Essence held its fifth annual Girls United Disruptor Summit on Saturday at PC&E Atlanta, where Black women’s voices were amplified through panel discussions, networking, performances, workshops and entrepreneurial opportunities. The event exemplified Black excellence by showcasing a diverse array of Black female trailblazers, and providing them the opportunity to impart their experiences, products and platforms with fellow attendees.
“I came here to experience the uplifting of Black women, and just making sure we’re in spaces where we’re in power all of our voices are heard. I love Essence, I love how they have a great history of elevating Black women,” attendee Maya Logan said.
The Essence brand, ‘Where Black Women Come First’, is reflected through the summit’s mission to educate these women professionally, personally, intellectually and spiritually.
“I am a big fan of Essence because Black culture is what it’s all about and I want to stay true to my culture, to my name, and just show my support to Black vendors and creators,” Atlanta resident Teresa Clark said.
Prior to entering the main stage section, a handful of participants explored an area exhibiting several reputable Black-led businesses such as Carol’s Daughter and Cantu, followed by professional photo stations. Essence also encouraged international based brands to promote their products. The HighOnLove Senior Account Executive Rachel Cote arrived at the event from Canada with the intention of fostering support for the brand’s self-care products.
“I flew in from Canada just for this event and I’m super excited to get these products out there because we’re all about self care, and people don’t take care of themselves these days. It’s so important to us, which is why we promote products like bath salts, body butter and body oils,” Cote said.
From political activist Lynae Vanee to reality television star Serena Page, the summit panelists and performers offered fresh perspectives in regards to exploring new career opportunities, global socio-economic engagement, sisterhood and Black love. For many, these Black spaces signify the upliftment and empowerment of Black women. This summit demonstrated that Black female success can be defined in a multitude of ways, but they must all be disruptors to make success a reality.
“I’m really proud of what Black women have been able to accomplish in the last 10 years. We’ve been included in award shows that we previously weren’t. We’ve been the face of carpets and places we were never invited to,” If Not For My Girls podcast host Lady London said. “We are the blueprint, the prototype and the matriarchs of society, and I hope we can continue to carry it on our back with stride and poise.”
A majority of the speakers and panelists shared their experiences facing adversity as Black women. As an African-American country singer, Reyna Roberts’ trajectory in the industry has been no easy feat, largely due to the stigma and historical culture of exclusion that Black women face within such a music genre. Yet, she overcame the obstacles.
“No matter what representation looks like, you can be that person that shines the light on whatever your goal or your dream is,” Roberts said.
Society holds various meanings of the word disruptor because disruption is typically exuded in a slew of unique ways. According to the If Not For My Girls podcast hosts, individuals must challenge the status quo and guide those who believe that the possible is impossible.
“Being a disruptor means being uniquely yourself, and blazing a trail of fire wherever you go, ” Roberts said.
