the firsT-ever virtual uniquely you summit weekend experience
A celebration, re-education, and healing for Black girls.
Although we were apart physically in 2020 due to the pandemic, the goal was to keep connectivity and maintain as much intimacy as possible in a digital space. We accomplished that by sending each and every registrant the same “Weekend Survival Kit.” In that kit they received dry snacks, a t-shirt, books by Black women authors, affirming buttons specifically for Black girls, a journal & a pen (to record notes and positive affirmations), products that promoted health & wellness, and a personal gift that educed joy!
Those kits reached 463 girls across 30 states!
Weathering the digital climate to host our flagship program for Black girls ages 11 to 18 years old wasn’t easy, but we were determined to reach Black girls across the country despite the pandemic. This three-day VIRTUAL forum provided a safe space for Black girls to share their stories and participate in a much-needed dialogue about the complexities and shared experiences of being Black girls in America.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 - MORNING
Intentional about the speakers and presenters chosen to deliver immensely important messages to Black girls, UYS invited Yara Shahidi, Lyric Ross, Eris Baker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Teyonah Parris; as well as scholar-activist Dr. Yaba Blay, Cleveland Councilman Basheer Jones, Fatin Dantzler of Kindred The Family Soul, Jeff Johnson, Drs. Rebekah Fenton & Charis Chambers, Eraka Rouzorondu, and internationally acclaimed Brazilian ballerina, Ingrid Silva, to lead intentional and healing conversations.
The full UYS 2020 Weekend was hosted by 14-year-old actress and author, Trinitee Stokes.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 - AFTERNOON
For the last 10 years, without apology, our organization has loved on Black girls and 2020 was no different — even while virtual. Described as a “purposefully created space Black girls,” the 2020 Weekend Summit on November 13-15, welcomed 463 Black girls nationwide. During the UYS Weekend the girls were affirmed, shared their unique Black girlhood stories — and all while socially distanced — maintained solidarity through their collective experiences.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020 - MORNING
It is our desire to break the cycle of fatherless conversations among Black children and give the Black girls we serve the opportunity to hear the truth in love, where difficult conversations must be had. We understand at UYS that every Black girl isn’t afforded the opportunity to have a relationship with her father, so “DADDY LOVE” is a conversation for Black Girls with Black #GirlDads.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020 - AFTERNOON
Joining UYS Mega Mentor & actress Teyonah Parris in a two-part conversation were Eris Baker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Lyric Ross, Yara Shahidi, and internationally-acclaimed Afro-Latina ballerina Ingrid Silva to provide the perfect ending to an incredible weekend. During this authentic dialogue, the conversation between big sisters and little sisters in the industry succeeded in driving home the message that “when one Black girl wins, we ALL win.”
UYS 2020 SURVEY FEEDBACK
As we continue to grow as an organization, it is our desire to offer ongoing support, provide safe spaces for Black girls to develop bonds with their UYS sisters, and explore topics critical to their personal development. At the conclusion of UYS 2020 we asked our participants to take a few moments to complete a survey. Here is the data we collected. The information shared will continue to help us create programming relevant to the Black girlhood experience.
GIRL EXCHANGE SESSIONS
Before, after, and in between our large sessions, Black girls participate in our Girl Exchange Program. These segments, better known as “GXC,” are one of the most fundamental and impactful portions of the UNIQUELY YOU SUMMIT for Girls experience. During and throughout the weekend, Black girls are appropriately grouped by grade & age so that the shared experiences among these groups can be discussed in a safe and intimate environment with peers.