Despite racism, I am a confident black woman. Despite low expectations, I am unstoppable. Despite being dishonored, I am honorable. How do we get our black teenage girls to live these truths? Our black and brown children live in a world filled with negative messages about their self-worth and value. Racism, sexism, low expectations, stereotypes and many other forms of oppression are real and they are designed to chip away at young, black women's self esteem and feelings of self-worth. How do we fight these negative messages to instill and SUSTAIN a sense of self-worth in our children and teens? This affirmation journal acknowledges these lowered expectations and oppressions, and turns the table to affirm the wonderful qualities of the young, black and gifted teenage girl. DESPITE these forms of oppression, this journal affirms that YOU ARE A CONFIDENT BLACK WOMAN. Unlike other affirmation journals, these affirmations are unique and don't repeat. To understand whether these affirmations are working, a word search puzzle challenge is presented throughout the journal with hidden characteristics (both positive and negative). Which words will your child naturally gravitate to (before using the affirmations and throughout the use of affirmations) and why? WAYS TO USE THE AFFIRMATION JOURNALSeek out the characteristics and words in the word search puzzle. Which words did you notice first? Reflect and write about why these words jumped out first to better understand your feelingsUse the affirmation statements on each page as a prompt to reflect upon and write about your feelings, impressions, or your day in the blank lined page providedWrite out the affirmation repeatedly and read them aloud to affirm that truthReview the word search puzzle affirmation challenge over time to assess patterns of negative or positive thoughts and write about it. What do you want to change? How? Features: 54 pages of unique (no repetition) affirmation starting with the negative circumstance (DESPITE) and ending with a positive affirmation (I AM..)A challenge to seek out and find hidden words of positive and negative adjectives in word search puzzles (note: there are no words listed or solutions provided)This is the perfect tool to help young girls identify negative messages they receive in their lives, and turn this around to a positive, self-affirming statement which starts with adversity, but ends with affirmations.