100 Moments of Black Girl Love

 

The Dear Black Women Circles.

A meeting place for Black women from all walks of life. An oasis we created to rest, restore and rejuvenate. Starting in late 2016, traveling from Brooklyn to Detroit, our Circles have drawn 1,000’s of Black women to Dear Black Women.

It has been my honor to do this work.

To the Black women who hosted and attended our Circles, I thank you. Your commitment to affirm yourself in chorus with other Black women sounded a loving harmony that resonates. Still.

To the Brandi Keeler, Dear Black Women’s first ever DBW trained facilitator, thank you for being a phenomenal Circle leader, thought partner and a bada** ”chocolate-covered alien”. Your expansive love for us and expertise have touched the lives of so many Black women.

This photo essay is a gift of gratitude, featuring 100 moments from our Circles — captured by Cydni Elledge, Dani B., and Ifeyinwa Arinze — with special commentary from Circle attendees. May these moments remind us that when we share love and affirmation in community, starting first with our individual selves, we are powerful.

Until next time,

Flo, Dear Black Women Founder

 
 
 
“A DBW Circle is something every Black women needs in her life. It was a safe place full of healing. A place full of acceptance and love, laughter and life.”

Photos by Dani B.

When the baby got ALL the style. Buy DBW Merch here!

When the baby got ALL the style. Buy DBW Merch here!

“DBW Circles are a space for Black women to shed the expectations of society and armor, be ourselves, be vulnerable, and connect with other Black women from all walks of life.”
“It was amazing to see a diverse group of strong Black women come together (some of us complete strangers) and be transparent. This was empowering.”

Photos by Dani B.

“Dear Black Women Circles are where you go to be affirmed, acknowledged, and loved on by seeing your Black sisters be true to themselves. I experienced myself while witnessing them be true to themselves.”
“It was everything I didn’t know I needed.”
“It was so healing and comforting! All the ladies were sincere and the space was awesome. I truly felt I could be myself, lay out my pains and not feel judged.”
“The overall experience was amazing. The concept, content, and participants are all so necessary and impactful and exceeded expectations. Just wonderful!”

Photos by Dani B.

“I was excited to be apart of a space where I could be vulnerable, honest, and affirmed — which is often not the case for a queer, Black woman.”
“DBW Circles always fill my spirit. It’s so beautiful to see Black women in different life stages come together and just be.”
“A room filled with warmth and your own words read aloud take on a whole new meaning when you see how they touch other Black women. A truly validating experience.”

All Above Photos by Dani B.

“The DBW circles always give me a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Thank you for this space.”
“DBW Circles are a one of a kind experience to face your fears, heal yourself within, create and enhance friendships and laugh like there’s no tomorrow.”
“I haven’t been to any spaces so full of love and US and I have been riding a high ever since.”

Photos by Cydni Elledge

“I was able to feel relief in some way to just be vulnerable around women who were not there to judge, but to love and comfort me.”
“DBW Circles are Black women lovingly taking off your invisible cloak and SEEING you for you and hugging you with words (love) — it was wonderful!”
“It was holistically perfect.”
“The shit was lit - to feel all the emotions I felt was incredible....so glad I was present - literally and emotionally and spiritually and mentally.”

Photos by Ifeyinwa Arinze

Above Photos by Ifeyinwa Arinze

“It’s nice to be around a room full of Black women that were supporting me like I was their niece, cousin, daughter, mother etc. I felt appreciated!!!”
“So much love, intentionality, and care in the space.”

Photos by Dani B.

“I left feeling full, seen, loved and connected.”

Above Photos by Dani B.

before we go: 6 More Beautiful Dear Black Women Circle Moments

“There’s an enormous difference between saying affirmations alone to yourself and saying them in chorus with other Black women... I’ll never feel alone again.”