Afro Puffs and Ponytails

Welcome To A Positive Website for African American Teen Girls and Young Girls

Kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:05:23 +0000

By Kim Thomas

Founder

Afro Puffs and Ponytails seek to inspire African American teen girls and young girls by providing positive articles, resources, and words of encouragement. You will find pictures, and personal stories by professional African American women who offer their advice and suggestions for success. This is not a web space for demeaning boys or belittling girls of a different race or nationality. It does however, serve as an electronic avenue for empowering black teen girls by helping to build confidence, improve self-esteem, and sharpen decision-making skills.

One of the categories of this new e-world is entitled For Parents of African American Young Girls and Teen girls. It presents helpful information for mothers and fathers seeking advice, ideas, and suggestions. The information addresses issues and concerns that parents encounter when guiding and raising their African American daughters.

Another interesting focus of the website is the High Achievers. High Achievers are young girls and teen girls recommended by their parents for personalized recognition. Recognition may be for academic and sports related achievements or parents might choose to acknowledge their daughters attitudes, personal growth efforts, and responsible behaviors as a form of reinforcement or kudos so to speak. Family members, friends, and optimistic visitors provide encouraging comments and electronic pats on the back.

Special features include numerous links to programs that encourage participation of African American young girls and teen girls. This national listing includes organizations, camps, clubs, etiquette info, and mentoring programs. Contact information and links to these valuable resources are all available for anyone seeking alternatives for improving the outcome of young black teen girls.

There is so much media coverage of African American teen girls and alarming statistics about teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and inappropriate conduct. I believe that in order to help the girls who have fallen off track, we have to expose them to something other than reminders of their offenses. Advertising their shortcomings has been the norm for some time now and in my humble opinion, it’s not helping but it is breaking their spirit.

On this site, we strive to counterbalance the girls’ well-publicized shortfalls by introducing an overflow of encouragement and hopeful possibilities. If a teen girl has made numerous calamitous decisions and she is alive, she still has an opportunity to change her path towards a flourishing and rewarding life. Afro Puffs and Ponytails is an attempt to demonstrate this belief by serving as a positive website of empowerment and inspiration.

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Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. – Hartford, CT

Kim — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:22:48 +0000

Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. (EHI), founded in 1984 by the President & CEO Patricia E. Kelly, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-service organization.

Mission

The mission and goal of Ebony Horsewomen is to use Equine Assisted Growth and Learning, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, horsemanship training and academic programming to build leaders, deter destructive behavior and increase academic achievement in urban youth.

We stimulate the development of academic achievement, social skills, good health and nutrition practices, as well as leadership and employability skills for urban youth, most of whom struggle in difficult family and financial circumstances, without resources and, often, without personal aspirations. Our purpose is to transform youth – to help them realize and take responsibility for their own actions, and for the consequences of those actions.

Through the rigors, determination and perseverance involved the equestrian/academic training and the healing powers horses give to youth – youth learn responsibility, develop and maintain strength of character, self-respect and leadership and help create an environment that is positive and enjoyable, while acquiring academic achievement which is vital to their total development.

For more information about the Ebony Horsemen, Inc., please click here to visit their website.

Afro Puffs and Ponytails is constantly searching for information about camps, clubs and organizations, and mentoring programs to provide as resources for parents and community organizers. It is our hopes that each resource provided will serve to build confidence, enhance self esteem, develop leadership skills, empower, uplift and educate our African American girls. We are not recommending these programs, but offering a starting point for you to conduct your own evaluation and research about whether a program is right for your child.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.

Pinksta & the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Wearing Princess by Sy Alexander

Kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:46:09 +0000

Sy Alexander is a graduate of Ohio State University with a B.S. Degree in Education. She established Proud 2-B Me Publishing and was honored in Who’s Who Among Successful African Americans in 1998. Ms. Alexander has written two children’s books, “The Tale of the Old Maypop Tree: A Southern Folktale” and “Pinksta & The Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess.”

In 2009, Ms. Alexander appeared at The Decatur Book Festival, The Spring Book Festival in 2008, For Sister’s Only at the Georgia World Congress Center in 2007, and The National Black Arts Festival. Ms. Alexander was also featured in Booking Matters Magazine’s Author Spotlight. When asked about the inspiration behind Pinksta & the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Wearing Princess, Ms. Sy Alexander gave this response:

“I wrote this story because I saw it as a stage production and wrote a story to fit the production. I saw a vision of Pinksta & The Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess traveling to cities all over the U.S. to teach and entertain children! My prayer is to someday have it produced on stage. I met Russell Simmons and gave him a copy of the book. I thought their little girl would be an awesome Pinksta in the production. Oops! Here I am again getting stuck in “P” words !”

At Ohio State University’s Read Aloud, Ms. Alexander is featured reading one of her favorite books ”The Pact: Three Young Men Make A Promise and Fulfill A Dream”. She is sharing this powerful story through book discussions and the written word with school students. Young men who would like to write about their struggle with completing their education are welcome to contact Ms. Sy Alexander at proud2bemepub@msn.com.

Ms. Sy Alexander’s book review can be found on Barnes & Noble & Amazon.

Pinksta and the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess

To visit the official website of Pinksta & the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Wearing Princess, please click here

Awesome Ladies of Distinction Mentoring Program – Harvey, LA

Kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:34:38 +0000

The Awesome Ladies of Distinction Mentoring Program, founded by Deidra Decay, is located in Harvey, Louisiana.

