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theses

This dissertation looks at black girlhood in the nation’s capital in the twentieth century and argues that black girls and women living in Washington, D.C. used organizational and social spaces as a platform to imagine the possibilities of black girlhood. The Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, and the ritual of the debutante ball, which have not been compared together in one text, are the social spaces at the core of this study. Sources such as organizational papers, local and school newspapers, published oral histories, social scientific studies, and photographs show that these spaces functioned simultaneously at critical sites of uplift and civil rights work, education, pleasure, and leisure. Black girls and women used their participation in girls’ organizations to assert black girls’ right to a happy and healthy childhood. Viewing black girlhood through the lens of organizations reveals both what black women thought about and desired for black girls, as well how girls used these spaces to for their own joys and pleasures. Rather than treating ideas about and representations of black girls separately from black girls’ lived experiences, as previous histories of black girlhood have done, this dissertation bridges both perspectives. Taking this two-pronged approach shows how girls’ organizations were mutually beneficial to black girls and women. Although there were overlaps in membership and participation between the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, and the debutante ball, each took a unique approach in catering to black girls’ needs and shaping the narrative of black girlhood. Organizational leaders used offered services and programming such as residences, camps, charm and beauty clinics, and etiquette lessons to develop girls and young women who participated in their program spiritually, morally, emotionally, and physically. At the same time, black girls contended with a desire to build friendships and romantic relationships, navigated the development of their personal values and physical bodies, and asserted themselves as citizens of Washington and the United States more broadly. At times, organizational leaders and young participants had the same vision of girlhood, and at other times did not. But for both parties, the YWCA, the Girl Scouts, and debutante ball served were spaces where they could develop this vision. This project contributes to what we know about black girls with its discussion of friendships, interpersonal relationships, and girls’ relationships with their physical bodies. Whether these relationships brought joy and sense of belonging, or were anxiety-ridden, organizations played an important role in fostering them. “That charm of all girlhood” also expands how we view middle-class black women’s leadership in social organizations. They were not solely concerned about social status, but were committed to cultivating black girls into successful black women. Looking at black girls’ social organizations frames the construction of black girlhood as an intergenerational project.

ETD_8895

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

by Miya C. Carey

doi:10.7282/T3Z03CMJ

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.