“Walk this earth with a sense of self so strong that it cannot be manipulated or demeaned by anyone.”
BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project, Inc
The BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project nonprofit is an organization dedicated to the enrichment, empowerment and development of Black and Brown girls and young women. The BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project nonprofit provides opportunities for our girls regardless of their socio-economic situation to participate in educational programs, mentoring, self-care and self-awareness programs as well cultural and work experiences. The BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project nonprofit provides a safe place for development - whether it is finding their voice or building their self-esteem and self-confidence. The BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project nonprofit equips our girls with strategies for success and provides a supportive and nurturing network of women as they navigate through their developmental years.
In 2018, Kathleen Wainwright set out to find stock photos showcasing Black and Brown girls to elevate a presentation. To her surprise, what surfaced in her Google search wasn't quite what she anticipated. Instead of the diverse array of skin tones and hair textures she sought, the results predominantly showcased brown-haired, brown-eyed white women and girls, with only a sprinkling of Black and Brown representation.
This eye-opening experience, combined with Kathleen's own interactions with young girls of color during her teaching tenure in the School District of Philadelphia, solidified her understanding of the profound impact of representation—or the lack thereof—on self-esteem, self-image, and overall positive outlook.
In essence, Kathleen's journey underscores a simple yet powerful truth: representation matters.
Symbolic annihilation, a term denoting the absence of representation, suggests that the lack of seeing oneself reflected in media implies insignificance. It's a powerful concept, underlining the importance for every girl of color to encounter images that resonate with her in the clothes she wears, the books she reads, and the characters and products she admires. Holding this belief close, Kathleen established her business, initially named Dear Pretty Brown Girls and later rebranded as Dear Beautiful Brown Girls, along with the BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project.
The BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project is dedicated to celebrating girls of color by ensuring positive representations in their attire, literature, and the figures and items they look up to. Its mission is clear: to provide a safe space where Black and Brown girls and young women are enriched, empowered, and equipped to achieve lasting personal, educational, and career success through mentorship and unique experiences.
Under Kathleen's leadership, various initiatives such as the Afternoon of Affirmation, The Love Your Selfie Workshop, The BeYOU Crew, and BeYOU University were established to uplift, enrich, and empower Black and Brown girls. However, it became evident that the reach of these initiatives was limited, as not all girls in the community could afford to participate. This led Kathleen to consider how the brand could extend its impact to a broader audience.
Thus, the BeYOUtiful Brown Girl Project, Inc was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
“Where there is a woman there is magic.”
— Ntozake Shange