Social Events For People Of Color That You Should Check Out

You’re young, black, perhaps you’ve moved to a new city where you barely know anyone. Perhaps, you – like so many of us – have grown tired of the often immature cyclical club scene and the stuffy networking mixers. You just want to eat, drink and be merry with like minds in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Before you even think it, don’t worry – you’re not asking for too much.

I was growing weary of attending the same old events, looking for genuine connection where there were only business cards, fake smiles and sideways glances at every person who walked through the door. No one seemed interested in genuine conversation, only What can we do for each other? I decided to sit out social events indefinitely, until something that better fit my lifestyle came along.

I had heard great things of Our Family Dinner and was pleasantly surprised that the experience was everything I had anticipated and more. Click through to learn more about Our Family Dinner and two other awesome events you’ll want to tell your friends about this year!

Looking For a Warm Environment That Reminds You Of Home? 

OUR FAMILY DINNER

ourfamilydinner.org

Our Family Dinner is an affordable bi-annual gathering of young people of color to simply get to know one another, break bread and enjoy each other’s company – free from networking or judgment. An atmosphere filled with love and support and old-fashioned face-to-face conversation.

Having begun in 2008 with about 30 people, Our Family Dinner has grown to almost 10,000 people in 11 cities nationwide, a feat its founder, Lawrence Adjah, is grateful for. “Building a Family, One Dinner at a Time” is the motto we’ve held since the beginning, and seeing these villages take root and grow in this way has been a privilege to witness and be a part of as stewards of the mission.”

He founded Our Family Dinner after seeing how so many of his peers seemed “lonely, isolated and disconnected despite living in large cities.”

“Although on the surface, career success and seemingly fruitful social network connections told a story of vibrant, deeply fulfilling lives, under the surface, many friends and colleagues expressed they were in many ways depressed, and ultimately desiring deeper more authentic and intimate relationships.”

If you’ve moved to a new city and have yet to find a connection with others, don’t hesitate to visit www.ourfamilydinner.org for information on the next Family Dinner in your area!

Calling All Curly Girls!

BIG HAIR AND BRUNCH

bighairandbrunch.tumblr.com
Photo by: Erika Layne

Are you transitioning to natural hair, fully natural or just interested in getting to know other naturals? Alex Elle of The Good Hair Blog teamed up with Heat Free Hair to bring Big Hair And Brunch to DC and NYC and it was an absolute hit.

According to her recap on The Good Hair Blog, Alex’s brunch attendees “had a blast” and she has been asked to bring the brunch to other cities nationwide. For just $45, this event is affordable and fabulous for a weekend of relaxation and connection with other curly girls.

Although the 2014 dates are TBA, you can visit www.thegoodhairblog.com and the event’s Tumblr page bighairandbrunch.tumblr.com for updates and photos!

Are You Ready To Party?

GRITS AND BISCUITS

gritsandbiscuits.com

Co-founder EZ Mo Breezy told Vibe.com that the idea for Grits and Biscuits came about after moving from the south up to NYC, seeing a wide array of parties going on and simply wanting to “shake something.”

“…there would be the opposite extreme of the club scene on the Westside where there is velvet rope and bottle service. And I love the Prince, I love all that but every once in a while you want to just shake something. All of us are god fearing folks out here, trying to build a career but ain’t nobody say you can’t shake a tail feather at the same time.”

If you want a good down home party, free of velvet ropes and special VIP treatment, this is the event for you. Complete with photo booths, church fans and freedom to just dance, Grits and Biscuits has grown since its inception in 2010. Check out the website to see how and when you can break it all the way down at this old school party: www.gritsandbiscuits.com.