Why I lecture about LOUD

A couple of years ago, I spoke at New York University’s Technical Assistance Center’s Summer Institute Equity Conference about my voice, my LOUD and what it means to be an outspoken Black girl and woman. I opened up my lecture by asking:

“Do you think that being a good girl student is associated with being a quiet girl?”

The room was full of educators, who teach in Black communities. Their hands were held high.

This was a major problem.

I’ve been a LOUD Black Girl all my life. Through my experience, and now through research, it’s been found that when Black women and girls’ expressions don’t fit into the quiet, meek and mild box, we’re labeled and associated with negative connotations; we’re disciplined in the workplace and in school; and in some cases we are even ostracized.

Studies have proven that children who use their voice are often qualified for gifted programs, and women who speak up at work are more likely to be promoted than those who do not. Yet, many Black women and girls experience disdain from their peers and educators when they speak up.

I want to talk about it. With you. Your students. Your community. Your organization.

Black women and girls need to know that we are listening, which is why I have developed a curriculum: Black Female Stereotypes: Origins and popular examples and ways to combat the stigma; specialized programming and my signature lecture titled, What’s wrong with a LOUD Girl?.

Please visit my speaking page to find out how to bring me to your conference, organization, school, company or campus to educate your group on the truth about the Angry Black woman stereotype and newly educate them about LOUD.

LOUD and all,

Thysha M. Shabazz Founder and Creative Director, LOUD Girl Movement