"This book is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to the strength, resilience, beauty and power of embracing one’s true self as a young black girl. Every page was filled with raw honesty and love, shedding light on truly relatable experiences. The way the author weaves together vulnerability and strength truly resonates, with myself especially. This book brought me to tears not only because of its emotional depth but because I could see myself in so many parts of this book. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend you do."

- Zharia Gallimore, Owner & Baker, Zar’s Cookie Jar

"Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain" by Lyrique Richards is an incredibly powerful and evocative read. As a white woman, I found it enlightening to understand the daily struggles of Black girls, particularly the exhaustion from code-switching. The sections on “Selfish Saturday” and “Claiming My Power” resonated deeply, reminding us of the importance of living authentically and the necessity of self-care. Richards beautifully articulates the weight of societal expectations, and the strength found in letting go. Her affirmation, “I love you,” encapsulates her message of empowerment and support. This book is a heartfelt invitation to embrace one's true self, and I believe it can uplift anyone seeking to understand and support their Black sisters. A must-read for all!

- Shelley Murdock, Author, Healthy & Fit For Life, Fitness With Shell

Richards’ book is a gentle and endearing invitation to young Black girls to reflect on the apparently mundane experiences that can leave them feeling excluded and isolated. From mandatory swim and sleep caps, to the ways in which culturally specific foods and music can become both barriers and connecting points, this and accessible book also deals with the boundaries imposed on Black girls in their search for romantic love. The author uses her own lived experience to advocate for self care and mindfulness as tools for staying true to oneself.

- Richard Sharpe, Director, Black Equity Branch, Ontario Public Service

Lyrique, your book deeply resonated with me. Dear Black Girl is a must-read for Black girls in Canada and their parents, especially Caribbean immigrants. As someone who also came from Jamaica, I appreciate how this book navigates the challenges of balancing Caribbean roots with Canadian identity. From friendships to self-acceptance, Lyrique offers wisdom, practical advice, and affirmations to uplift young Black girls, helping them embrace their beauty, strength, and confidence.

- Diane Watson

Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain by Lyrique Richards is a thought-provoking, and interactive book that will take readers on an immersive deep dive into the realities of one Black woman’s experiences. Through personal anecdotes and relatable moments of self-doubt and shame, but also emphasizing great resilience and strength, Richards encourages readers to pause, breathe, reflect inwards, and in turn, shine outwards.

- Lindsay Ruck, Author, Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians

Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain is a heartfelt and empowering guide to self-discovery, resilience, and embracing one's identity. Lyrique Richards writes with warmth and honesty, offering both wisdom and understanding to those navigating the challenges of growing up and finding their place in the world. This book is a beautiful reminder that you are not alone and that your story, your voice, and your power matter.

- Charles Achampong, Author & Keynote Speaker, Around the World in Family Days

This book is a heartfelt and true journey that showcases resilience, strength, and courage. It resonates with millions of young girls in every corner of the world. As a dark-skinned brown girl from South Asia, where colorism is prevalent, I found the narrative deeply resonating. The author's experiences highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who navigate a world looking for conformity. It's a story that will touch the hearts of many and encourage them to embrace their identity and find strength in their uniqueness.

- Nadee Fernando-O'Driscoll, Best Selling Author, Author of Labyrinth of Dreams

This is a beautiful book filled with first hand stories of self-love, empowerment and reclaiming parts of your self. I am white and my best friend growing up was black. Everything Lyrique shares, I saw my best friend go through as well from the food, music, and culture to the significance and beauty of black hair. Her family became my bonus family and I am beyond grateful to understand a different perspective and culture because of my experiences. It is a perfect opportunity to learn about a black girls experience and expand your knowledge.

- Cristie Vito, Author, Bless The Meds

Dear Black Girl: Let Me Hold Your Pain is a powerful and deeply needed gift to the world. This book is a heartfelt embrace—offering Black girls a safe space to feel seen, heard, and understood. The author’s words are filled with empathy, strength, and healing, guiding readers through their pain while reminding them of their power. It’s more than a book—it’s a movement of love, resilience, and empowerment. Thank you for writing something so meaningful and transformative.

- Richa Rehan @thepelvicexperts, Author, Things every girl should know about her body!

Lyrique walks us through the realities that so many go through on a daily basis. She addresses the struggles of trying to fit in with such a gentle approach that it makes the reader want to embrace their true self. Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain is a book every household should have.

- Danielle C Baker, RECE, author, podcast & tv host, Being Connected e-Learning Inc.

This is the book I wish I had as a young/new adult. This ode to black girlhood offers an intimate space where we, readers, can reflect alongside Lyrique on the complexities of our Black identities. Lyrique’s writing encourages the reader’s evolution. It carries deep emotional resonance. As a first-generation Nigerian-Canadian, I felt this book so profoundly. It is moving, powerful, and important.

- Chi-chi Ayalogu

A beautiful self love letter to Black girls everywhere! This book is a journey of reflection, discovery and transformation that uplifts, celebrates and gives voice to the experience of black girls growing up in a world where they are not always seen.

- Suzan Richards, Artistic Director, The Cultural Arts Studio