Mission

To provide safe and positive prevention and intervention through academics and enrichment. To afford elementary through high school age girls and their families an opportunity to build a solid career. Through building a solid career in the early onset, our young ladies can move towards a life of social inclusiveness and live free from generational characteristics and habits that lead to poverty, low self-esteem, and teen pregnancy.

Belief Statement

We believe that when a child is personally empowered with knowledge, skills, and abilities achievement becomes clearer to them in the onset. With the right mentee/mentor relationship, the influence in young people’s loves hold priceless benefits

For more information about the Awesome Ladies of Distinction Mentoring Program, please click here to visit their website.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.

Beautiful Black Girls, Inc. – Baton Rouge, LA

Kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:31:27 +0000

BEAUTIFUL BLACK GIRLS, INC., founded by Frances Farlow, is a 501(C) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt corporation whose purpose is exclusively for charitable purposes, specifically for educational and recreational purposes and to celebrate Black beauty and self-determination with African American girls.

Mission

The Mission of Beautiful Black Girls, Inc. is to serve as a catalyst to embrace, educate and empower the well-being of girls through a variety of programs and enrichment activities that build self-esteem, character and leadership skills.

Purpose

Beautiful Black Girls, Inc. organization is dedicated to African American girls to teach young ladies etiquette, life skills, money matters, and entrepreneurship. We strive to nurture social skills, self-esteem and self-respect to empower our young ladies with confidence to become future leaders of tomorrow.

To contact Beautiful Black Girls, Inc., please click here to visit their website.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.

Brown Baby Princess – A Princess Decorative Give-Away!

Kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:57:56 +0000

When my daughter Kayla was born, I was in heaven! She was beautiful, precious, and even from birth very observant . She didn’t cry much as a baby because she was always observing everything around her. I used to think she kept quiet because she was smart enough to know that if she cried she would possibly miss many of the thing happening in her surroundings. She was always pulling the pots and pan out of the cabinets, and whenever the refrigerator door opened, she would make her way to kitchen! I started reading to her when was a baby and amazingly, she still enjoys reading at the age of 19.

I miss her baby days, but I would love to hear about your brown baby princess! Please share with Afro Puffs and Ponytails some of your precious stories about your brown baby princess. Send a couple of pictures with your story and you may be selected as the winner of a pretty princess decorative! This contest is for little girls between the ages of 6 months -18 months.

To enter, send in your short story along with at least one picture of your brown baby princess to info@afropuffsandponytails.com. Your story should be about one of your precious and memorable moments of your brown baby princess. One to two paragraphs will suffice and you must send in no more than two pictures. If you story is selected, we will need you to complete the parental consent form prior to publishing your story and pictures. The deadline for submission is December 16. The winner will be announced on December 21, 2009.

Brown Baby Princess Give-Away

It’s About Me, Inc. – Dade, Broward, & Palm Beach County- FL

Kim — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:06:45 +0000

Mission

To empower, uplift and engage young girls and women by providing educational seminars, workshops and events.

(IAM) It’s About Me! Inc is a non for profit 501c3 organization that was developed and founded by Sandra Halaby in 2003 to provide a support system for women in South Florida. In 2008, I.A.M. expanded to offer workshops for girls between the ages of 10-18. The organization offers workshops on Self Esteem, Health and Fitness, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Career Goals and Etiquette. We believe that strong, confident girls of today, become strong, confident leaders of tomorrow. Workshops are offered in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.

Please visit the website of It’s About Me, Inc. for more information.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.

Sunkissed Girlz – An Amazing New Website for Black Girls!

Kim — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:07:53 +0000

Sunkissed Girlz is an exciting new website that is making beautiful waves of change! Yanique Redwood, PhD, MPH; her daughter Alana Jones, and Aisha Penson are working sweet magic with the information they provide for girls ages 11-14. You will find information on fashion, natural hair care, and positive body image. We are also proud to announce our partnership with Sunkissed Girlz as the positive media movement we want to see for African American/black girls.

Currently, Sunkissed Girlz is looking for 3 more Girlz Editorial Board members. As Editorial Board members, girls get a chance to write articles, co-host radio shows, and host their own blog. Sunkissed Girlz is looking for girls ages 11-12. If you are interested, email them at info@sunkissedgirlz.com and tell them why you want to be a board member.

The Peace and Beauty Project – Orlando, FL

Kim — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:17:22 +0000

The Peace & Beauty Project , founded by Karen Peters, is a nonprofit organization that takes a unique approach to making girls more self aware, health conscious, and empowered to honor themselves.

The Peace & Beauty Project hosts workshops that teach girls the to blend their own healthy beauty care products. We take this fun, yet potent activity and interweave it with seeds of self nurturing, self empowerment, and positive self regard.

For more information about The Peace and Beauty Project, please click here to visit the website.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.

Girls Too Women, Inc. – Lauderhill, FL

Kim — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:31:54 +0000

Girls Too Women, Inc. was founded by the President, Amena McInnis. Their mission is to provide counseling, training, and offer workshops to help girls transition from girls to women and to help those who have been identified as being at-risk.

Girls Too Women, Inc.’s purpose is to improve the quality of life by providing effective parenting skills, educational programs, employment skills and offer a support system that will teach young girls how to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives.

Girls Too Women, Inc.’s goal is to provide assistance to the local church, prison ministry, outreach organizations as will as community social service programs and bring about healing and cohesiveness in families.

For more information about Girls Too Women, Inc., please click here to visit their website.

For an up-to-date listing of other programs for African American girls within the USA, please click here.