Pepper Pot: Black Girls Talking Back 

Why: Black girls are often told not to talk. Sometimes for their safety, sometimes for their silencing, sometimes to deny their personhood, they are told not to be provocative, inquisitive and thoughtful. We know that Black girls are all of that and more. They are knowledge producers: They know well their social positionalities and have powerful insights about their situation that can shape the way we challenge and dismantle gendered racial injustices. So, we are holding this space for them to Talk Back (hooks 1989) - to celebrate and affirm Black girlhood in the face of their unsafety, to use their own languages to express their sadness, anger, fear, but also joy, hope, and resolve, and to share how their talents and gifts can disrupt the status quo of whiteness. 

Who: Hosted by Black girls and young Black women. 

When: This is by invitation only in order to protect our girls.  

Why Pepper Pot: Pepper pot is a dish found in many Caribbean countries. Said to have originated in Guyana, pepper pot is stewed meat that is flavored with spices and hot peppers. One can add ground provisions, such as cassava, to pot. Legend has it that pepper pot is made up of all the bits and pieces of meat, but primarily pork, that enslaved individuals had. They would then stew the meat for days at a time in earthern ware pots over the coals. We named this forum Pepper pot as we wanted to capture how we will bring together our differences, with tender care, to produce our voice.