Black Girls as Transformative Leaders in Physical Activity Programs

Abstract

Black American adolescent girls possess a unique ability to inspire and enact change in their communities yet are overlooked in discussions of leadership and empowerment. Coupled with deficit approaches to school-based physical activity programming, positioning Black girls as physical activity leaders is missing from practice. BLinG-Health^TM (Black Leadership in Girls' Health) trained peer leaders in group fitness instruction that was instrumental in an 8-week after-school physical activity pilot program. This paper presents qualitative data illustrating the program's impact on Black girls leading peers in a group fitness setting using general inductive narrative analysis based on group interviews, observations, reflection notes, and faculty leadership testimonials. Participants exuded community, collaboration, and confidence. Peer leadership was effective but differed. Girls recognized the program's benefits and challenges while enjoying it. Black girls can lead physical activity initiatives when allowed to do so while building a community. Researchers and school and community activists should empower Black girls to lead physical activity programs, which can ultimately foster better health outcomes.

Keywords: Black girl leadership; physical activity leaders; physical activity pipeline for Black adolescent girls.