By: Maria-Paula
The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium also Southern Black Girls in collaboration with Grammy award-winning musician, philanthropist and entrepreneur Megan Thee Stallion, and her Pete and Thomas Foundation, last week announced the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge winners for this season.
This challenge which is also supported by NIKE, spotlighting mental health and wellness, was created to introduce the concept of JOY as a vital component of mental health and self-care for young Black girls, gender expansive youth and young women aged between 12 and 24 years old. 
The initiative which awards $550 micro grants to each successful candidate within her community welcomed applicants, residing in the 13-state region of the southern United States including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, East Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia.
The selected 100 grantees who completed their projects to spread joy received the cash rewards after a review of thousands of applications across Southern United States.
Mila Marerro, 12, from Virgina, was amongst the selected winners with her caring initiative and mission to deliver hope and support. Her vision in developing a non-profit organization called MH Boxes has seen Mila set out to deliver special boxes filled with comfort and care to Black girls admitted to mental health facilities. Her thoughtful packages contain fidget toys, model magic, journals, and positive messages, and items she said had provided solace and encouragement to her when she battled mental health. Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU, treatment center was her pioneer facility, priding it as where she found support in her low moment with mental health.
“This #BlackGirlJoyChallenge experience not only provided tangible comfort but also empowered Black girls to voice their mental health journeys and inspire hope in others facing similar challenges,” said Marerro.
From the launch of a program addressing issues on girls monthly periods, a drive-in movie experience during the covid-19 pandemic, hosting a salon party to teach proper hair care and trendy styling and braiding techniques, to hosting a special “Paint Night” party to find joy through art and many more activities, former awarded participants have continued to impact the Black girls by spreading joy in their own special ways.
The #BlackGirlJoyChallenge application is open between May 25 – June 30.  Learn how to apply for the BlackgirlJoyChallenge by attending the Q&A workshops.