This week Expressions had the opportunity to interview Amber Anderson. Amber is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black is Gold. Black is gold is a peer mentoring group for young black women throughout the United States in middle school, high school, and college. We were thrilled to talk to Amber to learn more about how Black is Gold came to be and here’s what she had to say.
Tell us a little about you?
Amber is currently attending Hampton University, an HBCU in Virginia, and majoring in Journalism. She graduated from Kenwood High School in Chicago, in 2018.
How did Black is Gold come to be?
It all started when Amber and two other friends were sophomores in high school and planned a photo shoot to highlight diversity in the black community. They brought together 16 young lady’s and it was such a success they decided to do more. They then realized that there was more they could do for young ladies like themselves and they Launched Black is Gold.
What programs does Black is Gold offer?
Black is Gold’s mission is to prepare girls for college, provide career readiness, community service, and build sisterhood. They currently offer a Saturday program called Girl Boss 101 to offer career and college readiness and educational workshops for girls in high school. In addition, they offer a mentoring program for middle school-aged girls to discuss topics not generally discussed in the classroom. Celebrating their recent success, they have now expanded their programs to five college campuses in the US with an emphasis on career development.
What is the goal in the future for Black is Gold?
Amber would love to see Black is Gold expand nationwide, not just in high schools, but also in colleges nationwide. She also says that they plan on reducing the requirements to join, as this will provide a way to reach more girls who need extra support for leading successful lives.
What is one piece of advice you have for teens?
Amber’s advice is to take the time to think about what you can do, identify what your talents are, and use them to make a difference. Also staying consistent with what you want to do is key to success and seeing progress.
We thank Amber for joining us to talk about Black is Gold. If you’re interested in learning more about Black is Gold, visit their website here. Make sure to tune in next Wednesday for our next interview!