black girl rising a panel discussion

Thursday, 3:45 to 5 p.m., Franklin CD

According to the American Psychological Task Force on Resilience and Strength in Black Children and Adolescents, for African American adolescents to develop into individuals actively engaged in optimal personal and collective development, they must be considered “at promise” as opposed to “at risk.” This positive change will help them become contributing members of their families, schools, communities and the broader society. Fran Frazier has invited some of Black Girl Rising’s young leaders to talk about how this data impacts their lives and the lives of their peers. Moderator: Brishundra McGrier

Fran Frazier is a consultant and trainer specializing in issues related to racism and racial equity. She serves as a Senior Associate for Everyday Democracy, a national organization based in Connecticut. Everyday Democracy promotes public dialogue and civic engagement in communities and workplaces that want to build capacity for action and change on issues where inequities exist. Fran consults with organizations and communities across the country. She is also an adjunct professor. She developed and teaches a course: Developing Cultural CompetenceStrategies for Urban Public School Teachers. This is a graduate level course for Columbus, Ohio City Schools’ teachers in partnership with Ashland University.

An ardent advocate for the transformation of African American women and girls, she promotes the role of African American women as change agents within the Black family and the Black community. Since 1979, Fran has established programs, conducted retreats and given presentations on issues of sisterhood, spiritual development and self-empowerment.

Fran’s area of expertise is her ability to present creative and insightful approaches to issues of high sensitivity. Her work in the area of cultural competency in the workplace, cultural awareness training and the creation of culturally specific programs in the Social Services field earned her the YWCA “Woman of Achievement Award” in Racial Justice and recognition from the State of Ohio for engaging state employees to participate in workplace dialogues on racism and its impact on service delivery to Ohio’s families.

Brishundra McGrier, born and raised in low country South Carolina, is a servant leader who dedicates her life to God, family, community and education. A former teacher, she now owns Math Tutoring on the Go! Making math fun for all is why Brishundra continues to share with students and adults.

She serves on the board of the Worthington Alliance of Black Families and Educators and is a ministry leader at The Purpose Center Church. She is a great supporter of community organizations and projects and is honored to serve with Actions that Matter 4 Youth as a site coordinator at a Columbus middle school where she can share her heart for women and girls.

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her heart for women, girls and families stems from personal experience inside and outside the classroom. After gaining her own self-confidence on her unforeseen journey, she strives to share how to believe, dream big and trust the process while uplifting others.