Res. No. 400

Resolution declaring February 15 to March 15 as “Black Girl Magic Month” in the City of New York to honor the leadership, resilience, and contributions of Black women and girls

By Council Members Stevens, Brooks-Powers, Hudson and Williams

Whereas, In 2013, activist and social media influencer CaShawn Thompson composed a Tweet claiming, “Black Girls Are Magic,” which was shortened to the hashtag “#BlackGirlMagic,”; and

Whereas, As the hashtag began to circulate social media, the phrase birthed a digital movement that celebrated the beauty, accomplishments, and mere presence of Black women and girls; and

Whereas, Tweets using the tag range from admiration for Black tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams or Black award-winning director Ava DuVernay, to proud friends reposting pictures of college graduates from their hometowns; and

Whereas, Not so long ago, mainstream news outlets published pieces saying that Oscar-nominated Black actress Viola Davis didn’t fit the “classic” or “ideal” images of beauty and femininity and award-winning Black writer Feminista Jones was attacked on a daily basis online with derogatory and threatening messages; and

Whereas, As the first Black First Lady Michelle Obama said, “Young Black girls often hear voices that tell you that you’re not good enough, that you have to look a certain way, act a certain way; that if you speak up, you’re too loud; if you step up to lead, you’re too bossy,” ; and

Whereas, Black culture columnist Jeneé Osterheldt said, “Black Girl Magic is a million little revolutions that say you belong here,”; and

Whereas, According to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, Black residents make up approximately 21.9% of New York City’s population or approximately 3.8 million people, representing the largest Black population of any U.S. city; and

Whereas, With a totally population of over 8.5 million people and females compromising about 52% of the population, the number of Black females in New York City is roughly 900,000 to over 1 million; and

Whereas, Black women and girls in New York City are driving historic progress across politics, arts, and community leadership; and

Whereas, For instance, 10 Black women are serving on the 2026-2029 City Council; and

Whereas, Letitia James is the first Black woman elected New York Attorney General in 2018; and

Whereas, Misty Copeland became the first Black woman principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre in 2015; and

Whereas, Local leaders are creating change in their communities such as Nicole Meyers, Staten Island President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Shelia Duke, CEO of Roads to Success; Michelle Cretensil, Political Director of the New York State Nurses Association; and Tanya Pedler, Founder of Sensory Exploration Center Inc.; and 

Whereas, February 15 to March 15 is unofficially recognized by communities across American as “Black Girl Magic Month” to bridge Black History Month and Women’s History Month; and

Whereas, In 2023, the New York City Council adopted a resolution designating February 15 as Black Girl Magic Day; and

Whereas, To coincide with this important day, a month recognizing the universal awesomeness of Black women should be instituted in New York City; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares February 15 to March 15 as “Black Girl Magic Month” in the City of New York to honor the leadership, resilience, and contributions of Black women and girls.

KS

LS 22121

3/20/2026 2:30pm