FOR MORE THAN A DECADE WE'VE BEEN HELPING BLACK GIRLS UNIQUELY DEFINE, DISCOVER, AND BECOME WHO THEY ARE.
Founded and artistically directed by Shaleah Laché Sutton, the UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT for Black Girls is an experiential dialogue that unites Black women and girls of similar backgrounds in order to eliminate the perception of isolation (which lessens shame) and meet self-esteem needs not met by conventional outreach and instruction. By discovering the universality of their feelings and experiences, the barriers to becoming who they are are lifted. This one-of-a-kind annual three-day forum serves as a catalyst to evoke a much-needed conversation that addresses the complexities of being a Black girl in America.
"IT'S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT. AND IT'S OKAY TO BE BLACK."
- MIA BROWN, UYS ALUMNA
Black girls wrestle with very distinct challenges and distractions during their formative years – including preoccupation with their skin complexion, hair texture, and body type; navigating depression, emotional stress and trauma; difficulty perceiving long-range consequences of their actions; and weakened self-esteem. "We want to create an experiential dialogue and outreach that aids in eliminating the perception of isolation. Our hope is that by discovering the universality of their feelings and experiences, the barriers to becoming their best and most unique self are removed." Sutton says.