Callaghan O'Hare

Trendsetters Productions seniors Alexia Russeu, Zahria Palmer, Kyndal Quince and Sameika Clayton lounge around during a slumber party to celebrate their graduation from high school on August 8, 2017 at a local hotel in Flint Township, Michigan, USA. The sleepover, which involved pillow fights, games of Uno and reminiscing about high school, was the girls' last night as a group before heading to different colleges across the country. “The night was kind of bittersweet because it was one of our last times being together all like that," Sameika, who plans to study nursing at UM-Flint in the fall, said. "We all know about each others' struggles and about each others lowest points, but we are moving on and moving forward. We are going to college, and we are all going to be doing good things. I will love to see it happen."

Jordan Johnson, 11, does her makeup in the mirror during a sleepover to celebrate her birthday on March 17, 2018 at her house in Flint Township, Michigan, USA. Jordan loves to experiment with different makeup looks as often as she can. “I enjoy doing my makeup because I can change my face to make it look the way I want it to look,” Jordan said. “I can paint something beautiful on it.”

Ashlie Wynn holds her newborn daughter Emerie Wynn at a local hospital in Flint. When complications arose over 20 hours after Ashlie went into labor, doctors at Hurley Hospital delivered Emerie Wynn via cesarean section. She was born weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces and with a full head of curly black hair. Over the course of the next two days dozens of family members came in and out of the hospital to welcome Emerie to the world. “I don’t think [Emerie] should focus on being a biracial young woman,” Ashlie, who is half black, said. “She should just focus on being the best young woman she could possibly be. I’m sure she will be comfortable with who she is because it’s who I am too.” 

Cassidy Perry thumbs through an American Girl Doll catalog in preparation for her upcoming birthday on June 23, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. When Cassidy was young, she had a hard time with a student who would frequently ask her why she was wearing her hair in two afro buns in her ballet class. Her mom searched for books to help her explain to Cassidy about her hair and about "differences among people period," she said. When she couldn't find any, she decided to write one herself. LaTashia's first book focuses on a young African American girl's "quest to find someone with hair like hers." Since "Hair Like Mine" debuted, LaTashia has also written and published two other books "Imagination Like Mine” and "Skin Like Mine," which was inspired by her second daughter Carrington. "We really needed material out there for black kids to be able to see themselves portrayed in a positive light," LaTashia said. "Books encourage them to be who they are and be happy about it." Now that she's older Cassidy feels proud of her hair and wants other young black girls to feel the same. “I love my hair," Cassidy said. "I like how when [my mom] washes it it’s like super crazy, and I like how curly it is.”

A young girl writes down some of the things she likes about herself during a doll drive sponsored by Pretty Brown Girl, a Detroit-based organization that hopes to inspire young black woman by providing them with black dolls, on December 18, 2016 in Flint, Michigan, USA. In addition to walking away with black dolls in their hands, dozens of girls signed a pledge to dream big, believe in themselves and always enjoy learning and laughing. ”We hope that these girls leave feeling that they are valued, worthy of being celebrated and that they matter," Pretty Brown Girl founder Sheri Crawley said. Sheri Crawley first felt called to make an impact in the lives of young black women after her oldest daughter Laila, 10, started kindergarten and became envious of the “long blonde hair” she saw in shampoo commercials and on the heads of her classmates. Around the same time, Sheri planned a birthday party for her youngest daughter Aliya at the American Girl Doll and was “shocked and saddened” when none of the little girls, including either of her daughters, picked a brown doll, according to the organization’s website. From these experiences, Pretty Brown Girl was born, and its reach now extends across the nation.

Makayla McCombs, 8, holds Skyelar Wilson, 1, on her hip during a "Stop The Violence" block party on June 11, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. The event was organized by 24-year-old Flint resident Prince Talley after the city saw a series of back to back homicides. Prince hopes "Stop the Violence" block parties will steer Flint's youth away from violence and prevent the loss he experienced as a young man in Flint. "They're running and playing," Talley's mother, Linda Purnell, said to Fox 66 News. "Don't think they aren't paying attention though. They know the reason why they're here.”

