GBP Newsletter 2008

PLENTY GOOD NEWS! First of all, thank you! Thank You!  Thank You!  This newsletter is dedicated to all of our supporters.  You see, The Girl Blue Project is funded by individuals like YOU and in-kind donations from small businesses and organizations.  We have achieved some amazing things without any government funding and have proved that “the village” can and is taking care of its children.  Beginning in the summer of 2003 The Girl Blue Project has provided free classes in self-empowerment, life skills, etiquette, sign language, self-defense for women, money management, voice, dance, acting, creative writing, volunteerism and women’s health and HIV/AIDS awareness. And those were part of the basic curriculum.  We won’t even mention the special classes like: crocheting, capoeira and art classes or the fact that they have published 5 books of poetry and produced 5 amazing theater pieces at Los Angeles City College (okay, I guess I did just mention them but hey, we’re proud of these girls). Many were taught the value of giving back by tutoring elementary school children in reading through KOREH LA’s training program.  Our girls were their youngest volunteers.  Girl Blue members have  had to opportunity to work with professional artists such as Victoria Platt Tilford (triple threat), Ms. Karen Malina White, Winifred R. Harris of Between Lines Dance Co., Ms. Phylliss Bailey Brooks and the members of ADAAWE, Mr. Logan Alexander of LoganPhotos and Mr. Timothy Williams, director of Musicians Conservatory of Music. WOW!  Big things have definitely been poppin’ at Girl Blue and you have made it possible. But our proudest achievement to date was having our girls tested for HIV/AIDS through Planned Parenthood. Even our teachers were tested.  This disease has ravaged our community and is infecting young African American women at a very high rate. Girl Blue members know their status and encourage everyone to get tested for HIV/AIDS!

It’s been over 5 years and many of our girls have recently graduated and have been accepted to colleges such as UCLA, UC Berkley, Pasadena City College and Cal State Dominguez Hills.  They have overcome many stereotypes that socialize them as victims. We trust that they will take the values we have instilled in them and use them to achieve great things.

Phew! We have worked very closely with a lot of teen girls (that’s a lot of raging hormones) and it’s time to take a little break, a hiatus, a siesta, if you will, in order to pursue other projects that empower young women. That has always been the goal.  So stay tuned.  Girl Blue is getting a little R and R.  We just want you to know how your donations have helped so many girls overcome so much and that they are creating productive lives for themselves.  You have invested well.
The Girl Blue Project remains necessary and we hope that you continue to support us and programs like ours.  Peace and blessings.

 

Marlow Wyatt
Founder/Director
The Girl Blue Project