(Detroit, Michigan) Picture a little girl with a smile big enough to get lost in and eyes that shine bright like diamonds. Imagine a girl whose heart is filled with hope that she will one day change the world. Smart and perhaps a little feisty, she has more potential than President Obama has one-liners. This girl lives in the Flint community and has big dreams; however all seems to be overshadowed among the water crisis, especially during this time of the year.
When the world first learned of the Flint water crisis, people all over the country, took action by collecting and donating water and the crisis unfortunately is still not over. Now that the Holidays are upon us, however, it is important not to overlook the children of Flint, Michigan. Two sisters who inspired Pretty Brown Girl, a Detroit based non-profit organization, would like to touch the hearts of the girls in Flint this Holiday Season. “With all that has happened this year, our prayer is to bring a little more hope and lots of smiles to the faces of the girls in Flint, Michigan” says, Sheri Crawley, mother of sisters Laila and Aliya Crawley and Founder of Pretty Brown Girl.
The PBG Movement started in 2010 when Laila and Aliya Crawley, now ages 10 and 11-years old, began to chose white dolls over black dolls and their dad Corey Crawley began addressing the two with the affirmation “Pretty Brown Girl”. The family created their own doll, which sparked a movement that now has self-esteem clubs and events for girls across the globe. Through their mission, Pretty Brown Girl is committed to addressing adverse issues that girls of color face. God put it on the family’s heart to do something special for Christmas for girls in need of encouragement. ‘Being that we are in Detroit, Flint residents are our neighbors and right in our backyard, it’s easy for the social-emotional needs of the children to be overlooked.” says Corey Crawley. Through the Pretty Brown Girl Foundation, the family launched a Crowdrise Fundraiser and the girls are so excited to help other girls in Flint. The goal is to raise $50,000 to provide a celebration in which at least 1,000 girls in Flint’s under-served community would receive her very own signature Pretty Brown Girl doll just in time for Christmas.
The historic Berston Field House in Flint, Michigan has opened their doors to serve the community for this special day which will take place on December 17, 2016 from 12pm-3pm. UPS has dedicated one of their Executives to personally deliver the dolls. In addition, the Michigan Women’s Foundation; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Zeta Beta Omega Chapter; and 9-year- old Mari Copeny, Little Miss Flint have all partnered with the Pretty Brown Girl Foundation to volunteer and help support. More sponsors are needed so if you can help please visitwww.prettybrowngirl.com for more information.
For information and details, the crowdrise is on www.crowdrise.com/pretty-brown-girl-doll-drive-flint to learn more or to volunteer or email [email protected].
