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 It was a great day of empowering Black women this past Saturday at the @PowerHerConference. Proceeds will benefit the Chrysalis Program, a Chicago-based mentoring and empowerment program for young Black girls. The series of events kicked off with a rousing welcome by motivational speaker @CharlieMarcol who encouraged us to walk away from the experience feeling renewed, empowered, and ready to face any challenge. Before the workshops began, we witnessed a hula hooping demonstration by Nicole Goss and her group from @Blackgurlhoopin. I had so much fun joining them on the floor! According to Nicole, hula hooping helps improve physical fitness and relieve stress, and she hopes it will become mainstream. The Black Women in Entrepreneurship Workshop was conducted by Chrishon Lampley, founder of #LoveCorkScrew®️ which is a wine and lifestyle brand. Chrishon, who also owns several vineyards, shared her experience with life-altering challenges that she has faced during her journey toward becoming a successful entrepreneur. She advised us to focus on developing what we are naturally great at doing, offer something unique, let go of fear of executing a plan, use social media to build a following, and create strategic partnerships. She offered certain words of wisdom that particularly stood out for me: “Do more networking that makes sense” and “Don’t be afraid to start speaking [your story].” During the Mental Wellness and Wholeness Workshop, Camesha L. Jones, founder of @SistaAfya, discussed in detail what it takes to achieve mental well-being, which involves improving the quality of life in a number of areas that might not immediately come to mind, such as exercising to help elevate the mood and reducing or eliminating those things that cause tension. We had a chance to break into small groups and do some therapeutic brainstorming. I found myself being able to open up and express myself freely as we shared our personal struggles and discussed effective ways to address them. Some great ideas were generated among the groups. During the discussion, it was evident that there needs to be an increase in the availability of community spaces where we can gather together, share our stories, and help one another release and heal. Also, Camesha emphasized that being able to heal regardless of what has happened in your life and being mentally well are part of being whole. During this session, I learned a great deal about myself and took away some very valuable lessons. We all could benefit from some form of therapy (wholistic, clinical, music, etc.), but we must be willing to let go of the stigma. I stopped by the Self Improvement, Self Care, & Self Love Workshop where Lakichay Nadirah Muhummad, a wholistic health practitioner and founder of TheCenterforSelfImprovement.com, discussed how we must take the time to “pour back into ourselves and give ourselves what we need,” and also heed the warning signs that are right in front of us. She stressed the importance of being fully engaged in all aspects of self-care (mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, social, etc.) and being able to dissect each area to determine what is necessary. She discussed how being labeled can get in the way of being whole because it can cause us to subconsciously take on unfavorable characteristics based on someone else’s viewpoint. Lakichay affirmed that we can empower others by questioning their choices and encouraging them to refuse to accept the labels that are placed upon them so they can see themselves in a better light. She encouraged us to do a self-care plan and identify areas where we need to make improvements. Known as the Queen of Self Improvement and the Wellness Angel, Lakichay says that her ultimate goal is to help people obtain optimal health and wellness by working toward being in alignment and achieving a spirit of peace, which is the root of self-care, in order to create wholeness. The Day Party/Bachelor Auction was a chance to unwind, network, do some shopping with the vendors, enjoy great food provided by Wards Kitchen, and have some fun while fellowshipping with one another. During the Bachelor Auction, the men expressed why they love, honor, cherish, respect, and admire the strength of Black women. It was refreshing to hear each individual “love letter” being spoken by these Kings who gave credit to their upbringing. (continued below)  K Love The Poet kicked off the Power, Passion & Promise Gala by educating, entertaining, and provoking much thought through spoken word. Afterwards, Charlie Marcol, moderator for the segment, introduced Pam Redwood-Harris, founder of SMG Speakers Bureau and million-dollar speaking agent. Her story is an example that “disruption is not always a bad thing [because] it gives you a chance to explore other opportunities." She stressed the importance of knowing our stories, getting rid of things that don’t align with our plans, and changing our thinking in order to shift the atmosphere. Charlie added, “You cannot get what you don't verbalize.” We received valuable tips for achieving success: “Invest in yourself,” “Don’t let money to dictate you,” “Know what empowers you,” and “Find time to give.”
