#PregnantGirlStoryQuilt
Will you help end the stigma around teen parenting by sharing your story? Let’s start a conversation about how we can better support young families, rather than shaming them.
When I became pregnant my senior year of high school, it felt like people no longer saw me for who I was or a future in which I could be successful. The stigma of teen pregnancy was so strong that it made favorite teachers--who had previously celebrated my potential and knew how smart I was--turn cold. I felt isolated from my peers and judged. Even many of my family members told me that my pregnancy closed the door to college and a successful career.
I wrote my new book Pregnant Girl (coming May 2, 2021 from Beacon Press) to share my story and show how dangerous the stigma against teenage parents is, and how it directly translates into a lack of support for young parents pursuing their college degrees. I hadn’t changed, but the world’s perception of me had.
I also wrote the book because it’s about more than just my story. It’s about our stories, and there is power in telling them.
I founded Generation Hope in 2010 as a place that recognizes young parents as they see themselves: as individuals filled with potential who want to support their families by pursuing their college degrees and changing the world. When I’m out in the community talking to people about our vital mission, I’m always struck by how many people have a connection to teen pregnancy -- whether they experienced it themselves, are a child of a teen parent, or watched a friend, sister, or cousin become a parent early in life.
We need to hear more of these stories. Keeping them in the dark only increases the stigma and exacerbates the negative stereotypes of teen parenting. So, I’d like to ask for your help: Will you help end the stigma around teen parenting by sharing your story? Let’s start a conversation about how we can better support young families, rather than shaming them. Whether you experienced a teen pregnancy, are the child of a teen parent, or know someone who has been impacted--we want to hear from you.
And if you want to learn more about my experience as a teen parent pursuing my college degree at William & Mary with my daughter in tow and my journey to founding Generation Hope, you can pre-order Pregnant Girl now in advance of its May 4 release!
Early praise for Pregnant Girl:
Pre-order your copy here!
"Nicole Lynn Lewis has had it rough. Her journey through college as a teen mom is authentic and moving. Reading this book, you will learn something important about race, poverty, and gender and how they play a role in teen pregnancy. And you will learn something about how hope can win over adversity."
--Soledad O'Brien
"Pregnant Girl is not just a powerful memoir; it's an empowering guide for all of us. Nicole Lynn Lewis shows us that all our journeys matter, and the beauty of those journeys is not just the destination but the lessons of the path. I would highly recommend this book to all."
--Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood
"Makes a compelling case for the multifaceted approach that is necessary to ensure that all young people--particularly our youth of color and young parents--are able to make the choice to pursue a college education, earn a degree, and lead thriving lives. . . . It is an approach that is deeply rooted in the belief and call to action that is core to this book--that all young people are worthy of an education, worthy of resources and opportunity, and worthy of our every effort to help them reach their potential and soar."
--Dr. John King, 10th US secretary of education under President Obama