got to learn to love themselves first.
One of the best things parents can do is help young and teen girls define themselves on their own terms – to hold space for who they really are.
By using affirmations for Black girls and quotes that focus on positive beliefs, we can help them build a strong and resilient self-identity. This will fight off low self-esteem and help them be less afraid, knowing that in the good times and the tough times, the only person whose voice matters is their own.
One of the best things parents can do is help young and teen girls define themselves on their own terms – to hold space for who they really are.
Quotes to Inspire Self-Love and Confidence
The teenage years are rough on our self-esteem. On their worst days, anything from a comment on social media, to a fight with a best friend or a bad grade can feel like it wipes out the good things they work on daily.
There is no better time than the teen years for parents to teach our girls the power of a positive mindset. From tone policing, hair shaming and body image to adultification and colourism, our kids’ self-esteem depends on embracing what it is to live in their own beautifully melanated skin. Encouraging our girls to love their whole selves even on their worst days is part of supporting good mental health and emotional well-being. By build a strong sense of self-worth we teach them that they deserve respect.
These powerful words remind our girls that they are inherently enough, and born worthy of love, acceptance, and celebration exactly as they are.
Quotes that celebrate and embrace Peace and Black Joy
Our girls needs to know that joy is not just about fleeting moments of happiness. True Black Joy is about giving ourselves to rest, finding simple day to day ways to nurture our spirits, focus on healing and protect our self-worth and mental health.
Most importantly, these quotes remind every Black teenage girl that joy is central to her overall well-being. There is no better time than the teen years to teach our kids the power of a positive mindset and self-care.
Confidence-building quotes that encourage girls to reach their full potential
From the civil rights movement to the resounding echoes of #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, Black women’s resilient spirits have fueled the flames of progress.
Whether they are “the only” Black girl in the room, “the first” in a role, a leader or a rising talent, our girls carry within them the seeds of powerful change. These quotes may inspire them make a positive change and to do it with unwavering confidence .
Quotes that help teen girls embrace the power of positive thinking
Let’s be real – our kids are going to encounter doubters. They are going to face difficult situations. At times external voices question their worth and potential – at other times, the questioning voice will be their own.
These powerful words will be a game changer and challenge the negative self-talk – fiercely protect their identities and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Encourage our girls to dare to be bold even in the face of criticism.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness
Prioritizing mental health and wellness is essential for our girls, who often face unique challenges and stress. Here are some tips for prioritizing mental health and wellness:
- Make time for self-care and relaxation, such as taking a warm bath or practicing yoga.
- Connect with nature and spend time outdoors, whether it’s walking, hiking, or simply sitting in a park.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Seek out supportive relationships and build a strong support network.
- Prioritize sleep and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
The one person who will never leave us, whom we will never lose, is ourself.
bell hooks
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
When we speak life into ourselves and each other, we create a supportive and uplifting community that celebrates our unique magic. Teach our girls to practice self-compassion and self-care, and prioritize their own needs and well-being.
Balancing mental and physical health is crucial for overall wellness and thriving in a supportive environment.
Here are some tips for creating a safe and supportive environment:
- Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who uplift and encourage you.
- Create a safe and comfortable space that reflects your personality and style.
- Prioritize open and honest communication, and seek out help when you need it.
- Be as proud of your accomplishments as you are of your struggles.
- Practice self-compassion and self-care, and prioritize your own needs and well-being.
- Celebrate your successes and accomplishments, and acknowledge your hard work and efforts.
Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. Taking a deep breath can be a simple yet effective way to ground oneself and release negative emotions.
Inspirational Quotes and Affirmations Our Teenage Girls Need to Hear
These inspirational quotes from Black role models offer encouragement to help our girls live by their own terms and write their own stories.
The best quotes and affirmations assure our kids they are capable of amazing things. They assure them there is power in knowing their roots, understanding their identity, and striving to be the best version of themselves. Affirmations help assure our girls that they are enough.
Think like a Queen. A Queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.
Oprah Winfrey
Sometimes the power of affirmations lay in their ability to encourage teens to take the first step in a journey of empowerment. At other times affirmations offer teens different ways to look at the challenges of daily life. Powerful words might assure them that their voice matters. Or these words may be just the right inspiration to help the teen in your life feel safe or find the peace and resilience to keep going.
More than girl power, these affirmations for black youth can have a powerful impact. Rooted in Black experience, these quotes arm Black teenage girls with the wisdom of our ancestors, the power of positive affirmations, and the belief in their own potential. This added to giving them access to a healing space for Black girls can make a world of difference in their lives.
Comment with your own affirmations or favourite quotes that might inspire kids and uplift our girls.
