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

So, last I reported, there was someone that was to help with building the site for Babygirlz. It may be that I spoke too soon because while he did begin work, it was hard to keep him on the project. This individual is going through his own issues, in life right now, and I just hate that what he is going through kept him from fulfilling my need for Babygirlz to come alive.

Yet, this mere obstacle doesn't mean that I am supposed to give up, it only lets me know that it's near and to keep moving. Why else would it keep getting sabotaged so close to completion. The only thing stopping this is that I don't know how to build sites myself. That is all about to change though. What this has taught me is that I have been too long dependent on others to help me get this project (that is very close to my heart) off the ground. I am making room in my life to gain the experience I need to remove the middle man.

I "thank you" all for coming by to check the status of Babygirlz and I sincerely regret that I have not given an update before now, but life happens sometimes, and things get neglected...it won't happen again. I will update every step of the way.

I love you all!

Sincerely,
Traci

I just wanted to check in with how when we do what we are able to do, "God does the rest".

It's absolutely wonderful that young girls are so cared for and that so many people want to reach out to help. It's amazing! I love it! A lot of strong, beautiful, women have come forward to offer their assistance when this magazine goes "live" and even during its infantile stages, and it is such a good feeling to know that this venture will involve so many.

Babygirlz is going to work overtime serving as the empowerment tool that so many of our young girls need - that many of us needed growing up. We are taking it back to the "village" to make sure our girls get to, early on, realize their potential and be fearless enough to pursue their true destiny. To not have any dreams deferred. To have self-love. To have belief in oneself that will shine through.

My sister's signature used to read "Every mother has the power to make her daughter feel beautiful". Though I believe with my whole heart that is true, there is always going to be that mother that didn't have that herself, so is incapable of how to give that to her daughter; thus continuing the cycle. This is just one of many things that will be addressed with the magazine, as there are many. I just focused on this one, in particular, because it speaks to some of what is missing and some of what needs to be restored/built.

Imagine a world of Michelle Obama's...beautiful, confident, educated, powerful, and making her own choices!

Imagine. This magazine is going to serve a TRUE purpose.