Black girls matter: A critical analysis of educational spaces and call for community-based programs

Abstract This forum paper dialogues with Crystal Morton and Demetrice Smith-Mutegi’s Making “it” matter: Developing African American girls young women’s mathematics science identities through informal STEM learning. Their article unveils the experiences of participants in Girls Institute , how they challenged beliefs about their ability to perform mathematics. I extend discussion explore importance access community-based initiatives stand on premise that we will continue oxygenate master narratives perpetuate inequities if structure function our programs fail challenge status quo. Therefore, this serves as a call action (1) recognize address spirit murdering from teachers authority figures who dismiss abilities Black STEM; (2) create humanizing spaces within schools larger community for authenticity; (3) leverage multidimensional ways validate cultural resources brilliance. When commit ourselves creating more equitable learning STEM, then actions align responsibility make matter.