The Black Pearl Program

The Black Pearl Program made its debut during the 2013-2014 SY at Bronx Theatre High School. PEARL stands for Pretty, Educated, Aware, Refined Ladies. Black Pearl is an initiative (created by Phylicia Henry of Le Perle Noire) designed to teach and encourage young women of color how to tap into their inner being and accept who they are instead of what they are not. Scholars, participating in the program, are educated on self-confidence, positive self-esteem and attitude. They are encouraged to embrace their ethnicity/race and skin color. They explore issues such as the image of women in music videos, healthy sexual relationships, the image of women around the world etc. They even learn how to apply make-up. The program is specifically geared for at promise young ladies of color but we are inclusive. 

Participants are chosen, based on teacher recommendations, grade level team recommendations and overall attitude and readiness for personal improvement. They must submit essays for entry in to the program. All members are placed on accountability monitoring in order to track behavioral incidences. Their overall attendance in school is also tracked. All Black Pearl sessions terminate in the participants reading the Black Pearl pledge, in unison. Finally, participants are expected to attend ALL sessions in order to be a part of the school’s Fashion Show in the Spring.