Tabitha Brown, announced as keynote speaker for Black Girl Social Club Conference, Atlanta Ga._‍

‍_{by Desiree Sandlin}

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Hosted by McDowell’s Branding Group, social media personality and actress, Tabitha Brown was the keynote speaker on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency, for the inaugural Black Girl Social Club’s “Unity Conference.” Tabitha Brown, described as “America’s Mom,” according to HuffPost, and also known as “Auntie Tab,” has over four million followers on Tik Tok as well as Instagram. The North Carolina native is known for her online content of integrating veganism, satire, and motivational speaking. Surviving the struggles of career failures, financial duress, and the pressures of being a single mom, a door of opportunity was opened when Brown was hired as a brand ambassador for Whole Foods Market after doing a BLT vegan video on Tik Tok. The video went viral. In March 2020, Brown created a Tik Tok account and began sharing vegan cooking recipes. The doors of success began to revolve as she was later signed to Creative Artists Agency. In June 2020, she began hosting “All Love,” on Ellen Digital Network; followed by YouTube Original children’s show, “Tab Time. She now has her own fashion and home décor line with Target.

Black Girl Social Club, (BGSC) founded by Carmen Jones, evolved from a Girl’s night out on New Year’s Eve in 2019; wherein 12 black women came together for a night that would involve talking, eating, drinking, and ending the year with positive affirmations. As a result, through lots of crying, laughing, healing and guided meditations, new lifelong friendships were created. BGSC was created as a place of safety for Black women to share and interact with one another in a non judgment atmosphere. BGSC platform consists of bringing awareness of mental, emotional, and physical health. The modern-day social club is intentional in unifying the bridge of relationships by incorporating face to face communications and one on one interactions, away from our phones and social media.

“Tabitha Brown is what the world needs right now, which is love, compassion, and inspiration. At a time like this, her words of encouragement are so impactful, but especially for Black women who can certainly relate to her, her family, and her journey. We want to bring someone in who represents Black women on an international level with class and integrity. What’s more, we know she has a story that will blow our minds. She will inspire all of us to do better and be better,” stated Carmen Jones, founder of BGSC. This year’s “Unity Conference,” entrepreneurship panel, “What’s in the Secret Sauce,” included renowned speakers Karim Lateef, Dr. Key Hallmon, Melissa Mitchell, Ray Cornelius, Jay Barnett, Askale Davis, Jamilah Lemieux, and Bossip’s Dani Canada, who moderated Brown’s conversation. In candid conversations, about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and sound business advice; the secret of the sauce was revealed.

Additional panel discussions included, The Beauty of Black Love, “Making it work: Dating & Marriage in the Black Community” a mental health panel, “Vibrating Higher,” and a Melanin Mommyhood Panel, “Maintaining “You” in Mommyhood.” This year’s initiative was focused on embracing new members and welcoming them into the sisterhood. “This year, we wanted to open the conference up to non-members in an effort to reach more women who align with our mission and vision…. It’s not about quantity for us, but quality. We want women who are invested.”

The conference was all about unity, love, entrepreneurship, and spiritual elevation. DJ Boogie lov was on the 1’s &; 2’s. VIP sponsor You Go Natural, was all that and some! Anticipation coupled with empowerment was a whole VIBE. “Our guests who are coming from all around the world, by the way, can expect connection, self-reflection, self-development and Black girl joy.” They can expect to leave better than they came,” said Carmen Jones. Trust and believe, they did! After a day of breakout panels, light bites, greetings from the BGSC, brunch and a keynote conversation wit Tabitha Brown, change was inevitable.

‍“Our guests came from all around the world for connection, self reflection, self development and Black girl joy. We had vendors, esteemed panelists, and fabulous cocktail parties. We wanted our guests to feel at home, and know that they've found a sisterhood in BGSC.  We hope they left better than they came, said Carmen Jones.”

‍About The Black Girl Social Club

The Black Girl Social Club started with a Girls’ night. A group of 12 women came together to talk, eat, drink, and close out the year with affirmations right before New Year’s Eve 2019. After a night of healing, guided meditation, laughing, crying, and lots of new connections made, Carmen realized this was something women needed-more specifically Black women. They needed a space to feel seen, be heard, and not feel judged. They needed healing and personal development, through solid relationships and social activities. She wanted to recreate the feeling she felt that day, over and over again. That’s when The Black Girl Social Club was born

Instagrams @iamtabithabrown @boogielov @yougonatural