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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.
11:00 - Event Registration
11:30 - Resonant Renewal: Serenity through Sound Vibrations (45 mins)
W/ Tia Sunlight, Sound Energy Practitioner
The session led by sound energy practitioner Tia Sunlight gave attendees the opportunity to experience the profound healing power of sound vibrations. Using instruments like singing bowls, crystal bowls, and chimes, Tia created a sonic landscape that shifted attendees' brainwaves into a state of relaxation, allowing their bodies to release tension and stress. Studies have shown that sound healing reduces anxiety and depression, improves sleep quality, and boosts the immune system. Attendees explored the healing potential of sound vibrations and enhanced their overall well-being in a safe, supportive environment. Whether new or seasoned, they discovered sound's transformative power firsthand.
12:30 - Orisha Dance: An Inner Exploration Through Movement & Music (45 mins)
W/ Mica Francis-Angel, Movement & Music Facilitator and Tia Sunlight, Sound Energy Practitioner
Honouring our ancestors and exploring different aspects of holistic well-being and spirituality from across the African and Black diaspora. The Orishas were embraced as inspiration, empowering attendees with a sense of divine and multidimensional unity. Just as each Orisha represented different meanings, elements, and powers, attendees were guided through various energies, balancing inner strength and softness while remembering ancient wisdom. In an exploration of themselves and community as multifaceted beings, teachings were blended through modern and traditional holistic well-being practices, healing modalities, and an eclectic range of music centred around Black artists spanning a multitude of genres. It was a unique, soul-awakening experience of joy, liberation, deep release, empowerment, and ancestral connection in a safe space of sisterhood.
13:30 - Find Your Flow: A Yoga Journey to Inner Harmony (45 mins)
W/ Anne Shalo, Yoga and Sound Energy Practitioner
This enriching yoga experience helped attendees strengthen the connection between their mind and body had taken place. Attendees had the opportunity to tap into unheard parts of their bodies, being fully present and giving themselves the gift of presence. The experienced instructor guided attendees through a gentle dialogue with their bodies, encouraging them to listen to its needs while using their breath to expand through the poses. The session left attendees feeling strong and gentle, allowing them to drop deep into themselves and leave feeling completely refreshed. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with the mind and body through the transformative power of yoga.
14:30 - Lunch Break (45 mins)
The programme had set aside a specific time for a break, and attendees were welcome to use this time to have lunch. The ticket price did not include lunch.
15:30 - Healing from Emotional Abuse: Self-Care and Advocacy Workshop (75 mins)
W/ Diahanna Clarke, Integrative Counsellor/ Psychotherapist from Dedicated to Change Project
The powerful and transformative workshop on healing from emotional abuse was tailored specifically for Black women. Attendees had the opportunity to gain support and empowerment to help them recover from past traumas and recognise potential signs of emotional abuse in the future.
In this interactive and supportive space, attendees learned strategies for recognising emotional abuse, building resilience, and promoting self-care. Through discussion, reflection, and activities, they gained tools to help with healing and advocacy on their journey towards emotional wellness. The workshop centred on the experiences of Black women, explored the unique intersections of emotional abuse and systemic oppression and provided practical resources and support for those seeking to move towards a healthier, more empowered future. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded women and gain the tools and knowledge to reclaim power!
For additional support between sessions, Diahanna Clarke and her team of expert Black counsellors and therapists were available to provide guidance and assistance to help attendees thrive on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
17:00 - Vulnerability The Healing Power of Tears: It's OK to Cry Workshop (75 mins)
W/ Lilli Leon Beadle - Intuitive Healer, Full Spectrum Doula, Artist, and Holistic Coach
This workshop discussed the benefits of crying and its impact on mental and physical health for Black women. Attendees had the opportunity to create a safe space to embrace emotions, navigate cultural barriers to emotional expression, and explore strategies for improved emotional well-being through activities and discussion. It was an empowering experience to find healing through tears and celebrate the strength of vulnerability.
Between sessions, Lilli offered a range of her spiritual products for sale that combined ancient ancestral wisdom and sacred herbs to create nurturing, cleansing, and transformative healing tools. These included healing candles, spiritual baths, and aura sprays, which were great for maintaining spiritual hygiene and incorporating them into personal rituals. Lilli also sold her unique and empowering art pieces, channelled to remind attendees of their inner Goddess. Additionally, Lilli offered a limited number of 1:1 intuitive readings using tarot and oracle cards throughout the day. These readings were up to 15 minutes long and provided an opportunity for attendees to gain clarity and confirmation from their Higher Self, Ancestors, and guides.
18:30 - Events Ends
11:00 - Event Registration
11:30 - Healing from Emotional Abuse: Self-Care and Advocacy Workshop (75 mins)
W/ Diahanna Clarke, Integrative Counsellor/ Psychotherapist from Dedicated to Change Project
The powerful and transformative workshop on healing from emotional abuse was tailored specifically for Black women. Attendees had the opportunity to gain support and empowerment to help them recover from past traumas and recognise potential signs of emotional abuse in the future.
In this interactive and supportive space, attendees learned strategies for recognising emotional abuse, building resilience, and promoting self-care. Through discussion, reflection, and activities, they gained tools to help with healing and advocacy on their journey towards emotional wellness. The workshop centred on the experiences of Black women, explored the unique intersections of emotional abuse and systemic oppression and provided practical resources and support for those seeking to move towards a healthier, more empowered future. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded women and gain the tools and knowledge to reclaim power!
