From left, Eriel Mitchell, Lariyah Fortson, Toccora Johnson and Laké Davison attend a party to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.On Monday afternoon, more than two dozen girls gathered in the cafeteria of Hardy Elementary School, laughing and squealing as they ate snacks and played games.
The girls, 6- to 9-year-olds from Hardy and Harrison elementary schools, were there for Girls Inc. – a program that meets four days a week, offering educational support and enrichment.
The games and snacks were in celebration of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. But Girls Inc. has another key celebration: Today is its 50-year anniversary.
“We’ve come a long way,” said Girls Inc. President and CEO Bea Lurie. “And we have plenty more we still want to do.”
Girls Inc.’s goal is to help girls become “strong, smart and bold” – stressing education, career planning, leadership skills and healthy habits.