OUR FUTURE A New Space Rooted in Ancestry, By Design

Girls For A Change has always celebrated Black representation and culture through its staff, curriculum, organizational culture, and curated artwork throughout its current building.

The new space will build on its existing culture and prioritize Afrocentric architectural elements like rammed earth walls, a butterfly roof line and window shadow boxes. The building concept embodies the Adinkra symbol Sankofa. Sankofa, now a movement within the African American diaspora, embraces the idea that “it is not taboo to go back and retrieve that which has been forgotten or lost,” or in other words, remembering traditions in order to move towards the future.

Adinkra symbols were designed by the Akan people from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Many Adinkra symbols use radial or reflective symmetry and express deeply symbolic proverbs related to life, death, wisdom, and human behavior.

Sankofa expressed in the Afrocentric building vernacular assures Black girls that they unapologetically belong, wherever they are, beginning right here in Central Virginia. The dynamic front elevation with a concealed entrance provides a sense of safety and separation from the outside world. Inside is a sacred, safe place for Black girls to heal and grow. Interior finishes will feature African design elements like rich color, pattern and natural materials.

The rooms, named for Adinkra symbols, provide opportunities for everything from movement to the arts to technology. Designed intelligently, the new space is a sustainable space. The building construction will utilize multiple green building strategies. It will also sustain itself. Half of the building provides single event and subscription based rental passive income strategies to support building maintenance and operation.

The walls throughout will showcase acrylic GFAC logo flowers. Donors may purchase these legacy flowers, in a range of sizes, which will be engraved with their Reason To Build. These messages will affirm that Black girls are honored and supported by their community. The entire space celebrates the rich architectural heritage of the African continent and its diverse people, creativity, and geography. It will be a safe and brave space for Black girls in Central Virginia, their families and their communities.