Reagan Hines

12 Sept. 17
2B- Senior Project

A. Overview
My overarching topic is the advancement of black women in America. I have
chosen this topic for the basis of my senior project because as a black woman I face
discrimination every day and often witness other black women work relentlessly and
never advance in American society. This topic speaks volumes to me because one of the
main American principles is the idea that with hardwork and dedication will help you
advance, however for many American black women this is not the case. There are a few
questions that will guide my research:
● Why is there a discrepancy in advancement between black women and
other groups?
● Do all people truly have equal access to all resources needed to advance?
● What are the limits of the discrimination laws?
● Can failure to advance be tied to psychological issues?
My senior project itself will be an open mic night, which I will call “Speaking It Into
Existence.” The Speaking It Into Existence Open Mic will be held at a local cafe or restaurant,
preferably in Town Center Virginia Beach. The performers at the Open Mic will be black girls in
grades 7-10, who want to voice their desires and what they want their future to be like. Aside
from just the students there will be black female professionals, who will perform their own
poems specifically directed at empowering the girls. I will also perform something I will write
myself that will voice my aspirations and the encouragement I hope to give to all of them. My
consultant will be Ms. Khiara Johnson. She is a black, local producer for T.V and radio, due to
her profession she has many connections, which may come in handy for my project. My project
will take place in early March, on a Thursday evening. The success of my project will be
evaluated by the use of an exit survey, which will be completed by audience members and the
participants themselves. In regards to materials, I will need a venue, which will provide all foods
and drinks, if the venue cannot provide microphones and speakers I will provide those.
B. Learning Target, Growth Goals, and Skills
a. Learning Targets
i. Event planning
ii. Contacting local professionals
iii. Getting young children involved
b. Enhanced Skills
i. Networking
ii. Communication
iii. Public speaking
 c. Areas of Growth
i. Time management
ii. Commitment
C. Marketing Plan/Facilities/Audience
The target audience for my project will be young black women, their parents, and
professionals who have the power to empower. It is important that my audience receives
my project because it gives them a chance to express their views and their beliefs on
being a black women.
D. Project Steps
E. Project Documentation
F. Project Justification
G. Project Paper Connection