why we exist.
bell’s garden exists because we know what it’s like to be that Black girl or woman—brilliant, driven, and ready to bloom, yet navigating spaces that weren’t designed to nourish you.
We’re here to change that.
Our mission is to cultivate spaces where Black girls and women in suburban and predominantly white areas can root themselves in confidence, awareness, and self-advocacy. We foster growth through mentorship, community-building, and transformative learning experiences that extend beyond academics and careers.
Our work is grounded in both intrapersonal and interpersonal development—because thriving isn’t just about achievement, it’s about belonging. Black girls and women deserve spaces that recognize their brilliance, support their growth, and celebrate their full, authentic selves.
rooted in growth, inspired by legacy
what's behind the name?
bell’s garden is inspired by the visionary work of bell hooks, whose dedication to love, empowerment, and education guides our mission to support Black girls and women in suburban spaces. Following her example of using lowercase letters to emphasize ideas over identity, we honor her legacy through our name.
The 'garden' symbolizes the inner self—our souls—and highlights the importance of cultivating personal growth, strength, and wellness. Every soul is like a garden, full of potential, beauty, and resilience.
Through intentional care, mentorship, and education, we help sow seeds of confidence, water dreams with knowledge, and remove the weeds of doubt, so every individual can bloom into their fullest potential. So, like a garden, our lives flourish when we dedicate time and care to nurturing what lies within. Also, choosing love is the act of nurturing our gardens, allowing them to flourish and inspire freedom for ourselves and those around us.
"The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others."
-bell hooks
bridging the gap:
The truth is, there aren’t many organizations focused on Black girls and women in suburban spaces. Most support networks are concentrated in urban areas or tied to religious institutions, leaving our suburban sisters without the resources, mentorship, or community they need. In these spread-out environments, many Black girls and women are often the only ones who look like them in their schools, workplaces, or social circles. This isolation can deeply impact their confidence, sense of identity, and overall well-being.
We’re here to cultivate change.
bell’s garden exists to bridge this gap—ensuring that Black girls and women in suburban spaces have the awareness, support, and opportunities to grow into their fullest potential. Through mentorship, leadership development, and career-building experiences, we foster environments where they don’t just exist, but thrive. Our work isn’t about simply navigating these spaces—it’s about transforming them, creating a future where Black girls and women can flourish unapologetically, rooted in confidence, community, and self-actualization.
why this matters
call to action
empowering change
bell’s garden is about more than just filling a gap
it’s about cultivating lasting change and reshaping the narrative for Black girls and women in suburban spaces. We’ve lived the isolation, the challenges, and the struggle to find community, and now we’re committed to ensuring that the next generation doesn’t have to navigate it alone. But growth requires nourishment, and we can’t do this work without you.
Your support helps us plant the seeds of transformation—creating programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership pathways that empower Black girls and women to thrive. With your investment, we can continue fostering spaces where they are not just present, but truly rooted in confidence, belonging, and self-actualization.
Join us in growing this garden. Together, we can cultivate a future where every Black girl and woman in the suburbs has the support, community, and opportunities she needs to bloom unapologetically. 🌱✨