Zariah McNeal, 8, plays in a field of overgrown grass where a small family home once stood on May 30, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA.

Pom squad member Deodria Rideout prepares to take the field alongside team members during a Flint Community High School football game on October 6, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Originally Deodria wanted to join the football team but found out she was not eligible as a female. "Pom was the next best thing," Deodria said.

Recent high school graduate Quinarah Malloy cools off by the pool on June 8, 2017 at her apartment complex in Flint, Michigan, USA. In between working and studying for her Air Force entrance exam, Quinarah finds ways to enjoy the summer like laying next to the pool with her friends and spending time with her family, she said. "Black girl magic is a combination of everything," Quinarah said. "It's your confidence, your work ethic. It's everything good that you're doing.”

Denisia Barton, 8, joins a group of girls in the hot tub after her weekly swim lesson at the Davison Athletic Club on April 24, 2017 in Davison, Michigan, USA. Open minded and enthusiastic, Denisia makes friends easily and enjoys learning and trying new things. Through activities like modeling and swimming, she has come to value her inner beauty far more than her outer beauty, she said. ”I want to tell the world that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, you're beautiful inside and out," Denisia said. "People can say what they want, but you know the truth. You are who you are, and you are beautiful."

Sitting on the couch after getting home from school, Naveah Payton, 10, watches YouTube videos in the living room of her home on November 14, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Naveah said she prefers YouTube over television because it gives her a chance to see what real life looks like all over the world. Naveah is incredibly curious and her sisters often roll their eyes at her frequent, insightful questions. “I like to learn,” Naveah said.

Brianna Dennie, 15, has her makeup done before walking the runway at the main fashion show in Flint's 6th annual Vehicle City Fashion Week on November 18, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Founded by Kala Wilburn after her brother was murdered in 2011, Vehicle City Fashion Week hopes to highlight positive developments in the community, help local designers and spark a conversation about gun violence in Flint. One of this year’s highlights was prominent local designer Issac Simmons, founder of Auto World, a line of clothing that features the old Auto World logo and pays homage to Flint’s important place in the history of American automobiles. “We get stopped all the time. Auto World? Where’d you find that?” Simmons told ABC 12. “We’re tired of wearing Detroit hats. We have our own history and heritage. People need to see that.”

Jakylah Davis, 5, crouches in a baby carrier while playing with her sisters on August 14, 2017 in their front yard in Flint, Michigan, USA. Jakylah lives on Flint's north end with her mom, three sisters and two brothers. After their father passed away, all of the kids have taken on more responsibility and try to help with cooking, housework and taking care of their younger siblings.

After getting home from school, Diane Williams, 19, writes in her journal on April 28, 2017 in her bedroom in Flint, Michigan, USA. Diane spends a lot of her free time writing poetry and songs. Whenever she feels bored, she opens up her journal and lets her thoughts flow freely. ”It’s a way for me to vent," Diane said. "Me personally, I don’t talk about a lot of stuff with people. If I write it down, I’m still saying it without anyone having to hear it.”

A group of young girls and their mothers explore the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History's exhibit “I See Me: Reflections In Black Dolls” on February 25, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The girls visited the exhibit, which features an array of black dolls from the late 19th century to the present, with Pretty Brown Girl, a Detroit-based organization that hopes to inspire young black woman by providing them with black dolls. ”Historically, black dolls have not been seen as the prettiest or the most desirable," said Sheri Crawley, founder of Pretty Brown Girl. "We're looking to change that, one girl at a time.”

