Oh, yes, they do.

There’s an organization in the city that I’m SO inspired by called Black Girls Rock! It’s basically and hands-on mentoring program for young girls of color and women in the arts intended to counteract so much of the negativity that’s already out there by encouraging girls to see themselves as they are- not as they are portrayed in mainstream media…hmm…sound familiar? Yeah. I thought it might.

Anyway, each year, they hold an awards show to celebrate the achievements of some of our favorite celebs who also give back. This year, the Fourth Annual Awards show was hosted by actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross. Some of the honorees included: Mary J. Blige, Raven Symone, poet Sonia Sanchez, Naomi Campbell, Janelle Monae, DJ Spinderella (of Salt-N-Pepa), Dr. Mehret Mandefro.

Here’s a video from The YBF.com from that event-

Throughout the year, they also host programs designed with you (and your talent/self-esteem/inherent greatness) in mind! From The Black Girls Rock! Scratch DJ Academy Program to the ‘I Rhyme Like a Girl’ Poetry Workshop, from the ‘Taste the World’ Program to Summer Camp and College Tours- there are a lot of varied options. If you’re interested, check out the program details here.