E Morales-Williams, Ph.D

T.U.F.F. Girls is an art-based activist driven leadership program for Philadelphia girls ages 11-14, which began in Fall 2014.   This year's theme is Healing and Resistance, where this fall we focused on "Raising Awareness" and this spring we will focus on "Unity and Friendship."

Each class girls work to create a safe space in the spirit of sisterhood, and engage in yoga healing, journal exercises,  dance/movement, and planning events with social justice in mind.   Topics covered this spring will include honest and positive self talk, colorism, history of the Black and Brown female body, activism around sexual and state violence, history of Hunting Park, woman leaders throughout the African Diaspora, feminisms/womanism, and popular culture.  We will also be going on field trips in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. 

 The highlight of the program is that young leaders envision, plan, and execute three community events, otherwise known as Freedom Parties.  Ideas come organically out of group discussion.  The young women are then guided in developing goals around the event. Each party is scaled differently (private, semi-public, and public), with the objective of building community, and raising awareness of Black girl pain and Black girl resistance.   

In 2014, T.U.F.F. Girls organized a slumber party, a "Black and Latina Girl's Fashion Show," and a "March for Justice."  For pictures of these events check us out on Instagram at @TUFFgirls215

T.U.F.F. Girls is a cost-free program takes place at The Lenfest Community Center in Hunting Park on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:30 and Friday 4:30-6:00.  Program dates are April 7- June 20.  

Each applicant must audition to apply, as well as have a family interview.  Interview are currently being scheduled March 16-March 27 at the Lenfest Center.  Contact Dr. Mari at healingandresistance@gmail.com or 718-790-9770 in order to schedule an appointment.