Dierdre Buggs, 24 and Dares Bray, 24, watch as a crowd gathers in the road after a vigil in honor of Kanasha Shanae Thomas, who was shot and killed on Sunday, June 4, 2017 after a night out with friends. By the time many community members graduate from high school, they've lost a friend or family member to gun violence, Shyteanna Thomas, Kanasha’s sister said. "Senseless violence is going on too much in this younger generation, and it doesn't hurt until it hits home," India Walker, Kanasha's aunt said. "This is a reality check for a lot of them, and I hope they use it to see it's not going nowhere."

Tracy Palmer hugs Madison Smith during an audition for an upcoming fashion show on April 18, 2018 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Tracy took over Trendsetters Productions, a class held in Flint for aspiring young models, and transformed it into a weekly program that celebrates and builds up young black women. In addition to learning how to strut down the runway, TSP students are taught important life skills like how to nail an interview and how to respond to bullies with kindness and conviction. The class also offers a safe space for young women to share what's going on in their personal lives and discuss some of the trials and triumphs that accompany life as a young black woman in Flint. "This isn't about learning how to become a model," Palmer tells her students at TSP’s last class before the holidays. "This is about learning to become a role model.”

Diondra Simpson’s mom Rashunda Simpson, her grandmother Barbara Scott and a family friend Marlene Cleveland put the finishing touches on the high school senior’s look before she heads to prom on May 26, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. As she stepped out of her front door to go to the dance, Diondra was met by an orange convertible, which took her to her high sc

hool's red carpet where spectators had gathered to cheer on their favorite dresses. “Having my grandmother and mother there made me feel really proud and at ease,” Diondra said. “They were always there growing up…teaching me to shave, teaching me how to put my bras on, just little stuff like that helped me become who I am today. Their life experience made me.”

Students from Flint’s Northwestern and Southwestern High Schools wait to have their picture taken at prom. 

Arcella Henderson moves to the music at the Carman Ainsworth High School homecoming dance. In Flint, prom season and homecoming season are some of the most highly anticipated times of the year. They offers high school students a chance to dress up, let loose, feel good about themselves and celebrate their accomplishments.

Zahria Palmer runs her hand across the fabric of the dress she designed to wear to her senior prom on April 21, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Zahria started school at Western Michigan University in September 2017, and hopes to study fashion design. Although she struggled her first few months of college, Zahria finished the semester with a 3.4 and is looking forward to the spring, she said. "To me black girl magic is being confident in yourself no matter what obstacles you face," Zahria said. "It's staying true to yourself and staying true to your dreams, even if where we’re from might not be…the easiest.”

Jordan Baker and Robin Bradley share a moment at their high school prom in Flint.

Dressed to brace the cold, Naveah Payton, 10, takes her dogs out in the rain.

Katona Cathey, 22, shares a tender moment with her daughter Cali Levy, on November 2, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Before the birth of her daughter, Katona lived in a woman's shelter but recently moved into a new apartment with her baby. Without access to a car, Katona relies on friends and family to bring her formula and diapers. She hopes to one day leave the city of Flint and provide Cali with a more stable environment. Despite her worries about Cali’s future, she enjoys being with her daughter and watching her grow. “Everyday she learns something new," Katona said. “It’s hard because there’s a lot of stereotypes like [black women] being loud and ghetto and ratchet. That’s nothing that I can really prepare her for. It’s something she’ll have to grow up and see and learn how to deal with on her own. People are going to say what they want to say. It’s all about what you believe and what you think. I hope she knows she’s wonderful."

E’Liyah Rosborough, 9, clings onto her 25-year-old cousin Enrico Davis' neck as the extended family gets together for a game of bowling on May 25, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. “I'm a queen," E'Liyah said. "That's what my family always taught me." E'Liyah's grandmother Betty Hobson-Rosborough has taken it upon herself to care for E’Liyah so that her mother can attend nursing school. “With my young girls, I try to teach them they’re valued,” Betty said. “I say no matter what is put before you…if somebody tell you you can’t do it….tell yourself ‘I can.’”

A group of young women get ready for a fashion show in downtown Flint.

