MISSION

At Black Girls Govern, we are dedicated to cultivating the civic leadership, confidence, and voices of Black girls. We create transformative learning experiences that invite young Black girls to explore government, policy, and social justice while seeing themselves reflected in positions of power and influence.

VISION

We envision a future where Black girls are recognized as leaders shaping the systems that impact their communities. Through a national pipeline of civically literate, purpose-driven leaders, Black Girls Govern is creating a civic home where Black girls can learn, lead, and drive meaningful change.

WHO WE SERVE

We serve Black girls and young Black women, ages 12 to 25, from middle school through early career professionals, nationwide.

Our STORY

Black Girls Govern was founded in June 2025 by Harlie Williams, a sophomore at Harvard University studying Government and a first-generation college student.

While studying politics and engaging in civic spaces, Harlie found herself in many conversations with Black women about the state of American democracy. Again and again, she heard the same feeling: exhaustion. Black women have long been at the forefront of organizing, voting, and advocating for change, yet their leadership and contributions are often overlooked or unsupported.

Those conversations sparked a question: if Black women are constantly being asked to carry the weight of our democracy, who is creating spaces to support and nurture the next generation of Black girl civic leaders?

Black Girls Govern was created in response to that question. The organization is building a civic home where Black girls can explore government, develop leadership skills, and grow into the leaders shaping the systems that impact their communities.

OUR PROGRAMS

black girls govern ambassadors

A leadership initiative that empowers selected young leaders to represent Black Girls Govern in their communities and on college campuses, expanding civic engagement, peer mentorship, and youth-led advocacy.

black girls govern tour

A dynamic traveling event series bringing together Black girls and accomplished leaders across a range of fields to explore how their work intersects with government, civic engagement, and public impact.

Each stop features a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and a networking hour with refreshments, creating opportunities for participants to build relationships with peers and develop meaningful mentorship connections.

black girls govern workshops

A series of interactive virtual and in-person workshops designed to deepen civic knowledge and leadership skills. Participants engage in sessions on policy literacy, advocacy strategies, community organizing, media storytelling, and pathways to public service, alongside activities such as hackathons, blog writing, and collaborative civic projects.