Kimberly Bryant

This piece addresses the pervasive disrespect and marginalization faced by Black women, particularly those in positions of power. Through recent incidents involving public figures like Representative Jasmine Crockett and Amanda Seales, I highlight how ingrained racism and misogynoir perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine our voices.

Kimberly Bryant shares how the buzz and backlash of Beyoncé's country album mirror the uphill battle of Black women confronting spaces that undervalue them and aiming to reclaim legacies denied.

Chapter 12 (Title: Continuing the Work of Black Girlhood Studies: Culturally Centered Program Development and Evaluation) Co-authored chapter in a curated anthology of the research and activism around Black girls and Black girlhood are carving an evolving field—Black Girlhood Studies. This body of work has contributed to knowledge about the complexities of Black girlhood and has offered interventions to safeguard Black girls during this sacred but vulnerable period of life.
Much of this work… Show more

Chapter 12 (Title: Continuing the Work of Black Girlhood Studies: Culturally Centered Program Development and Evaluation) Co-authored chapter in a curated anthology of the research and activism around Black girls and Black girlhood are carving an evolving field—Black Girlhood Studies. This body of work has contributed to knowledge about the complexities of Black girlhood and has offered interventions to safeguard Black girls during this sacred but vulnerable period of life.
Much of this work is performed by Black women. Recognizing the connection between the political and the personal, this edited collection, Ourselves in Our Work: Black Women Scholars of Black Girlhood, turns the focus from the girls to the women who study them to illuminate how they situate themselves in their work with Black girls. Contributors use tools such as autoethnography, scholarly personal narrative, autobiography, or memoir, to share experiences, perspectives, and embodied knowledge derived from their collaborations with Black girls.
This book includes work from 15 scholars of Black girlhood over 13 chapters. Show less

This op-ed by Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO of Ascend Ventures and the Black Innovation Lab, as well as the founder of Black Girls Code, delves deeply into the systemic challenges faced by Black women in leadership roles, a phenomenon she terms the 'Black Girlboss Paradox'. Bryant's piece begins with her reaction to Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard University, using it as a springboard to explore broader issues of racial and gender bias in leadership. She shares her personal… Show more

This op-ed by Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO of Ascend Ventures and the Black Innovation Lab, as well as the founder of Black Girls Code, delves deeply into the systemic challenges faced by Black women in leadership roles, a phenomenon she terms the 'Black Girlboss Paradox'. Bryant's piece begins with her reaction to Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard University, using it as a springboard to explore broader issues of racial and gender bias in leadership. She shares her personal experiences with Black Girls CODE, highlighting the systemic barriers and biases that Black women leaders face. Bryant discusses how Black women leaders are often simultaneously celebrated and marginalized, drawing on examples from various sectors, including politics, social justice, and entertainment. The op-ed calls for a systemic overhaul to recognize and support Black women's leadership, emphasizing the need for transformative change to ensure future generations face fewer obstacles. Show less

In her op-ed for the Boston Globe, Kimberly Bryant addresses the escalating racism against minority-led venture capital (VC) funds. She brings to light the systemic barriers and racial biases that predominantly affect these funds, despite growing awareness and efforts towards diversity and inclusion in the venture capital industry. Bryant’s article critically examines the stark disparities in funding, underscoring how minority-led VC funds often struggle to secure investments compared to their… Show more

In her op-ed for the Boston Globe, Kimberly Bryant addresses the escalating racism against minority-led venture capital (VC) funds. She brings to light the systemic barriers and racial biases that predominantly affect these funds, despite growing awareness and efforts towards diversity and inclusion in the venture capital industry. Bryant’s article critically examines the stark disparities in funding, underscoring how minority-led VC funds often struggle to secure investments compared to their white-led counterparts.

Bryant highlights the broader impact of these disparities on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly on communities of color. She emphasizes the need for breaking down these barriers to foster a more equitable and inclusive financial landscape. The op-ed is a call to action for systemic change in the venture capital sector, advocating for dismantling racial biases and creating a level playing field. Bryant argues for an environment where talent and innovation, rather than race or background, are the primary determinants of success for VC fund leaders. Her piece is a significant contribution to the conversation around equity in venture capital funding and the vital role of minority-led funds in driving innovation and economic growth. Show less