Family members provide encouragement for Denisia Barton, 8, as Diamond Bragg, 21, prepares her hair to be straightened on April 7, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. Denisia frequently flinches and has to take breaks during the process, which lasts well over four hours. "Working on tender-headed girls breaks my heart," Diamond said. "I always just tell them beauty is pain." Despite the tearful process, once Denisia saw the final product, she was thrilled. "It hurt, but I like that [my hair] looks good at the end," Denisia said.

Jayla, Jakaylah, Jocelyn and James Davis prepare for bed in the room they share at their house on Flint's north end. The girls had the day off from school and spent it laying around the house and watching Disney movies while their mom slept off a 12-hour shift from the night before. Each of the girls doted on their little brother, who they affectionately call baby James, and took turns snuggling with him in their beds.

Diamond Bragg, 21, washes 8-year-old Denisia Barton's hair in preparation for her grandmother's 80th birthday party. Rather than use relaxers, Denisia is part of a growing number of young black women who are choosing to embrace their natural hair. "I like that I'm me, and that I'm not like everybody else" Denisia said. "If everybody was the same, no one could recognize anybody, and I like who I am."

Mari Copeny watches the new movie A Wrinkle in Time with her friends at a local movie theatre in Flint. Mari, also known as Little Miss Flint, raised money for Flint youth to be able to see the show and its diverse cast.

The 2016 Carman-Ainsoworth homecoming king and queen En'Dea Haygood and Christian Aubrey wait on the track while sophomore homecoming court members Jakia Stalling and Jalen Aubrey prepare to take the field before the new queen and king are announced on September 30, 2017 at Carman-Ainsworth High School's homecoming game in Flint, Michigan, USA.

Maya Stanley, 14, attends the Flint Community Schools homecoming game against Saginaw High School. In the fall of 2017, Northwestern High School and Southwestern Classical Academy's athletic departments combined to prepare for the merger of both high schools in 2018. The Flint Board of Education’s decision to close Northwestern High School is part of the district’s long term financial plan to cut costs and “deliver educational programs more efficiently,” according to the Flint Journal. Multiple school buildings have closed and reopened in the Flint school district in the past few decades.

A group of models clasp hands before taking the stage at a fashion show, which featured local designers and whose profits were donated to support the Flint Water Crisis. After more than three years, the Flint Water Crisis has yet to be resolved and still affects residents' day to day activities, such as cooking, drinking, bathing and brushing teeth. Without a plan to replace the city’s piping going forward, many residents are in the dark about when they’ll have safe, clean drinking water again.

A light shines next to Jessica Truly as she and her date step onto the dance floor at their high school prom.

Uneeka Cotton, 18, has lashes glued one-by-one onto her eyelid by a cosmetologist at a local beauty shop.

Anigha Williams, 19, McKailynn Rogers, 19, Shyteanna Thomas, 21 and April Warren share an emotional moment as more than 200 people gather for a vigil on June 4, 2017 in Flint, Michigan, USA. The vigil was held in honor of 21-year-old Kanasha Shanae Thomas, who was shot and killed on June 4, 2017 after a night out with friends. Kansha's former high school principal Mrs. Fields said she had never seen such a large turn out at a vigil for one of her students. Kanasha was a beloved character at her high school and "like Robinhood" was known for stealing cosmetics from drug stores to help girls who couldn't afford to have their make up done for prom, Mrs. Fields fondly recalled. "She had such a big heart," Shyteanna Thomas, her sister said. "She lit up every room she entered." ”People always used to ask us 'are y'all twins?'" Shyteanna said. "Whenever you seen her, you seen me." After taking a semester off to mourn the loss of her sister, Shyteanna plans to go back to college and finish her degree in 2018. Once she graduates she will apply for full custody of Kanasha's son and raise him as her own, she said.

Dressed in her pajamas, Jayla Davis, wanders through the backyard of her home. “I’m looking for an adventure,” Jayla said.