Launching “The Rolling Archives,” a platform dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black girls and women while honoring the spaces and experiences that shape them, is a momentous endeavor. During my time as a graduate student, I read a piece, On Girlhood, written by Dr. Farrah Jasmine Griffin. In the piece she writes, “Finding Black girls in the archive is challenging.” I was struck by the sentence but knew deep down that it was true. There are very limited spaces that I had growing up where I felt like my existence as a Black girl was reflected. In most places like in the media or at school Black girlhood and Black womanhood was criticized and demeaned. There were very few accounts that honored and celebrated the uniqueness of Black girls and women and the beauty that was naturally housed in the ways we talked, walked, played, or navigated the world.
However, we have always been at the forefront of creating practices and spaces to nurture, protect, and sustain each other. I have even had my own fair share of creating spaces alongside young Black girls where they could feel seen and heard. I have long wanted to create a platform where we, Black girls and women, could be reflected and celebrated on our own terms. This platform promises to be a beacon of representation, honoring, and remembrance of the trajectory of Black girlhood. As we embark on this journey spanning decades, we can expect to witness a tapestry of stories that showcase the creativity, artistry, and imaginations of Black girls and women across generations. These stories will serve as a source of affirmation and inspiration, highlighting the importance of Black girls' individual and interior lives and the power of their communities and exterior spaces of wholeness. The Rolling Archives is not merely a collection of narratives, it is a movement. It’s a commitment to honoring our past, present, and future selves. It is a space where everyone is invited to learn from and embrace the lived experiences of Black girls and women to foster understanding and deep care. “The Rolling Archives” is dedicated to the power of storytelling and archiving our most cherished memories. It is a space where stories become bridges, connecting us across, within, and beyond time and space. It is a scrapbook filled with our timeless recollections and forever dreams. As this platform unfolds over the years, it will undoubtedly become a source of respite, testimony, and pride for all who engage. “The Rolling Archives” is a digital sanctuary where the stories of Black girls and women will be cherished, elevated, and shared with the world. This is an invitation to be part of a vibrant community that acknowledges the past, present, and future dreams, imaginations, and spaces curated by Black girls and women. Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, remembering, archiving, and uncompromising joy. So excited you are here, let’s roll!
Ashley Smith-Purviance
Founder, The Rolling Archives
