While she
was busy getting excited I was busy researching, liking on Facebook, and staying
abreast of other events and opportunities The Black Girl Project was organizing
and supporting, including a recent happy hour fundraiser. This time my friend
was psyched about bar tending at the event. I was psyched that the founder of
The Black Girl Project, Aiesha Turman, considered it a privilege to talk with
me about her passion turned The Black Girl Project. She took her passion,
created a film, and then committed to starting a movement.
Phreedum: Talk to me about how The Black
Girl Project started?
AT: The Black Girl Project started as a
film before it became any type of movement or entity offering ongoing education
and dialog about being a Black girl. I was a program coordinator at a museum
for high school students. Many of the girls in the program would come to me
with the same issues that me and my adult friends would talk
about. The more they talked about it and the more I talked about it
with my own friends the more I found it was important to really create
something that was going to shatter the monolithic idea of what black girl
is. There needed to be the acknowledgement of the different ethnic
backgrounds, classes, and so forth. Their needed to be the acknowledgment of
the diversity within the similarities.
Phreedum: It started as a film but now you are a
nonprofit. Talk to me about that.
AT: Well, I never did a film before, but
the idea of doing one was exciting and the girls featured in the film were
definitely excited by the idea. Granted the film took three years to make. I just knew I wanted to tell a story, I wanted
the girls to have an opportunity to tell their story, and film just seemed like
a great way to do it. As I edited the video I felt as though I
needed to do more. I went to the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization
in Harlem, submitted a proposal for sponsorship and within a week they accepted
and Black Girl Project was a nonprofit.
Phreedum: You cover a variety of topics in your
film and conferences. Can you talk to me more about how you decided what to address
and explore?
AT: I really let the informal
conversations I was having with the high school girls shape what the film and
discussions are about. We cover everything from how to talk about experiences
without shame, not putting your own or other people’s business in the streets,
relationships, school, drama, etc. I think the issue that The Black Girl
Project really tried to address in film and continues to address today as a nonprofit
is creating a space where these girls can freely tell and live their stories
without fear, guilt, or awkwardness because it’s not what is
portrayed in the media.
Phreedum: What has been a highlight for you so
far?
AT: The conversations. The film was meant
if nothing more than to get people talking and motivated to create change. The
film, the screenings, and the work that
we do at the annual conferences allows not only for conversation, but
intergenerational conversations. We have screenings of the film and have the
young ladies in the film on a panel for discussion afterwards. Women come and
bring their nieces, daughters, goddaughters, granddaughters, and we all talk and learn from one
another.
Phreedum: What has been one of the biggest
lessons that you have learned since starting The Black Girl Project?
AT: Go slowly. I have a million ideas for
workshops and it has to come in its own time. The work will be there but if you
don’t pace yourself you won’t be there.
Phreedum: What are some words of truth and encouragement
that you hold on to as you continue to build The Black Girl Project?
AT: Keep on it and don’t give up. Don’t
listen to distracters. Do it from your heart or don’t do it all.
Phreedum: What inspires and motivates you?
AT: I would have to say that my soon to be
8 year old daughter is my biggest motivator. I want her to live in a world
where it is easier for her to accept herself in her skin; that she can be whole
and be free.
Phreedum: How does The Black Girl Project Change
the lives of others?
AT: Having those frank unpretty tell it like it is
conversations. I think we allow people to have the expectation they can talk freely which I see as an expression of love at its best, because
that means you are freely being yourself. I think The Black Girl Project
helps people to be authentic and overcome things that may have held them back
otherwise.
Phreedum: What would you consider the greatest
sacrifice that you’ve had to make?
AT: Time. I still have a full
time job. I juggle balls and drop some and pick them up and go on. When there is a way to do The Black Girl
Project full time I will. It’s been hard managing it all. Sometimes I do well
and sometimes don’t.
Phreedum: What would you consider to be your
greatest resource?
AT: My passion and drive. If it lacked I
couldn’t do it. I wake up early and stay up late. It’s what gets me through.
Phreedum: What do you think people underestimate
about being a creative independent?
AT: Things it will just start and go and
be awesome from day one. There are lots of surprises. I didn’t know what I was
doing. When the decisions come, I try to choose what I believe is best for my
dream.
Phreedum: Any advice for other creative
independents?
AT: Just start. The more you think, that’s
energy you could use to start. And don’t do it to say you are, do whatever you
are doing because you love it. The passion is the only way you will succeed.
Phreedum: Why New York City?
AT: I believe in starting where you are.
Since this is where I am, this is where I am starting. These are my young people
and my community.
Phreedum: If The Black Girl Project went Hollywood,
who would you cast to tell the different stories?
AT: Ooo, that is a hard one. Hmmm. Okay I
wouldn’t really want any superstars. I would primarily want actresses that are fresh and new, but gritty. And the girls in the film are mostly 18 and19 so the actresses
would need to be close to their ages. I love the young lady in the film Pariah
and I love Jurnee Smollett.
For more
information about Aiesha Turman and The Black Girl Project visit www.blackgirlproject.org
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