I would like to introduce you to Amber Anderson, a trailblazer on a mission to inspire and empower young women throughout the City of Chicago. Amber has proven that age has no relevance when it comes down to making a difference. As the executive director and Co Founder of the "Black Is Gold" Organization and the founder of ANA's mentoring Group, she is well aware of the important impact she has made in the lives of young women. Without a doubt she is someone you should know. Take a look at our interview below!
What is the Mission Statement for the Black is Gold Organization?
The Black is Gold Organization is a peer mentoring group for African-American teenage girls in the Chicago land area. Our purpose is to help develop young African American women through a multitude of outlets, which include, community outreach, building sisterhood, hosting educational girl talks and workshops that help prepare young women for the workforce, college readiness, & empower young women. Throughout the city of Chicago and nationally, there are several mentoring groups and programs that are created for teenage girls, but not many are founded and executed by teenagers. In addition, many peer mentoring groups do not exist at the high school level.
Why do you feel it is important to be a role model to young African American women?
It is important to be a role model to young African-American girls because some of us don't have a mom, aunt, or big sister to look after us and guide us through this thing we call life. Black girls are always expected to mature so fast and look after someone else but, who is looking after us and protecting us is the real question. Young Black Girls deserve to have that mentor that is going to guide them and assist them in accomplishing their goals. We don't deserve to be expected to figure it out on our own, I want to be that role model that lets them know you are beautiful, intelligent, and can accomplish everything that you want to.
What do you hope young girls will receive while being apart of the Organization?
While being apart of Black is Gold, I want young girls to receive sisterhood and know that they have a safe haven. I also want them to be able to have fun while being apart of our sisterhood. Having fun is important, but so is ensuring that they have the resources they need in order to succeed, I want them to gain career and college readiness skills as well.
Personally, Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I see myself as a college graduate, moving to New York to fulfill my dreams as a journalist. I want to cover sports and tell the stories of athletes on and off the court. I also see myself having Black is Gold's curriculum in public schools across the nation
If you had to leave behind one, what would you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be Black is Gold and ANA's Mentoring Program. I want to be remembered for the impact that I have had on Black girls/women lives.
Upcoming Events:
Mark your calendars! On December 21st Black is Gold will be hosting a high school summit for 7th and 8th graders at two Chicago Public Elementary Schools. Every year we plan a holiday community service project that will help benefit the youth of Chicago. This year, for our holiday service project, we are hosting a ‘High School Summit Day’ for middle school students in the 7th and 8th grade, for both young girls and boys. The day will consist of a panel of high school seniors and college freshmen, discussing the social and academic aspects of high school. We will also be hosting workshops that will be social-emotional learning based and will include interactive activities that will put the students in the mindset of a high school student.
Amber has also just launched a new branch called Social Sisters Chicago. It's for Chicago Girls by Chicago Girls. It's meant for all young women in Chicago to come together to network and build sisterhood while having fun. We will be hosting a Cupcake & Hot Chocolate Social, Head shot Party, and a movie night for women's month. She is a young woman destined for greatness and with no sign of slowing down I wish her the best of luck!
Stay connected with Amber Anderson and The Black Is Gold Organization
Facebook: Black is Gold Organization
Website: https://www.blackisgoldchi.org
Comments