The Black Resiliency Project
Winter Issue 4, Blackrp.org
UNSTOPPABLE
ELEVATING MARGINALIZED YOUTH VOICES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EQUITY - ECONOMICS - EDUCATION - EMPOWERMENT
In honor of “Looking Black 100 years” for Black History Month, we have written an in-depth “today’s” look into growing up Black in predominantly white communities from the perspective of two young African American girls. From microaggressions to being adultified and being looked over.
OPEN DOORS
Thank You, Northern Valley Community Foundation & Aaron Rodgers We are so grateful to NVCF for the doors they opened for us through last year’s Aaron Rodgers Fund grant. Because of their support, we launched a community garden in Oroville, CA, and created safe spaces for us as youth to gather before and after school and on weekends. We were able to have meaningful conversations, set goals, and grow stronger as a community. That growth would not have been possible without NVCF. Thank you, NVCF - we’re looking forward to all that 2026 will bring.
Adreians Bakery - Baker Amira’s Place - Cosmetologist Braids By Gabbi - Braider GMG Styles - Stylst JE Photography - Photographer New Two Farms - Non Profit Red Dog Real Estate - Relator
GROWING UP BLACK IN WHITE SPACES THANK YOU NVCF & AARON RODGERS
Sparkle Cleanz - Cleaning Services
LOOKING BLACK 100 YEARS & BLACK FORWARD
Tambra Hines - Life Coach
BLACK HISTORY
Wilks Associates - Taxes
YES
Shaybaes Soulfood - Chef
BEST OF BLACK IN NORCAL 2025
BEST OF BLACK IN NORCAL
Yeti Wings - Restaurant
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BEST OF BLACK IN NORCAL 2025
GROWING UP BLACK IN WHITE SPACES Submission 1: Growing up Black in white spaces can make you feel isolated at a young age. Now that I’m older i’m able to recognize a lot of the situations I found myself in were I was often seen as the “bad guy” or treated like I was an adult, were rooted in racism. Black children are often never treated as children because people hold them to a higher standard, and there isn’t room for mistakes. We are often put in spaces that make us feel othered, or like we can’t be our true selves. These moments shrink our personality and give us no room to grow or learn to be proud of our history. Submission 2: Growing up Black in white spaces affected my identity and mental health. Not seeing people that are established and Black made me feel like there was no reason to try; slacking off was made that much easier. I have now learned more about my cultural history, and it has made me want to outwork everyone, including myself. I want to be the example for kids growing up, that even if you dont see someone like you doing it, you can!
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HONORING THOSE WE MISS Santino & Carter were cherished childhood friends to many. They brought kindness and a bright spirit to those who knew them. Growing up with them brought me so many funny memories. They will always be remembered for their warm heart, their kind smile, and the light they brought into people's lives. He is deeply missed and forever loved.
Sean Allen Jr. was a father, son, and friend. To think of those kids missing out on life with a man who loved them so deeply breaks our collective hearts. We also think of his parents, siblings, and close friends. We know his love for his children will live on through them.
LOOKING BLACK 100 YEARS & BLACK FORWARD Telling the truth about our history matters because the truth is where our roots live. When people hide parts of the story or try to make it smaller, they take away pieces of who we are. Our history is not just about pain, it is about strength, survival, creativity, faith, and people who kept going even when the world tried to stop them. Capturing the stories of our elders is like protecting living treasure. Our elders carry memories that books can’t fully hold. They remember the small details, the feelings, the lessons, and the ways people loved and cared for each other through hard times. When we listen to them in safe spaces where they feel respected and heard, their stories become bridges between generations. Imagining what Black should look like 100 years from now, we imagine freedom, pride, and possibility. We imagine a world where Black children grow up knowing they are powerful, creative, and worthy without having to prove it. The future we want is one where being Black is never something to survive, but something to fully live and celebrate.
OUT AND ABOUT
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Dr. John H. Rivers, the founder and past president of the South Oroville African American Historical Society. Dr. Rivers dedicated his life to preserving the stories and triumphs of African Americans in South Oroville, ensuring that future generations would know the depth of their heritage and the strength of their roots. Through his leadership, scholarship, and unwavering commitment, he built an institution that continues to educate, inspire, and uplift. His work was never about recognition—it was about service, truth, and community. Because of him, countless families have discovered their histories, students have found pride in their identity, and our community has gained a richer understanding of its past.
This issue is dedicated to Dr. John Rivers. He was a teacher, mentor, adovocate, brother, father and community leader. He held the ability to tell and perserve our history dear to his heart and vision for community.
May we carry forward his mission with the same passion and integrity he embodied every day. Black History Month is a very important time that we hold for our community because often we see the erasure of Black history. Stories of hate crimes against black people are often watered down to seem less bad. We can’t let society forget or misconstrue black suffrage. Black Americans today are still heavily affected by the past. Celebrating Black History Month holds space for racial justice and recognition of Black Americans.
YES – YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SPACE This is for us, unfiltered! Being young, it makes sense to want to go out and try new things, but it’s very important that we put safety first. When trying new things, you wanna make sure you’re doing it with people you feel safe with and in a comfortable environment. Often, people may feel pressured to do new things, whether it’s sexual or has to do with drug intake, it’s important to be able to say no, and being around people who will hear your no. A moment of fun can turn into a lifelong consequence.
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