New Initiative Aims to "Imagine a Future" for One Million Black Girls over the Next Three Years

Procter & Gamble's My Black is Beautiful Partners with UNCF and Black Girls Rock! to Challenge the African American Community to Help Create a Beautiful Future for Black Girls

CINCINNATI, Jul 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, Procter & Gamble's My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) announced Imagine a Future, a new initiative designed to positively impact the lives of one million black girls over the next three years. In collaboration with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and Black Girls Rock! (BGR!), Imagine a Future will document the current state of black beauty with an in-depth look at the influences -- people, fashion, music, education, pop culture -- and provide tools and resources to foster a greater sense of self and confidence within the next generation of young black girls.


"My Black is Beautiful represents a community of over 600,000 strong who come together based on shared experiences and the desire to celebrate everything that makes black women beautiful," said Linda Clement Holmes, Procter & Gamble, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Business Service. "The launch of Imagine a Future reflects a natural evolution of our mission to focus on both black women and girls. We are thrilled to partner with UNCF and BGR! to bring this new initiative to life through the development of much needed solutions for our young black girls based on the must-have conversations about beauty, self-worth and empowerment."

"At Black Girls Rock!, we are committed to youth empowerment, mentorship and the positive portrayal of black girls and women in media," said Beverly Bond, founder and executive director, Black Girls Rock! "We're so excited to take the Black Girls Rock! movement to the next level by collaborating with both My Black is Beautiful and UNCF. Together, we will reach and broaden the lives of black girls through enriching educational opportunities as well as uplifting once-in-a-life time experiences that help give our girls a sense of pride, purpose and possibilities."

To learn more about Image a Future initiative and MBIB activities at Essence Music Festival, consumers are encouraged to visit: www.myblackisbeautiful.com or www.facebook.com/mbib . Consumers can also join the movement on Twitter @MBIBMovement.