ATLANTA — The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium concluded its highly anticipated 2024 Black Girls Dream Conference at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, a sold-out event that brought together over 1300 attendees from across the globe. Held from June 7 to June 8, the conference provided a nurturing environment centered on empowerment, education, and cultural celebration for southern Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and Black women of all ages.
Themed “Afrofuturism: Intelligence, Innovation, Investment,” the conference featured a diverse array of dynamic workshops and interactive sessions. Participants engaged in discussions covering mental wellness, health, beauty, social justice, and financial literacy, among other topics. The event aimed to foster deeper connections and conversations essential for building radical futures for Black girls and women.
Key highlights included the “Black Women of the Global South” panel, supported by the Gates Foundation, which showcased leaders from the African diaspora discussing pivotal issues facing their communities. Another standout was the Tech Salon, powered by Microsoft, which provided hands-on experiences with technology, robotics, and AI, underscoring the transformative potential of STEAM fields for Black girls.
The “We Got Now” panel returned to encourage young women to pursue radical opportunities for the future. The panelists included Laila Pruitt (Starz’s BMF), Naya Ellis (Creator of Wingltt), Cruz Helena Valencia Moreno (Innovation Girls), Jacqueline Idun (Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance), and Gabby Goodwin (Gabby Bows), who represented a few of the amazing next-generation voices who are impacting our present and taking positions as the changemakers and innovators of our future!
The conference also featured a poignant fireside chat with Dr. Bernice King, daughter of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Dr. King shared personal insights on legacy and leadership, inspiring attendees with her commitment to dignity and justice.
Attendees further explored their creativity in the Lush Lounge, crafting personalized beauty products, and participated in sessions like “Natural Hair: Curls, Braids, and Business” with Taliah Waajid, emphasizing natural beauty and self-care.
Latosha Brown, founder of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium, closed the conference with reflections on its impact. “This movement is designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of extraordinary leaders,” Brown remarked, highlighting the joy and camaraderie shared among attendees.
For more information on the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium, visit www.SouthernBlackGirls.org or follow @SouthernBlackGirls on Facebook and Instagram, and @BlackGirlsDream on Twitter.
