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Since 2011, the Ladies of Virtue, a women’s guidance organization, has assisted young Black girls in Chicago in achieving their full potential. In doing so, they are also aiming toward “empowering girls to become confident and purpose-driven leaders.” Although this mentoring organization has had many accomplishments over the years, it had not yet had a place to call its own until July 26, 2021, when the Ladies of Virtue announced they officially established in North Lawndale.
The organization’s mission is to implant passion, purpose, and perseverance from 9 to 18. This mission includes assembling Black girls for careers, college, and growing into “change agents in their communities,” according to Ladies of Virtue.
Jamila Trimuel, founder and CEO of Ladies of Virtue, told Illinois News Today that she would expand the mental health services and grant girls essential tools in handling what they experience in their neighborhoods. She added:
One of the things that was really popular last year or so was this small group session with a licensed clinical therapist.
Based on 2018 data from the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Agency, Black girls are three times more likely to be suspended, six times more likely to be banished, and four times more likely to be arrested than white girls, according to Illinois News Today.
This data is why Trimuel deems it crucial to pair a Black girl with a mentor. She stated that 90 percent of seniors in high school would enter a vocational school or college or go to the army.
Trimuel mentioned how she took for granted some of the positive role models in her life in her younger years of life. However, she recalled seeing some of her peers not having the same opportunity of having positive roles models in their life. She added how much of their life turned downwards because of it. What she observed from her peers is another reason why she started this organization.
A young woman, Erin Eberhardt, joined Ladies of Virtue four years ago and has dramatically grown. She stated that she “learned how to be around people, communicate with them, and make me better.”
Written by Ke’Lena Thomas
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Illinois News Today: Virtue Women’s Guidance Organization Established in North Lawndale to Empower Black Girls; by Markus McGine
Ladies of Virtue: Mission and Vision
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Steve Slater’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License