90 Moments of Black Girl Joy!
Our Joy.
From our Circles to our Parties and more, every Dear Black Women event was designed with our joy in mind.
Our joy is our birthright, a vital source of power.
To the Black women who attended our events, I thank you.
Your commitment to celebrate your joy with other Black women sounded a loving harmony that resonates. Still. To the Black women entrepreneurs and artists we partnered with, I thank you. Your talents are undeniable.
This photo essay is a celebration of our joy, featuring 90 moments from our events — captured by Cydni Elledge, Franchesca Lamarre, and Kai Dowridge — along with musical interludes and inspiring quotes from affirmation letters in our anthology.
May these moments remind us that when we share love and affirmation in community, starting first with our individual selves, we are powerful.
Here’s to our joy,
Flo, Dear Black Women Founder
“You are free to blossom, to root yourself, and to soar.”
Photos by Cydni Elledge
“Remind yourself that you are allowed and capable of celebrating yourself.”
A Black Girl Creativity Interlude
Photos & Art by Franchesca Lamarre
“Let’s talk about this temple of yours... it is beautifully & wonderfully designed.”
Photos by Cydni Elledge
“I hope you come to understand that you can be a work in progress & still the badass you know in your heart...”
MUSIC InTERLUDE!
From Newark to the UK, the Black girl magicians featured on this playlist will remind you of your Black Girl Magic and Joy.
Curated by DJ Stacyé J & Dear Black Women Founder Flo.
“The whole universe encourages my very being. It sops up and savors my every quirk and flaw.”
Photos by Cydni Elledge
“Survival has made you a creative and empathetic genius. Just think what thriving can do.”
MUSIC InTERLUDE!
Black love from past, present and future to carry us.
Let the music of those who love us soothe you, move you and give you strength.
Curated by DJ Stacyé J & Dear Black Women Founder Flo.
“You are not metaphorically, not conceptually, but actually & literally a miracle.”
Photos by Cydni Elledge
“I love you for simply being. You don’t have to earn this love.”
Our Wish For Black Women Interlude
Since the start of the Dear Black Women movement, Black women have been asked to share their wishes and affirmations for themselves and Black women everywhere.
Here’s only a small piece of the love.
“You are beautiful from the kinks in your hair, melanin in your skin to...”
Photos by Cydni Elledge
“You, dearest one, are that butterfly. You are in your chrysalis... Still yourself and focus on the light coming from within.”
A Black Girl portrait Interlude
Portraits by Cydni Elledge
“I am all of the women before me. My heart continues to beat their songs.”
Photos by Kai Dowridge
“Your being is infinite and beautiful.”
MUSIC InTERLUDE!
2018 feels like forever ago. But we're still here!
Let’s take it back and celebrate life with this playlist!
Curated by DJ Stacyé J & Dear Black Women Founder Flo.
“You are always growing and changing for better. Leaving the old skin behind for a fresh new one.”
Photos by Kai Dowridge
“Invest in yourself unapologetically and find outlets to expand your gifts.”
“Thank you for seeing you are worthy of so much more.”