Advisors & Cultural Contributors
Help Shape a 52-Week Identity Framework for Black Children
Grow Up Proud is building a structured, research-informed, culturally grounded program designed to intentionally strengthen Black children’s identity over 52 weeks. We are inviting a small circle of Black historians, educators, child psychologists, and culture keepers to help guide, refine, and strengthen this work. This is not symbolic advisory language. This is real collaboration.
Why This Work Matters
Black children deserve more than occasional cultural moments. They deserve: Structured identity development Age-appropriate historical context Affirmation rooted in truth Psychological safety Intellectual rigor Grow Up Proud is creating a sequential, week-by-week identity architecture that parents can implement in 30–45 minutes per week. We believe this work must be informed by brilliant Black minds.
Who We’re Inviting
We are seeking advisors and contributors with expertise in:
Black History & Cultural Scholarship
Historians, researchers, archivists, and scholars who ensure historical integrity and depth.
Education & Curriculum Development
Educators and instructional designers experienced in age-differentiated learning (ages 5–17).
Child & Adolescent Psychology
Licensed psychologists or child development experts who ensure developmental alignment and emotional safety.
Cultural Practitioners & Culture Keepers
Artists, storytellers, community leaders, clergy, activists, and elders who carry living cultural knowledge.
What Advisors & Contributors Do
This is not a full-time commitment. Founding advisors may: Review and provide feedback on quarterly themes Strengthen historical framing and context Ensure developmental alignment by age band Contribute short essays or reflections Advise on sensitive identity topics Participate in one virtual advisory roundtable per quarter Estimated commitment: 4–6 hours per quarter.
What This Is Not
Not a symbolic name on a website
Not a performative diversity statement
Not a one-time endorsement
We are building something durable.
Advisors will have meaningful input in shaping the program.
About the Founder
Thirty years ago, Lucy Holifield founded Identity Toys — an educational company created to teach Black children about their history and culture. Though the company lasted seven years, its products are now part of the collection at The Strong National Museum of Play in New York. Grow Up Proud continues that legacy — with structure, consistency, and modern developmental insight.
If This Resonates
If you are interested in serving as a Founding Advisor or Contributor, we would love to connect. Please submit:
A short bio
Your area of expertise
A brief statement on why identity development matters
EMAIL US: hello@growupproud.com
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WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
We recognize that your time and expertise are valuable. Advisors and contributors receive:
What’s In It For You We recognize that your time and expertise are valuable. Advisors and contributors receive:
1. Founding Advisor Recognition Your name and professional credentials featured on our website and press materials as a Founding Advisor. 2. National Visibility Grow Up Proud is designed to scale nationally. Advisors will be positioned as thought leaders in identity-centered child development. 3. Media & Speaking Opportunities Opportunities to: Be quoted in press releases Participate in panel discussions Join podcast conversations Contribute thought leadership articles 4. Intellectual Contribution The opportunity to influence and shape a structured identity framework that may impact thousands of Black children. 5. Early Access & Research Insight Advisors receive: Access to pilot feedback data Parent insight reports Early program results This can inform your own scholarship, speaking, or professional work. 6. Compensation Structure While this is an early-stage initiative, Grow Up Proud is committed to: Honorariums for substantial curriculum contributions Revenue-sharing conversations for deeper involvement Priority consideration for paid consulting roles as we scale 7. Cultural Legacy You will help build a structured identity model that did not exist at scale before. This is foundational work. //What’s In It For You We recognize that your time and expertise are valuable. Advisors and contributors receive: 1. Founding Advisor Recognition Your name and professional credentials featured on our website and press materials as a Founding Advisor. 2. National Visibility Grow Up Proud is designed to scale nationally. Advisors will be positioned as thought leaders in identity-centered child development. 3. Media & Speaking Opportunities Opportunities to: Be quoted in press releases Participate in panel discussions Join podcast conversations Contribute thought leadership articles 4. Intellectual Contribution The opportunity to influence and shape a structured identity framework that may impact thousands of Black children. 5. Early Access & Research Insight Advisors receive: Access to pilot feedback data Parent insight reports Early program results This can inform your own scholarship, speaking, or professional work. 6. Compensation Structure While this is an early-stage initiative, Grow Up Proud is committed to: Honorariums for substantial curriculum contributions Revenue-sharing conversations for deeper involvement Priority consideration for paid consulting roles as we scale 7. Cultural Legacy You will help build a structured identity model that did not exist at scale before. This is foundational work.
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