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Our 2nd Annual International Women's Day Event
Dear Black Women and Girls Festival 2023
Saturday 11 March | Novotel London West
This wellness gathering for Black women & girls was a positive experience of self-care meets sisterhood. Attendees engaged in fun activities & reflective moments, supporting each other. The event energised them to prioritise well-being & stay connected as a community.
Sisters in Wellness.
At our 2nd annual Dear Black Women and Girls Festival, attendees unleashed their inner power and embraced self-care. The festival featured an unforgettable lineup of events that left them feeling rejuvenated, empowered, and connected. They immersed themselves in yoga, sound healing, and meditation classes that helped them tap into their inner peace and tranquillity. They attended workshops and sessions focused on self-care, self-love, and personal development, providing them with the tools they needed to take their wellness journey to the next level.
Shared funding initiative:
Practitioners and Event Facilitators
The festival’s practitioners and facilitators are a talented and diverse group of women committed to creating an engaging and memorable experience for attendees!
Vinna Best
Host & Founder of Dear Black Women and Girls
Meet Vinna, the founder of Dear Black Women and Girls CIC, the UK-based social enterprise that raises awareness about the disparities affecting Black women and girls, creates safe spaces, and is focused on driving positive change for us. My mission is driven by the belief that our voices and experiences matter too.
Diahanna Clarke
Integrative Counsellor/ Psychotherapist
Meet, Diahanna, a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist who provides holistic mental health and healing support, integrating various methods and approaches to create a client-centred treatment plan tailored to the individual. Diahanna is the founder of the Dedicated to Change project.
Tia Sunlight
Sound Energy Practitioner
Meet Tia, an experienced sound energy practitioner who uses various tools to create sound vibrations that promote relaxation. Her practice aims to balance the body’s energy and help individuals connect with their inner selves, leading to a sense of wellbeing and inner peace.
Anne Shalo
Yoga and Sound Energy Practitioner
Meet Anne, she loves to move and began dancing at age three, continuing through university. Ready to take a break from dance, Yoga offered a more loving environment. Anne received her Hatha yoga certification in 2015 and has taught worldwide.
Mica Francis-Angel
Movement & Music Facilitator
Meet Mica, founder of Wellbeing Rituals and co-founder of Orisha Dance. Passionate about creating authentic wellbeing spaces that invite openness, creativity and self-expression, cultivating joy, love and oneness, Mica is devoted to encouraging all to shine their light brightly.
Lilli Lèon Beadle
Full Spectrum Doula, Artist, and Holistic Coach, Intuitive Healer
Meet, Lilli who uses ancient indigenous practices and tools such as Divination, Astrology, and Herbalism in her work. In addition to one-on-one support, Lilli conducts regular Healing Circles and Cacao Ceremonies in London.
Lindsey Daniella
Visual Artist
Meet Lindsey, a self-taught artist who possesses a great passion for art and creative content creation. Over the course of eight years, she has acquired extensive experience in working with oil paints, enabling her to produce visually striking and distinct pieces of artwork.
Fiona Quadri
Illustrative Image Maker
Meet Fiona, originally from Brussels, who now resides in London, where she focuses on exploring themes of identity, race, and queer communities in her work. Her creative talents were recognised and awarded second place in the 2021 Windrush Waves Youth Arts competition by the Black Cultural Archives.
Daniella Dawkin
Master Upcycler and Sustainability Influencer
Meet Dani, the founder and creative force behind ‘DIFA’ (short for ‘Designed Individually for All’), Daniella’s mission is to inspire people to adopt sustainable fashion practices and embrace textile upcycling to minimise waste and reduce their environmental footprint.
Programme of the Day
Our festival offered self-care, self-love, and connection opportunities for women and girls. Adult ticket holders were divided into Group A and Group B, but both had equal chances to attend events scheduled at different times. All attendees experienced everything planned. The girls' programme included creative activities such as zine making, Black women in art, juice sipping while painting and music, and t-shirt customization. It was a day of connection, growth, and empowerment for all.
Event Purpose
Black women and girls face a unique form of oppression due to their racial and gender identities – known as “misogynoir.” This type of intersectional discrimination is directed specifically towards Black women, as it combines misogyny (hatred or prejudice against women) and anti-blackness (prejudice or discrimination against Black people). Misogynoir can manifest in various ways, from subtle microaggressions to overt barriers in healthcare, education, the workplace, and other areas of life. Black women and girls need dedicated spaces to prioritise personal growth, mental and physical wellness, and overall happiness.
The Importance of Safe Spaces for Black Women and Girls
Feeling like your feelings are ignored or dismissed in mainstream society? Our safe spaces give you the chance to share your story and connect with other Black women and girls with similar experiences – without fear of judgement. These spaces not only offer healing and advocacy opportunities, but also validate your perspectives.
About Our Dear Black Women And Girls Festival
As we approached Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we invited Black women and girls to unite and prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
This was a Dear Black Women and Girls CIC event, a space created for and by Black women and girls to uplift, support, and empower one another.