The reality for many Black girls and gender-expansive youth is that their introduction to menstruation was anything but graceful. No celebratory conversations, no guidance—often just a box of pads tossed under the bathroom door or a vague “you’re a woman now,” leaving confusion in place of confidence.
Picture an 11-year-old sitting in class when an unfamiliar sensation occurs. She asks to use the restroom only to discover blood on her favorite jeans. Panic. Shame. She reaches for toilet paper, whispers to a friend, and prays no one notices. The moment is filled with fear—not understanding what’s happening, because no one ever took the time to explain it in a way that felt safe or affirming.
It’s a scenario that still plays out for too many, and it’s the very reason Coming into Bloom was created.
Coming Into Bloom is a 4-hour, in-person workshop designed with love, laughter, and education specifically for Black youth aged 9 to 14 who are beginning or preparing to start their periods. But this isn’t just “the talk.” It’s a gathering—a safe, celebratory space that honors the beauty of bodily change, encourages self-love, and offers real, clear information about what’s happening both biologically and spiritually.
The workshop is co-led by Malinda Rochelle, Director of Reproductive Justice and Maternal Health at PRC, alongside Dr. Joy, a dynamic Black OB-GYN known for making complex medical information accessible and empowering. Together, they walk participants through the essentials of menstruation without fear or shame—answering questions like:
- What’s happening inside the uterus?
- Why do moods shift so suddenly?
- Why do breasts appear overnight?
- What’s normal when it comes to discharge?
- How does one maintain freshness and hygiene?
All questions are welcome. No embarrassment. Just honest, affirming answers.
While youth engage in their own circle of learning and connection, their caregivers—parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and chosen family—participate in a parallel session. Led by Anja, a licensed Black midwife, and Kandee Lewis, CEO of PRC, this portion equips adults with the same knowledge, so they can support their child’s journey with confidence and care. Because saying “go talk to your mom” is no longer enough. Coming Into Bloom builds a village—fostering a shared language and understanding around period care.
The experience doesn’t end in the classroom. Everyone comes together to share a meal, because no celebration is complete without food. Dinner is included—and so is joy.
Coming Into Bloom is the space many adults wish they’d had. It’s for the girl who once Googled “am I dying?” after seeing blood for the first time. It’s for the nonbinary youth who wonders what periods mean for their identity. It’s for the caregiver who wants to be supportive but doesn’t know how to start. This workshop is about education, affirmation, and building lifelong confidence during one of the most pivotal transitions in a young person’s life.
Because blooming should never be scary—it should feel like a homecoming.
