On Friday, July 6, My Black Is Beautiful held a dinner to remember in the center of the black mecca that is ESSENCE Fest.
The My Black Is Beautiful dinner comprised of a three-course meal, an abundance of powerful women, and inspiration for days. And let's just say, it isn't hard to be seduced when you're surrounded by beautiful things and positive energy. For me personally, the My Black Is Beautiful dinner was a reminder of how good it feels to be acknowledged by peers that look like you and reflect your brilliance, your splendor, and your wonder. It was also a reminder of how amazing it is to be black and successful.
Hosted by motivational speaker extraordinaire Lisa Nichols, My Black Is Beautiful treated guests to a night to a remember and featured apperances from celebrity guests like Lil Rel, Jess Hilarious, Naturi Laughton, and Loni Love. And it wouldn't have been a night reflecting royalty without a word from the OG queen, Queen Latifah who graced the audience with a word. We also swooned as we were treated to the musical stylings of special performer Gallant.
Although ESSENCE Fest brings out women by the pound, I think as black women we are united in our shared unconditional love for our men. While motivational speaker extraordinaire breathed life into us with her affirmation speech and the subsequent exercise of telling someone next to you words that they might not have known they needed to hear, guests were also treated to a video presentation that honored the black men that protect and love us.
And that's exactly what the My Black Is Beautiful dinner was, acknowledgement, confirmation, validation, and beauty. It was about shining your light in all its splendor and glory, unafraid of who might be blinded by it because we are worthy of being seen and marveled. Most of all, it was love.
Check out some of our favorite moments by clicking through the gallery below:
Charreah Jackson, Gia Peppers, Lisa Nichols, Sylvia Obell, Necole Kane and Luvvie Ajayi
Patrick Neree
Patrick Neree
Jess Hilarious, Loni Love and Lil Rel
Patrick Neree
Patrick Neree
Lisa Nichols and Queen Latifah share a hug
Patrick Neree
Patrick Neree
There was a special performance by Grammy-nominated artist Gallant
Patrick Neree
An affirming moment between all the women at the #blackgirlsdo dinner.
Patrick Neree
Patrick Neree
Patrick Neree
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Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
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Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
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Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
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Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
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