“Melanin Magic” centers the uniqueness of black girlhood and encourages healthy, meaningful coming-of-age experiences for African-American and Latinx teenagers. This yearlong after-school program for sixth through eighth grade girl-identified students at Capital City will focus on building self-preservation and self-actualization. Learning to balance being a teenager with the realities of growing up a girl of color, students will identify topics to address with thoughtful action, engage in literacy discussions, and participate in journaling for reflection. They will also meet influential, unsung women of color. Girls will develop strategies to push back against society’s stereotypes, allowing them to grow into their true selves.