Group seeks community support

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com May 13, 2020 • 3 Girls For A Change rallies community support to keep girls employed during pandemic

For two years, Breanna Gant was one of 20 girls enrolled in Girls For A Change’s (GFAC) Girl Ambassador Program (GAP), a workforce development program for Black girls and other girls of color that teaches hybrid skills and prepares them for better-paying jobs in technology and professional careers. Breanna progressed from an “essential employee” job at a local Food Lion to a social media coordinator position. She interned during her high school years with Emergent Social Solutions, which led to a workfrom-home position during her first year of college, where she continues to work during the pandemic. Emergent Social Solutions has hired two girls and was preparing to hire another intern in 2020; however, it is one of many businesses in jeopardy. GFAC is seeking the help of individual and business donors to help fund this program that helps to eliminate barriers for Black girls in the tech space. The funds raised will provide stipends to pay participants like Breanna and some operational costs for longtime business partners who have hosted the GAP participants.

While practicing physical distancing, GFAC is committed to equity and developing and amplifying Black girls and their families -- the reason why GFAC exists. GFAC has called on supporters such as actress, writer, producer, entrepreneur and activist Erika Alexander, Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), actor and filmmaker Joel Edgerton and Ruth Carter, Oscar-Award winning costume designer and author Dr. Monique Morris to rally support for Black girls. There will be a weekly Lunch & Learn series on Facebook, where a host of recognizable voices will make a case for funding the program and share the importance of internships for black girls and other girls of color.

Nationwide, the United States has seen a disproportionate number of COVID-19 deaths in Black and Hispanic populations. A trio of African American professionals—Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb (Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician), Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton (Double Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Critical Care Physician) and Ashleigh Corrin Webb (2020 Ezra Jack Keats Award- Winning Illustrator)—have teamed up to create a children’s book about COVID-19 geared toward children in vulnerable communities of color.

“We’re Going to be O.K.” features Parker, a young, African American boy who is trying to navigate the new normal of staying home from school amidst the coronavirus pandemic. It includes tips and advice on how to stay safe, healthy, and optimistic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 256 entries for the Emory Global Health Institute’s COVID-19 Children’s eBook Competition, this literary effort placed in the top 5 winners, to sit amongst 4 others deemed as Honorable Mention.

The trio collaborated previously on a community outreach initiative, ‘Stayin Alive’, which included a flier with tips on preparation, prevention, and presenting symptoms of COVID-19 for vulnerable African American communities. It was originally co-created as an open source document (with a local community leader) for Charlottesville residents, but has since been translated into Spanish and distributed nationally by health systems, nonprofits, and community members. In addition to this effort, a mental health guide has been created to structure talks between parents and their children while coping with COVID-19.

“We’re Going to be O.K.” includes a series of printable pages noting reliable, accurate information about the coronavirus pandemic as well as pages geared toward mental health for an audience between the ages of 5 to 9 years old.

About the creators: Ashleigh Corrin Webb is an illustrator and designer

Va. physicians, illustrator team up, win recognition for children’s book on COVID-19

“While our doors are temporarily closed, GFAC is still open. I never considered pulling the plug on the training and summer internship during the pandemic,” said Angela Patton, GFAC CEO. “But, understandably, many hiring partners have pulled out. Many of our summer internships are up in the air, and the girls cannot fall behind. Breanna could have been one of the essential personnel risking her life during this pandemic if it wasn’t for this program. There are other Breanna’s in our program who need our support now and long after the pandemic subsides.”

A recent New York Times article emphasizes Patton’s urgency to continue her program and raise funds. According to the article, “Nonprofit organizations led by black and Latino executive directors lag behind peer organizations with white leaders, according to the report from Echoing Green, an early-stage funder in social innovation, and the Bridgespan Group, a philanthropic consultancy.” COVID-19 can further perpetuate how foundations give based on the agility and sustainability of a nonprofit during crises.

GFAC seeks to raise $60,000 to cover the cost of this year’s program. The funding will support the girls’ stipends, training and administrative expenses. GFAC is resilient but can be unstoppable with donor support. For more information on Girls For A Change or to donate to GAP, visit girlsforachange.org.

who keeps service at the heart of her work. She is a multi-passionate creator interested in the story, the people, and the purpose behind her projects. In addition to being an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb is Founder of The Get-Well Company. Her works have specific aims in community outreach and empowerment of the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton, an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia, is also Co-Founder and Medical Director of GOODSTOCK Consulting, LLC. Her research passions are founded on advocacy and engagement of health care entities, community leaders and the population alike to end health disparities, particularly as it pertains to communities of color.