As I have stated before HER is my positive space. I enjoy highlighting those who are working in the community and especially those who focus on women. I found Dear Brown Girl through another networking group and just loved the message and positivity that exuded from this page.The internet can be such a dark place and it’s nice to see places where all kinds of beauty is being appreciated (both physically and mentally).  Dear Brown Girls started as a daily affirmation and is growing into something more. Here is a link to the Facebook page Dear Brown Girl

Please meet Tomika Glenn and learn more about Dear Brown Girl

What was the inspiration for Dear Brown Girl?

Dear Brown Girl started as daily affirmations I’d post on my Facebook page. I guess they were more for me than anyone else and I always started them with, Dear Brown Girl, kind of like a letter. As I get older I realized how much we (black women) need each other. I am here for all black women from bougie to ratchet and everything in between. I feel like we have to accept each other for who and what we are and appreciate our differences without judgement. I also wanted to share vital information with other black women and shine a light on our accomplishments. When all is said and done I just want to celebrate us.

My goal is to finish my degree in counseling psychology open my own practice to help black women and children. I want to help us love us. Individually and collectively.

Why do you think it is important to focus on race when empowering girls?

Race is so important because black women and girls have little to no representation in mainstream media, so we have to empower each other. I want to empower women and girls. I feel it’s never too late to be better, to achieve your dreams and to love yourself.

 How do you define success in this program and do you have a story that highlights what success looks like?

Everyone’s idea of success is different. It’s not only in the achievement of tangible goals, but in those intangible ones as well, like loving who you are, completely.

How does one know if they truly love themselves or not. What does loving yourself look like?

Loving yourself is unapologetically embracing your total person flaws and all. It’s not allowing what anyone else says or thinks to have an effect on what you know to be true about yourself.

 Since doing this work do you view your own childhood differently, meaning what advice would you give to your younger self?

I’d definitely tell my younger self to try harder to build and maintain relationships with black women. I tell myself to be less judgmental because everyone has a story.

Who are some women who poured into you and what did they teach you?

Honestly, my two daughters constantly pour into me and teach me how to be a better mother, sister, daughter and friend. I have an aunt who has always encouraged me, but for the most part I have some amazing women in my life, who range in age from 25-65 yrs old, that I’ve been friends with from 3 years to over two decades and I’m always making room for more. We learn from each other and help each other grow.