For additional support between sessions, Diahanna Clarke and her team of expert Black counsellors and therapists were available to provide guidance and assistance to help attendees thrive on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
13:00 - Vulnerability The Healing Power of Tears: It's OK to Cry Workshop (75 mins)
W/ Lilli Leon Beadle - Intuitive Healer, Full Spectrum Doula, Artist, and Holistic Coach
This workshop discussed the benefits of crying and its impact on mental and physical health for Black women. Attendees had the opportunity to create a safe space to embrace emotions, navigate cultural barriers to emotional expression, and explore strategies for improved emotional well-being through activities and discussion. It was an empowering experience to find healing through tears and celebrate the strength of vulnerability.
Between sessions, Lilli offered a range of her spiritual products for sale that combined ancient ancestral wisdom and sacred herbs to create nurturing, cleansing, and transformative healing tools. These included healing candles, spiritual baths, and aura sprays, which were great for maintaining spiritual hygiene and incorporating them into personal rituals. Lilli also sold her unique and empowering art pieces, channelled to remind attendees of their inner Goddess. Additionally, Lilli offered a limited number of 1:1 intuitive readings using tarot and oracle cards throughout the day. These readings were up to 15 minutes long and provided an opportunity for attendees to gain clarity and confirmation from their Higher Self, Ancestors, and guides.
14:30 - Lunch Break (45 mins)
The programme had set aside a specific time for a break, and attendees were welcome to use this time to have lunch. The ticket price did not include lunch.
15:30 - Resonant Renewal: Serenity through Sound Vibrations (45 mins)
W/ Tia Sunlight, Sound Energy Practitioner
The session led by sound energy practitioner Tia Sunlight gave attendees the opportunity to experience the profound healing power of sound vibrations. Using instruments like singing bowls, crystal bowls, and chimes, Tia created a sonic landscape that shifted attendees' brainwaves into a state of relaxation, allowing their bodies to release tension and stress. Studies have shown that sound healing reduces anxiety and depression, improves sleep quality, and boosts the immune system. Attendees explored the healing potential of sound vibrations and enhanced their overall well-being in a safe, supportive environment. Whether new or seasoned, they discovered sound's transformative power firsthand.
16:30 - Orisha Dance: An Inner Exploration Through Movement & Music (45 mins)
W/ Mica Francis-Angel, Movement & Music Facilitator and Tia Sunlight, Sound Energy Practitioner
Honouring our ancestors and exploring different aspects of holistic well-being and spirituality from across the African and Black diaspora. The Orishas were embraced as inspiration, empowering attendees with a sense of divine and multidimensional unity. Just as each Orisha represented different meanings, elements, and powers, attendees were guided through various energies, balancing inner strength and softness while remembering ancient wisdom. In an exploration of themselves and community as multifaceted beings, teachings were blended through modern and traditional holistic well-being practices, healing modalities, and an eclectic range of music centred around Black artists spanning a multitude of genres. It was a unique, soul-awakening experience of joy, liberation, deep release, empowerment, and ancestral connection in a safe space of sisterhood.
17:30 - Find Your Flow: A Yoga Journey to Inner Harmony (45 mins)
W/ Anne Shalo, Yoga and Sound Energy Practitioner
This enriching yoga experience helped attendees strengthen the connection between their mind and body had taken place. Attendees had the opportunity to tap into unheard parts of their bodies, being fully present and giving themselves the gift of presence. The experienced instructor guided attendees through a gentle dialogue with their bodies, encouraging them to listen to its needs while using their breath to expand through the poses. The session left attendees feeling strong and gentle, allowing them to drop deep into themselves and leave feeling completely refreshed. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with the mind and body through the transformative power of yoga.
18:30 - Events Ends
11:00 - Event Registration
Please note that each girl attending the workshops had to have consent from their guardian or parent to participate in the festival.
11:30 - In the Skin We're In: A Zine on Black Girl Self-Love (90 mins)
W/ Fiona Quadri, Illustrative Image Maker
Attendees had the opportunity to discover the power of self-love in a safe and supportive space. They connected with like-minded girls, explored their creativity, and developed essential skills for self-expression and self-care. Experienced facilitator Fiona Quadri, who is an illustrative image maker, led the workshop, guiding attendees through the process of creating their own zine, sharing stories, making art, and practicing self-care techniques. No prior art experience was necessary, and all materials were provided.
13:30 - Lunch Break (45 mins)
The programme set aside a specific time for a break, and attendees were able to use this time to have lunch. The ticket price did not include lunch.
14:30 - Sip, Paint and Celebrate: Honouring Black Women in the Arts (90 mins)
W/ Lindsey Daniella, Visual Artist
Girls had the opportunity to explore their creativity while learning about influential Black women in the arts. They sipped juice while creating their own masterpieces under the guidance of Lindsey, the expert instructor. The workshop included a brief presentation highlighting inspiring Black women artists. The instructor provided tips and tricks to create a unique work of art. This event was perfect for beginners and those with some painting experience, and it was an interactive and fun way to celebrate creativity and learn about the incredible legacy of Black women in the arts. No prior art experience was necessary, and all materials were provided.
16:30 - Customise Your Confidence: A T-Shirt Design Workshop for Black Girls (90 mins)
W/ Daniella Dawkins, Master Upcycler and Sustainability Influencer
The workshop was designed specifically for girls to unleash their creativity and design their own t-shirts. Experienced facilitator Dani guided participants through various techniques such as fabric painting and embroidery. The inclusive and safe space encouraged participants to incorporate elements of their culture and experiences into their designs while exploring their unique identities. Through this empowering workshop, the girls were able to connect with each other, build confidence, and cultivate their artistic abilities. At the end of the session, participants had a tangible representation of their creativity that they could proudly wear and showcase to the world. No prior art experience was necessary, and all materials were provided. It was a fun and empowering T-Shirt Creativity session!
18:30 - Event Ends
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.