Dear Black Woman: A Night of Sisterhood in Charlotte

The inaugural Dear Black Woman gathering, held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Hyatt Centric SouthPark brought together women from across my community for an evening of connection, affirmation, and empowerment. As both host and chapter president, I witnessed firsthand during the visionary, Kami Redd’s speech, the powerful impact of creating intentional spaces for Black women to share their experiences and celebrate their journeys.

An Evening of Authentic Connection

The event opened with a welcome address emphasizing our chapter's commitment to fostering sisterhood and creating opportunities for genuine connection. Attendees participated in icebreaker activities led by Shay Atkinson designed to build trust and open dialogue, quickly transforming it into a community of sisters.

"The energy in the room was palpable from the moment we began," shared DeNise Gerst, one of the evening's participants. "There's something powerful about being in a space where you don't have to explain your experiences, everyone already understands."

Highlighting Our Stories

One of the most powerful moments of the night was the "I See You, I Got You" exercise. Women shared heartfelt reflections, seeing and affirming each other in a deeply emotional exchange. This created an atmosphere of trust and emotional openness that lingered throughout the night.

Several women also spoke candidly about navigating professional challenges, sustaining personal wellness, and building a legacy in their communities. These testimonies served as a reminder that our stories carry power, and sharing them helps others find courage in their own journey.

Looking Forward

As chapter president, I'm incredibly proud of what we accomplished with our first Dear Black Woman event. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees already preparing to join as a member. Lavada Humphrey who attended noted, "This wasn't just an event, it’s a movement."

Building on this success, we plan to host quarterly Dear Black Woman gatherings, each focusing on different aspects of our collective experience.

Join Our Community

The Dear Black Woman initiative welcomes all Black women seeking connection, growth, and support. To learn more about upcoming events or to get involved with our chapter, please contact us at northcarolina@dearblackwoman.me or visit www.dearblackwoman.me under the Community Tab

‘Angel’ Andrea Taylor is the COO of Soulful Sounds, an Entertainment Company, founder of Nourish then Flourish Collective and serves as president of the North Carolina chapter of Dear Black Woman.