ICYMI: The White House hosted a literacy party for 115 black girls

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

The White House hosted a Princess Party on October 17th for 115 black girls to celebrate literacy and black excellence, and it was absolutely amazing.

The event, which was led by 6-year-old Jordan West, author of Princess for a Day, was held at the Department of Education and was put together by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans.

During the party, West read her book, which fit the princess theme, and which the Education Post reported as an “empowering story of a young Black girl who wanted to throw a party for girls who are homeless or are in the foster care system to ensure that they too, feel like princesses. One of the main lessons that surfaced was that young girls of color from marginalized communities can make a difference right now and recognize their potential to be the change they want to see.”

The girls also wrote phrases like “I am smart” and “I am a queen” on coloring paper to help reinforce the positive message being shared.

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First Lady Michelle Obama also addressed the girls at the party and reminded them of their worth and their potential.

“Picture a room of 115 young Black girls, proudly wearing sparkly tiaras, repeating the affirmations that they are strong, beautiful, kind and brilliant. They excitedly color in photos of crowns and write their own affirmations as points on the jewels of their crowns. “I am smart. I am funny. I am a queen,” their pages say… a mirror was passed around and each girl was encouraged to say one thing she liked about herself. The party wasn’t about turning girls into princesses, but ensuring that Black and Latina girls experience how self-love transforms the way they view themselves and the pivotal role they play in leading and shaping our world.”

#AfAmLit(eracy) with @kidslivetogive

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