As we get closer to launching, I thought it would be a good time to address this issue. Why? Because the question has already been posed by a few. Did I initially feel that I needed to answer the question? No, I didn't. Why? Because I felt it was within my right to want a publication that spoke to the struggles we, as Black women endure, on our chase to metamorphosis. Do I feel that we are the only ones to have said struggles? No, I do not. I do recognize that a lot of what we go through as women, as people, cross culture lines. However, because of the triple "threat" of gender, race, and class, our struggles are already far removed from being compared to those of others.

Now. Let me say this. If, at some point, I am approached by young women of other nationalities, who feel that their life is a fit for Babygirlz, I will NOT turn them away and will, in fact, welcome them to the fold.

Speaking from the heart, I wish for EVERY girl to succeed. I realize that we are all reared in different ways, there are actions of people that we know (and sometimes not) whom we imitate and base our lives around, there are men (and sometimes women) who we place on higher plateaus than ourselves - and in the process forget ourselves. Then we are left at a point of trying to figure out WHO and WHY we are.

The scenarios are limitless.

Nevertheless, the goal of Babygirlz is to provide as many tools and resources that will allow for an easier/clearer roadmap to the WHO and WHY, based on that young woman's character...and not the character of someone else. Strength, confidence, self-love are just some of what will emerge from this relationship and we proudly step up to the challenge.

Funny how things happen. I was sitting in Starbuck's one day at the end of last year assessing the site for Babygirlz. I was searching for content and fillers on the actual interface, but I needed another opinion. I saw these two teenage girls at the counter waiting on their morning coffee and asked one of them over to the table to "take a quick look" for me. "No hurry" I tell her..."but if you could call/email me when you think of something, I would appreciate it". Well, a few days pass and I receive an email from Katrina reminding me of who she was and letting me know that she was in a radio class at her high school. She was requesting to interview me about Babygirlz as part of her final grade for the semester.

After a few schedule conflicts, on January 11, 2010, Katrina, Leodisha (her producer), and I, were able to sit down and discuss Babygirlz.

These two girls were amazing! They knew their stuff! They had their questions together, they had their heads on straight, and they were ready. I was very proud to see them in action. My hope is that I can get the both of them to work on Babygirlz in a contributing writer capacity because they would be perfect as they both have aspirations to have a magazine.

Yes, the interview was taped, but unfortunately, my copy isn't very clear. When I can catch up with the instructor, I will request another one that I can possibly download for your listening pleasure.

It was a very proud moment since it was my first time getting on the airwaves and having the opportunity to discuss Babygirlz in a public forum with so many listeners.

Peace,
Traci