I had a vision. In the vision, I saw a lush green field full of beautiful black women of every shade. These women were strangers upon arrival, sisters by ancestry and most importantly… the women were Dope Black Chicks. This was the first vision I had that sparked the creation of The Dope Black Chick Picnic. The picnic would serve as a celebration of black women, sisterhood, and everything that makes us magical and dope.
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018, the vision manifested. We gathered at Piedmont Park on a gorgeous sunny day. The ladies carried bags, totes, and even suitcases full of their individuality and style for their own picnic spaces. We encouraged the attendees to curate their spaces as a reflection of who they are, their passions, or their creativity. The end result was a variety of conversation starting spaces that allowed the women to network and form new bonds.
What makes this event special?
The Dope Black Chick picnic is an empowerment event to help women tap into their dopeness. Whatever that may be. See, “dope” cannot be defined by mass media, by clicks, groups, race, gender, etc. What dope is, is truly up to YOU. Black women are amazing at so many different things. However, mass media doesn’t do our diversity justice. I Hear That Girl was created to stand in the void and be the platform that showcases and promotes our unique gifts.
What took place at the event?
During the picnic, we focused on sisterhood, self-care, and self-love. Following the meet and greets, we kicked off the afternoon with sun salutations led by fitness buff and licensed nurse practitioner, Joyce Bell (@InspiredBodyByBell). It was a moving series of salutations from the women in attendance as we gave thanks for such a beautiful day. The attendees centered themselves with affirmations of dopeness and moved into a discussion on gratitude and sisterhood. We found that having something to be thankful for each day enhances the fullness of life.
The beauty of this event is that women will not feel confined to anyone’s idea of how they should behave, what they should believe, how they should dress, who they should love, what career they should pursue, etc. My aim was to create a space in which black women could experience true freedom from the burden of “stereotypes and ideologies” that weigh so heavily on them. This is the first of many to come, as it is evident that sisters deserve a safe space that allows them to revel in their dopeness.
For more information on next year’s Dope Black Chick picnic, subscribe to our mailing list or email isis@ihearthatgirl.com.
