09/11/2026
9/11 is a day of remembrance, grief, and reflection.
For GGE, this day is also part of our own story. The first meeting that led to our creation took place on 9/11. In a moment marked by shock, fear, and uncertainty, GGE began with a simple but lasting act: showing up for Black girls. That commitment to care, connection, and support shaped our vision from the very beginning and continues to ground our work today.
We also remember the harm that followed, including Islamophobia, stop-and-frisk, increased surveillance in homes and schools, and the targeting of Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. In the years after 9/11, many young people came to understand safety through policing, exclusion, and violence.
25 years later, we hold the families who lost loved ones in our hearts. We remain committed to a different vision of safety—rooted in belonging, collective care, and healing justice. We believe New York City is stronger because of our differences, and we will continue advocating for a city where Black girls and gender-expansive youth of color are safer, seen, and resourced.
