Grounded & Connected, 2016
Video by Catalina Jackson-Urueña
2016 marks the third year of the GIRL Project.
The participants in the GIRL Project were 9 to 16 year old girls living in East Oakland. The most precious moments of our week together were the moments of vulnerability. These girls face their shared challenges with bravery and honesty. In listening to each other’s personal stories the girls learned that they are not alone in their struggles and that sharing brought strength. The goal of our week’s GIRL Project was to provide a safe space for creativity and expression as well as to impart skills and boost self-confidence. Based on the girls’ interests and requests, our discussions focused on self-preservation and the concept of defining oneself. Our amazing team of teachers provided a variety of experiences, imparting a wealth of learning in our five days together: hip-hop and urban planning (Janey Madamba), modern dance (Ceressa Allen), mask making (Xochitl Guerrero), music composition (Pamela Z), bike skills and safety (Cycles of Change), and self-defense (Four Elements Fitness). Our Friday evening culminating performance was a fabulous success with the girls, their families and others in the audience glowing with pride.
Take a peek into our week-long Spring Break Workshop:
Video by Lillian Ocampo
Check out this short documentary of the GIRL Project Summer session 2016:
Video by Catalina Jackson-Urueña
We want to thank our guardian angels, ancestors, EastSide Arts Alliance, our “fairy godmother”, and the Akonadi Foundation—along with Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Oaklandish—for partnering in making the GIRL Project possible. Thank you for sharing your resources to make a difference on a grassroots level in our Oakland community.