Asha Ntim spoke about creating @TheDarkBrownGirl to shift the mindset of young Black girls and encourage them to embrace their uniqueness. Out of this movement, the Chrysalis Program was born to provide a space to empower Black girls so they can look in the mirror and like what they see. The program also focuses on accountability & life skills. Charlie Marcol offered these closing remarks for the segment: “Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy, and surround yourself with women who inspire you to create a better life.” After the awards ceremony, Poet M'Reld Green graced the stage with a spoken word tribute to diverse black women. Larniecia Smith, founder of 1,000 Ways to Fundraise and one of only two black female auctioneers in the U.S., wrapped up the gala by working her magic during a spirited live auction to raise funds to support the efforts of the Chrysalis Program. Comedians Lyssa Laird & Just Nesh wrapped up the evening with the Black Fire Comedy Show and had the audience laughing nonstop. Of course, I must also acknowledge DJ India Cooley who created an awesome musical experience for the entire day. It would not have been complete without her. I had an amazing time during the Power Her Women’s Conference, and I am thankful to Black Bloggers Chicago for making it possible for me to cover the event. @goldnladywrites #GoldenLadyWrites @goldenladywritingsolutions
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 A power-packed, purpose-filled series of events is taking place this weekend. On Saturday, February 23rd, Power Her Women's Conference 2019 will offer interesting workshops and fun activities that are focused on empowering and improving the overall health of Black women. Some other exciting events that are planned as part of this conference include a day party/bachelor auction; an awards gala that will include a live auction and performances by some amazingly talented women; and a comedy show that you don't want to miss, which will feature an all-female lineup as well as surprise guests. Besides that, you'll have an opportunity to do some shopping! Proceeds will benefit The Chrysalis Program www.thedarkbrowngirl.com. For tickets and additional information, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-her-conference-2019-tickets-48437712502.
 The evening’s festivities began with a reception in Preston Bradley Hall, where guests enjoyed a variety of delicious, passed hors d’oeuvres and a generous assortment of drinks. Aeriel Williams of Black Ensemble Theater got the crowd going with her rendition of Diana Ross’s song “I’m Coming Out.” Also, Walkabout Theater Company wowed the guests with an amazing presentation on stilts. During this time, the mayor acknowledged the importance of theatre to the overall fabric of the city. He officially announced a plan to earmark $1 million to support the year-long initiative. There will be an emphasis placed on further developing and promoting storefront theaters in various neighborhoods, strengthening their ability to offer quality productions to wider audiences. The generous support received from a number of foundations will make it possible for theatre to be accessible to all by allowing the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE) to partner with the League of Chicago Theatres to provide a wide variety of free performances, including theatre in the parks, a summer film series in Millennium Park, and other theatre-themed events all over town. The funding will also enable Choose Chicago to collaborate with Broadway in Chicago to launch a robust marketing campaign that will significantly improve local visibility and appeal to national and international audiences. The goal is to make Chicago a global leader in the world of theatre After the reception, I stopped by the Claudia Cassidy Theater, where the spotlight was on the youth. The audience enjoyed a skit performed by the Albany Park Theater Project. Afterwards, a young lady from the urban arts organization Kuumba Lynx presented spoken word pieces. The poetry and preceding video presentation paid tribute to ex-political prisoner Assata Shakur; Sandra Bland, who lost her life after being arrested and detained in a jail cell in Waller County, Texas; and other Black women. I ended the evening with an interactive exercise conducted by Free Street Theater. Participants addressed the following questions: (1) What is a place in your old neighborhood that you are surprised is still there? (2) What used to be in your new neighborhood that you are surprised is no longer in existence? Then we were broken into small groups, each creating a manifesto on what is necessary for our neighborhoods to survive. The Year of Chicago Theatre is not just about seeing a show. It is about coming together to strengthen our communities, create opportunities, and change lives for the better through theatre and all that goes along with it. I’m looking forward to a great year of theatre, and I’ll see you there! @goldnladywrites #GoldenLadyWrites #yearofchicagotheatre |
