Black Girl Convention receives Dove award for its commitment to change

Black Girl Convention has been awarded a grant from Dove to continue their 2021/22 season as part of the Dove CROWN UK fund.

The CROWN UK award was launched in January and is committed to “supporting organisations and projects that seek to empower the new generation and eliminate barriers to progress for women and girls in the black community.” It’s main focus is to recognise black-led organisations and projects that drive systemic change and combat the racially biased narratives that are often the daily reality for black and women.

“Black Girl Convention is a movement to ensure that ALL womxn of African and Caribbean heritage have a sense of home, by sharing, shaping and owning the black girl experience. At a time when black wxmen are often underrepresented, it’s essential for brands to take more progressive and inclusive approaches. The grant will allow us to continue to deliver our annual convention, whilst helping us to commission are black women and non-binary people to work with us and support more of our attendees to develop skills, gain knowledge and create networks.” Dr Mena Fombo, founder and director of the Black Girl Convention says.

Black Girl Convention is one of the largest events dedicated to black womxn in the South West, and the organisation specialises in the uplifting of black women and non-binary people in the arts industry,  also providing them with opportunities to thrive in business sectors.

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“For the last 30 years, Dove has been committed to taking action, alongside our many incredible partners, to call time on narrow beauty standards and harmful stereotypes. Through the Dove Self-Esteem project, we support parents and teachers to build positive bold self-esteem in young people,. which can be so easily damaged by the world around us. Hair discrimination continues to be an issue in the UK, negatively impacting black people both in the workplace and at school, whilst causing great distress.” Firdaous El Honsali, global communications director of Dove says.

“The announcements today form part of our longer-term ambition to end hair-based discrimination for good. We want a world where beauty is a positive experience from everyone irrespective of their race or gender. We hope that through the development of the MY Hair, My Crown tool and the work of our crown UK fund finalists, we can help to shed light on the huge impact that hair discrimination can have on black peel and drive real change, so that everyone feels beautiful in their natural hair.”

Black Girl Convention are holding an Artist Retreat in Winter 2021 for artists and activists – Credit: Black Girl Convention

Along with the annual convention, Fombo has released her application form for this year’s Black Girl Convention artist retreat, which will bring a collective of womxn together. The retreat is “a transformational experience, designed to develop you personally and professionally.”

“Over the last 18months it’s been a challenging time for many people and we recognise in addition to the impact of Covid, against a backdrop of general social injustice that artists and activists have continued creating and making work, influencing and taking action for change. As rewarding as this work can be, this can also be exhausting and at Black Girl Convention we recognise the value of curating these spaces on purpose to support and care for each other, as well as supporting each other to grow.” Fombo says.

Applications are open until July 30. Apply here.

Main photo by Black Girl Convention

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