WE ARE BLACK GIRL HOCKEY CLUB, a global movement to build community and make hockey more accessible for Black women and girls of all ages.
In 2019, R. Renee Hess launched Black Girl Hockey Club (BGHC), a nonprofit that focuses on equity and inclusion for Black women in hockey. In October 2020, Renee’s work was profiled in the New York Times and in June 2021, she was a finalist for the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award. In February 2025, Renee was honored as a community leader and ambassador by her favorite hockey team, the Pittsburgh Penguins and in January 2026, Renee’s work was highlighted on the Kelly Clarkson Show. With a Master’s degree in Literature and a Bachelor’s degree in Writing, Renee’s passion for storytelling and hockey has led her to archive narratives from Black folks that examine multiple aspects of hockey culture through the lenses of intersectional feminism and social justice. Her 2024 book, “Blackness is a Gift I Can Give Her: On Race, Community, and Hockey” is currently available at booksellers everywhere.
OUR ORIGIN STORY
Black Girl Hockey Club started with the need to create safe spaces for Black girls in hockey and has grown into an organization lifting up marginalized communities. Through partnerships with sports organizations such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the National Hockey League Foundation, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and Bauer Hockey, BGHC continues to offer scholarship opportunities, organize meetups, and offer online and in-person events for our global community.
THE GET UNCOMFORTABLE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN
Ice hockey possesses the potential to be for everyone, if we actively work for it. Our Get Uncomfortable advocacy initiative seeks to challenge existing norms on and off the ice. By establishing concrete guidelines, we aim to demonstrate meaningful inclusion and contribute to the movement against discrimination.
The framework of our campaign rests upon three pillars:
- Encourage – We call upon the hockey community to foster hospitable environments, specifically championing Black women and girls as athletes, coaches, supporters, and leaders.
- Educate – We provide the resources to facilitate informed dialogues regarding social justice, centering the expertise of Black women.
- Employ – We advocate for the recruitment and advancement of Black women across all tiers to ensure diverse perspectives guide the future of the sport.
Since 2020, almost 10,000 people have committed to disrupting the traditional landscape of the game. We invite you to join us in ensuring hockey is accessible to everyone.
SCHOLARSHIPS
For families navigating the expensive landscape of ice hockey, the primary obstacle is the cost. BGHC scholarship and equipment grant initiatives are a deep investment in the journey of every athlete. Since 2022, we have distributed over $160,000 cash to more than 150 players and over $50,000 in Bauer Hockey equipment to 50+ deserving athletes across the globe. From Canada to Kenya, from the US to the UK, BGHC remains steadfast in our mission to eliminate the financial gatekeeping that prevents individuals from thriving both on and off the ice.
The impact of these grants is reflected in the heartfelt testimonies of families who see these opportunities as a catalyst for their success. There is a powerful reaffirmation in the joy of a player receiving new gear, a moment that solidifies our commitment to fostering community. By investing in the potential of these players, we create a more inclusive future where their dreams can truly take flight.
OUR COMMUNITY
Since the inaugural BGHC meetup in 2018, where over 50 fans gathered to support the Washington Capitals, to our 2022 historic all-Black women’s hockey panel in Toronto, we have traversed North America to cultivate inclusive environments where fans can celebrate the sport they love in community.
The transformative power of community should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their proximity to an arena. Through our virtual programming, BGHC has facilitated dialogues on everything from Juneteenth celebrations and our Get Uncomfortable advocacy to navigating the boarding school recruitment process. Our monthly book club amplifies marginalized authors, encouraging our members to explore diverse perspectives. Every initiative we undertake is a testament to our commitment to demonstrating meaningful inclusion in action.
GET INVOLVED
Anyone who is interested in joining our movement can:
- Donate via our website to support our mission and invest in the next generation
- Sign our Get Uncomfortable pledge to disrupt the status quo in hockey
- Join us at a BGHC event whether in person or remotely
- Make hockey a more welcoming space for everyone
