Recognizing the challenges that girls of African descent in America face with issues of cultural displacement and  positive cultural identification, native Chicagoan, Niambi Jaha-Echols was inspired in 2002 to write and self-publish "Project Butterfly".  The book uses the metamorphosis of a butterfly as an analogy for a girl's personal development to womanhood, offering support that corresponds to each stage of growth.  The book is a celebration of everything beautiful and unique to the African-American experience.  Its message is simple: girls of African descent must find their inner strength and self worth.  Only when they value themselves can they triumph over peer pressures and other barriers and achieve their dreams.

Since its inception, Project Butterfly the book and curriculum, has been used to support programs in Chicago's Public Elementary and High Schools, Social Service and Private Agencies and Churches.  Countless teen girls from across the country have experienced our curriculum (in various forms).  Project Butterfly has inspired the creation of various programs and organizations around the country including Camp Butterfly (www.campbutterfly.org)