DM PROGRAMS
“While being part of DM, I experienced an inclusive, welcoming and judge free zone. I learned the importance of self awareness, helping others, and how to deal with problems in a healthy way. I also learned that you should strive to become a better version of yourself, the importance of girls supporting girls, and just being the shoulder someone can cry on. I loved my experience at Distinctively Me and learned things I can use as an adult now.”
Savannah, 18yrs (DM Alumni – College Student)
Creative Arts & Chats is a community-based program tailored to meet the needs of 6th-12th grade girls of color. These 2 hour workshops (also available in 6-week workshop series) allow girls to creatively express themselves through art and conversations around relevant topics including self-esteem, peer pressure, and healthy friendships & relationships. Participants build positive peer connections, critical thinking & social skills and confidence in their individuality. Workshops are facilitated by skilled mentors at schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, social service agencies, community centers and special events. Send an email to: info@distinctivelyme.org for workshop requests.
For much too long the stories, opinions, and perspectives of Black girls have been devalued and ignored. It’s time for their voices to be heard and empowered! Teen TEE (Talk Educate Experience) is a dedicated space for Black girls to engage in activities and conversations about who they are and how they fit into the world.
Teen TEE is a 10-week school-based program, for adolescent black girls, that nurtures healthy identity development, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and cultivates resistance strategies that build confidence and mental well-being, led by trained facilitators.
Freedom & Flow is a 6 week summer program focusing on creative expression through writing, performance and other artistic means. This brave space empowers girls to authentically express their feelings, thoughts and perspectives and give a voice to black girls’ experiences through plays, monologues, poetry and other mediums. The intention of Freedom & Flow is to invoke social, cultural, and personal growth while bringing awareness to important issues such as domestic violence, depression, bullying, and the impact of negative imagery among other topics.
Triniti’s Beauty Poem
Triniti participated in our Teen TEE program. For the final project, the group decided to each create a message for other black girls about what beauty means to them. Triniti created a poem titled “Where it Lies.”
Click play to listen.