Polished Pebbles and NBA Foundation

The NBA Foundation has joined forces with the Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program to provide invaluable mentorship to young black girls aged 7-17. This incredible partnership aims to empower and uplift these girls, giving them the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of life.

Inspired by her own experiences, Kelly Fair, the founder of Polished Pebbles, understands the transformative power of mentorship. When she was just 13 years old, Fair was mentored by women working at a Black hair company in Chicago. These remarkable women not only encouraged her to pursue her passion for hair, but also instilled in her the importance of obtaining a four-year degree. They provided her with a blueprint for success, and now Fair wants to pay it forward by offering the same guidance and support to girls today.

The name of the mentorship program, Polished Pebbles, was inspired by a quote from Susan Taylor’s book, All About Love. This quote beautifully illustrates the significance of relationships, comparing people to pebbles in a bag, polishing each other. Fair believes that this metaphor perfectly encapsulates the essence of her program, which aims to create a network of girls and adult mentors who support and uplift one another throughout the mentoring journey. Polished Pebbles places great emphasis on the power of relationships and collective growth, encouraging girls to stand together and lift each other up.

Thanks to the NBA grant, Polished Pebbles has been able to include 200 girls in their program this summer. This generous support from the NBA Foundation aligns with their mission to drive economic opportunity in Black communities and connect Black youth to career development and opportunities. Polished Pebbles equips these girls with essential skills such as punctuality, conflict resolution, and soft skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the workforce.

Furthermore, the NBA Foundation proudly supported the Polished Pebbles’ career conference, which recently took place on October 14. This conference serves as a platform for these young girls to explore various career paths and gain valuable insights from successful professionals. Kelly Fair emphasizes that the success of Polished Pebbles is a true community effort, relying on the unwavering support of individuals within the community.

Through this remarkable collaboration between the NBA and Polished Pebbles, countless young black girls are being given the opportunity to unlock their full potential. With mentorship, guidance, and a strong network of support, these girls are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Special thank you to Essence and RAYNA REID RAYFORD view article here.