НКО We R.E.I.G.N. отметила 10-летие работы по поддержке лидерских качеств чернокожих девушек в Филадельфии

From left: We R.E.I.G.N. Inc. members Ava Yancey, Cameryn Knight-Branch, Iman Byrd, Colana Tymes, Sunaé Smith and Savannah Yancey gather Thursday at the Penn Museum to celebrate the organization's 10th anniversary. — TRIBUNE PHOTO/KAYLA BROWN From left: Moderator Treasure Flowers leads a discussion on Black girls and their challenges with Sunaé Smith, Colana Tymes, Olivia Neal, Cameryn Knight-Branch and Savannah Yancey. — TRIBUNE PHOTO/KAYLA BROWN Tawanna Jones, executive director of We R.E.I.G.N., celebrates the nonprofit organization's 10th anniversary at the Penn Museum on Thursday. — TRIBUNE PHOTO/KAYLA BROWN Guests play The Game of Life: Black Girl Edition at We R.E.I.G.N. Inc.'s Philly Black Girl Agenda Community Conversation at the Penn Museum on Thursday. —TRIBUNE PHOTO/KAYLA BROWN “I have big dreams,” said 17-year-old Iman Byrd, who plans to attend Lincoln University this fall, study mass communications and political science, go to law school and perhaps, one day, seek elected office. “You can be unapologetic here. You can come as you are.” For Byrd and hundreds of other girls, that sense of belonging has been cultivated by We R.E.I.G.N. Inc., a Philadelphia nonprofit that is celebrating 10 years of empowering Black girls to find their voices, advocate for themselves and pursue their ambitions. Founded by former West Philadelphia educator and school psychologist Tawanna Jones, We R.E.I.G.N. marked its anniversary Thursday at the Penn Museum in West Philadelphia, bringing together current participants, alumni and community leaders to reflect on a decade of impact. During a panel discussion titled “Black Girls: Past, Present and Future,” students spoke candidly about the challenges they see in Philadelphia and the support they believe young people need. Participants called for more school counselors and mental health resources, additional spaces for young people to gather and learn, and greater encouragement from adults. “Stop thinking that we are so strong. Help us if you think that we need it,” said student Treasure Flowers. “If you see that someone is great at academics or athletics or writing or something that could tie into their futures, encourage it.” The girls also discussed the importance of combating stereotypes and creating environments where young people feel heard. “We want to feel valued and heard,” several participants said. Among those participating in this year's program were Colana Tymes, a rising high school senior; Olivia Neal, a senior at West Catholic High School; Cameryn Knight-Branch, the reigning 2026 Miss Juneteenth and an incoming freshman at Howard University; Flowers, a junior at Parkway High School in West Philadelphia; and Byrd, who recently won a Miss Juneteenth pageant title herself. Jones said one of the most consistent messages she hears from participants is that adults often fail to truly listen to them. “They feel like adults don't really listen to them,” she said. “They're talking, but they're not being heard.” Since its founding, We R.E.I.G.N. has served more than 1,000 girls from eighth grade through their early college years, helping them develop leadership skills, engage in civic life and build confidence in their futures. Jones said the idea for the organization emerged while she was pursuing her doctorate and researching Black girls' experiences in schools. Originally, she envisioned a career as a teacher, principal and superintendent. But her doctoral research, which examined what Black girls think about schools and the American dream, changed her trajectory. Jones recalled attending an event focused on Black girls a decade ago where adults dominated the conversation. “As I stood in the back of the room, I said, ‘This would have been a million times better if there were Black girls up there telling their own stories,’” she said. “This is a full-circle moment for us.” Through We R.E.I.G.N., participants have traveled to Harrisburg and Washington and have spoken at the U.S. Department of Education. The organization also has partnered with Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton on initiatives focused on opportunities for young women. “We want girls to see that their voices matter and that they have a right to speak on the things that are important to them,” Jones said. Helping participants discover and develop those voices is central to the program. Some girls arrive shy and hesitant to speak publicly, Jones said. Others find their voices through art, writing, organizing events or other forms of leadership. “Every justice movement needs all of the people,” she said. “You might be the artist. You might be the writer. You might be the organizer. We need Black girls to learn about all the parts of civic engagement and social justice work.” For Byrd, who joined We R.E.I.G.N. as an eighth grader, the program's greatest strength is the community it creates. “My mom introduced me to the program,” she said. “What made me stay is the people. Dr. Tawanna is a great leader and mentor. I've made so many great relationships and friendships here.” Those connections, she said, have become like family. “We just feel so much love,” Byrd said. “We can really be ourselves.” Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here