Benni Cinkle Shows the Power of Pink

Seemingly overnight, Benni Cinkle became a viral  personality after appearing in Rebecca Black’s “Friday”  video. However, the limelight for this young 14-year-old  teen was not all sunshine and rainbows. Cinkle was often  referred to as “that girl in pink” and received harsh criticism  for her dancing moves in the video.

But instead of allowing the bullying to swallow her whole, she decided to take the high road and fight back. Now, “that girl in pink” uses her unlikely Internet stardom to help a multitude of charities under her trademark attribute from the video.

Many of her earlier attackers turned into her fans after seeing the approachable and fun personality of Cinkle. Not one to ignore the serious online harassment she underwent, she wrote an e-book with five simple strategies to use when living an online life. These books are featured on her website in both English and Spanish.

Cinkle used her love of music and music videos to write a song that she titled Can You See Me Now. The song was inspired by the stories and events Cinkle read about regarding teens dealing with molestation, bullying, self-mutilation, and abuse. All the proceeds from the song’s sales go directly to her non-profit organization and five charities that Cinkle is passionate about, including The Trevor Project, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms), Childline, and I’m Alive.

As founder and current vice-president of That Girl in Pink Foundation, Cinkle still takes time to be a normal teen, but is now more aware that accepting others and stopping bullying is the responsibility of everyone.

How will you help to stop teen bullying?

This post is also available in: Spanish