This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend Black Girls CODE NY’s two-day hackathon titled “loveisrespect”. The girls, ages 10-17, were encouraged to create apps and websites that taught young adults the components of a healthy (and unhealthy) relationship.
Partnering with Break the Cycle and Verizon Wireless, the hackathon series was nothing short of a success. I penned an article on the hackathon for MadameNoire.com, so you can check it out here:
Teaching adolescents and teens about how to develop healthy relationships has long-lasting, positive effects. With roughly 1 in 10 American teenagers experiencing physical violence at the hands of a significant other, and many others facing sexual and emotional abuse, awareness is key to breaking the cycle of abuse. By meeting the next generation where they are—on their smartphones, tablets and the web—the messaging is all the more effective.
The New York City chapter of Black Girls CODE merged technology and awareness this past weekend, gathering nearly 60 girls between the ages of 10 and 17 at NYU Polytechnic University School of Engineering to create innovations that will familiarize their peers with both healthy and unhealthy relationships. Titled “loveisrespect,” the two-day hackathon powered by BGC, Verizon Wireless and Break the Cycle focused on empowering the young hackers through consciousness and technology.
Click here for the complete story.
Also, here are some of my favorite pictures from this weekend:
(Image: Janel Martinez)
(Image: Janel Martinez)
(Image: Janel Martinez)
(Image: Janel Martinez)
Pictures taken with Samsung Galaxy S 5.
As a Afro-Latina who writes about technology, I was inspired to learn to code and design. If you’re a Latina who codes, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line in the comments section below.
