Dear Friends,
Tasneem and Yemurai
Have you ever watched a girl grow up? Ever seen her audacious toddlerhood, racing and flying as fast as the wind? Ever watched in amazement when she begins school and exclaims – with jumps and shouts – over every morsel of knowledge she learns?
And have you seen that same girl slip away and seek security in the shadows? Have you seen her wither into self-consciousness and fear that her spirit and sass may invite words like: “Straighten up and sit like a lady,” or “Oh, grow up and calm down!” and – the worst – “Stop acting like a girl!” If you’ve seen this happen, then you know my anguish. You know my frustration as I watched my 11-year- old daughter grapple with the choice to be her loud, funny, self-loving self or a seated, silent shadow girl.
And then my girl attended the March (2015) spring break session of Act Like a GRRRL. After five days, my daughter was transformed into someone more vibrant and awesome than ever.
Today, I look at her tall stance, her broad smile and loud shrieking laughter (that Vali never once tried to mute!) and realize that her sass hadn’t disappeared. It was waiting for an opportunity, and invitation, to shine again as a GRRRL.
If you’ve ever watched a girl tussle with the limiting, shushing, belittling notions of girlhood, then you can understand the power of ALAG. This program, through writing, dance and drama, convinces our precious daughters that they were born to boldly be themselves.
The impact of ALAG, and Vali’s vision, is sustained through a network of “GRRRL allies” who believe that our entire community is elevated when our grrrls have a place to find, and use, their voices. I hope you consider investing in this revolution and proudly add your names to those believe that grrrlpower is valuable, necessary and beautiful.
In GRRRL gratitude,
Tasneem Grace Tewogbola
Tasneem currently serves as Parent Liaison for Act Like a GRRRL. She was a co-leader in ALAG program in Northern Virginia in 2015.
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