Johnson Dias

Girls For A Change will host its annual Black Girl Rally on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Victory Theater & Event Center in Chesterfield. The event kicks off the school year with activities, conversations and family engagement for Black girls in grades 5-12 and their parents or guardians. 

This year’s rally marks the first time the celebration will include parents and other caring adults, providing support and resources for both the girls and the adults in their lives. 

“We believe our girls need support not just on the first day of school, but for all 180 days of the year,” said Angela Patton, CEO of Girls For A Change. “Parents also need encouragement, resources and a reminder that they are not alone. This rally is about strengthening our village.” 

The evening will feature a fireside chat with Janice Johnson Dias, author of “Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful Change-Making Girls” and co-founder of the GrassROOTS Community Foundation. Johnson Dias, also the mother of Marley Dias known for her #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, will discuss strategies for raising confident, purposeful girls. 

Rally activities will include family photoshoots, candlemaking, self-defense classes, line dancing, cookin and collaborative art projects. The event will also feature music from a DJ and hosts Nickey McMullen and comedian Antoine Scott. Door prizes and raffles include museum memberships, restaurant and local business gift cards, a Sunday pass to the Broccoli City Festival in Washington, D.C., an overnight stay at Salamander Resort, Apple Watches and a full ride to Camp Diva Leadership Academy in summer 2026. 

The theme of this year’s rally focuses on the power of showing up for children, whether as a parent, grandparent, guardian or other supportive adult. Registration is free although donations are encouraged, and attendees may purchase raffle tickets in advance to support GFAC’s after-school programs. Families can also register for GFAC programs during the event.