What is the Black is Gold organization?
Often young black women have been pressured with the expectation of societal submission.
Feeling forced to dim their light, they often lack spaces to exist authentically. This can become
frustrating, especially as they enter the pivotal years of teen, and young adulthood.
Yet Black is Gold, a College and Career readiness program, is challenging this tired stereotype.
The organization was founded in 2017 the organization, by Amber Nicole Anderson, a Hampton
Alumna. They are based in Chicago, but also service the Metro Atlanta and Hampton Roads, VA areas.
With programs such as the Girl boss 101 summer program, and the Black is Gold University
program, Anderson has cultivated a community of girls eager to learn.
According to Anderson the program “Make sure black women and girls are set up for success in
all aspects of their life”. This includes personal, and professional aspects, as well as mental
health and wellness. Despite facing adversity, Anderson has cultivated a movement influencing a new generation of
leaders.
Birthing a Dream
Being from the Southside of Chicago, Anderson, noticed that many of the girls her age had limited
access to certain resources. She however, was blessed to attend Kentwood Academy. The dedication from administrators at her school allowed her to have more opportunities than others. During her sophomore year she took an African American history class, taught by Mrs. Bedford. This class became the basis of her inspiration for Black is Gold.
Anderson’s inspiration continued with Wale’s 2016 song, “Black is Gold”
The song quotes– “I say black is beautiful, shawty, black is bold/Black is black, true, but black is
gold, shine” (Wale, 2016, Vol. 1, track 3). The song serves the purpose of uplifting the experience, and presence of black women in society. It was through this song that she developed the organization name.
Encouraged by both Mrs. Bedford’s class, as well as the music video, Anderson curated a
photoshoot, which highlighted the beauty and diversity of black women. She attempted to get
publicity for this event through a connection with the Maroon Tiger, Morehouse Colleges
newspaper. Considering the story was not centered in the Atlanta area Anderson was redirected
to expand work in her own, Chicago community.
This is when the first Black is Gold Program Girl Boss 101 was born.
Anderson also attributes her parents careers as educators, as a driving factor in her mission. She
states “I’ve been able to witness the impact that they have on students in the way that they’ve
been able to change lives.”
Collectively, these avenues have paved the way for the success of Black is Gold.
Historically Black and Gold
College generally plays a pivotal role in the career, and life goals of young people. Its
significance often further impacts those who attend HBCUs. These goals were reflected in Anderson’s development for Black is Gold, while in University.
Yet a passion for continuing the organization of a college campus did not come immediately.
Despite the program’s focus on college and career readiness, she had to endure a season in
acclimating to the HBCU environment.
Knowledgeable of the social pressures that life in college, and at an HBCU might present, Amber
Anderson sought to extend the “Safe space” of black is Gold to her Campus. The Black is Gold
University program at Hampton University was enacted in Twitchell hall, Anderson’s freshman
dorm.
Aided by her friend, and Vice President of Black is Gold, Jadyn Washington, Anderson was able
to incorporate Black is Gold into the legacy of impactful Hampton Organizations.
Furthermore, serving in the role of the 65th Miss. Hampton University allowed Anderson to
directly implement the platform of her organization within the school and Hampton Roads
community. In this role of leadership, she seeked to further the presence of authenticity, among
Hampton girls.
Ultimately, Anderson recognizes the significance that Hampton University had on her personal
evolution, as well as the growth of her non-profit. She comments “At an HBCU campus
specifically is where a lot of great people are built…Me being able to have that space…to
actually grow, and rebrand my organization, has really contributed to my success.”
A Shining Golden Girl
In the Black is Gold organization, members are referred to as Golden Girls, a name which
reflects the movement of the program. Within the Black is Gold University organization Golden Girls aid in implementing the establishing the organization on their campus through outreach and events.
Anderson gracefully acknowledges the diligent work of these young women. Noting their
resilience, she mentions how many are pursuing their own arrears, businesses, and dreams, but
represent for Black is Gold, so that they may impact others, in the same way they were impacted.
Amber hopes that eventually Black is Gold is “ the hub for black college women to really grow
and develop into who they aspire to be, and who they are meant to be.”
She states that “Golden is just a reminder of who we are”, regarding how the essence and nature
of Black women, and girls, is reflected directly through the Black is Gold organization.
Q & A
Several current golden girl members at Hampton Universities Chapter of Black is Gold were
asked questions on the significance of the organization in their HBCU journey, here is what they
had to say:
Q: What is some advice you would give to future Golden Girls?
A: “Be authentically yourself…talk to people, get to know people, I feel like Black is Gold is
somewhere where you can meet your best friends, and the people that you’re going to know for a
lifetime.” -Toniah Grant Social Media and Content Director (‘24-’25)
A: “Be open, to be confident, and not be afraid… College can be really scary and new, but if you
just keep putting yourself out there, you’ll just get so many more opportunities that will just
allow you to blossom into the person that you never know you could be.” -Lauryn Mitchell
Community Outreach and Social responsibility Coordinator (‘24-’25)
Q: What does it mean to be a Golden Girl?
A: “To me a Golden Girl Means someone who is authentic, resilient, who is always trying to
better herself. You’re a part of a movement… That represents a great organization on campus.”
-Tiana Thornton: Membership Engagement & Events Coordinator (‘24-’25)
Q: What is your favorite Golden Girl memory?
A: “Women in leadership. I love the Women in Leadership program, because it gives women on
campus the opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and how much they actually do as
black women on an HBCU campus…Of course the community baby shower I love is just giving
back to my community… I also just love internal bondings I love when the E-board just has an
opportunity and a space for us to bond more.” -Heaven Williams: Lead golden Girl Ambassador
(‘24-’25)
For more information on Black is Gold or joining the golden girl movement visit Black is Gold
Website, or follow them instagram @blackisgoldchi
