A Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit called The Black Girl Tribe announced that it has received a $100,000 grant from Nike’s Black Community Commitment Portfolio. According to an Instagram post, the grant from the sneaker giant will be used to expand the Black Girl Tribe’s programming, in addition to launching a “Black Girls Just Do” Initiative. Forthcoming activities will integrate sports and physical activity.
“Black Girls Just Do It will be dedicated to providing opportunities for Black Girls to explore the wide world of sports, enhancing their life skills and sisterhood. With pop up events planned for Summer 2021 (with COVID restrictions), Black Girls ages 6-18 will be invited to explore a plethora of activities including yoga, mixed martial arts, soccer, and golf to name a few,” the Instagram post explained.
Black Girl Tribe also stated that all activities will be free of charge and provided first-come, first-served.
Who founded Black Girl Tribe?
According to WUSA 9, Gabrielle Martinez, a Washington, D.C., native, wanted to change the narrative centered around young Black girls. Through the nonprofit, participants are empowered to embrace their individuality, value self-love, and have a supportive tribe.
“There was nobody being unapologetic about their service to a Black girl. So, that’s what we wanted to do; we wanted to be the change we want to see in the world,” Martinez said in the WUSA 9 interview.
On The Black Girl Tribe’s website, Martinez mentioned that she was told that initiatives dedicated solely to Black Girls have “insufficient and immeasurable outcomes,” before she started the nonprofit. Despite the initial feedback, Martinez’s proactive approach was successful. Now, young girls can benefit from Martinez’s insight and leadership.
“Tribe is my response to that. Black Girls are anything but insufficient, and the only thing immeasurable about us is our potential,” Martinez said on Black Girl Tribe’s website.