In a new powerful series presented by YouTube Originals, Black women come together over a chef-hosted dinner to have pivotal discussions about what has cultivated their experiences. Mary J. Blige, Saweetie, and Tabitha Brown each had their own tables of exclusive guests — and the attendees were phenomenal.
Blige’s dinner guests included book author and founder of Woman Evolve Sarah Jakes Roberts, model Winnie Harlow, recording artist and actress Chloe Bailey, actress Lynn Whitfield, and writer Roxanne Gay. The dinner came courtesy of Chef Danielle Saunders, the first Black woman to win the Food Network’s hit competition series Chopped, who put together a mouthwatering multi-course meal.
Saweetie’s guest list included recording artist Kelly Rowland, actress and activist Angelica Ross, digital storyteller and producer Hallease Narvaez, author Elaine Welteroth, and the 60th Mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms. Dinner selections were created by no other than recording artist-turned-chef, Kelis.
Brown’s dinner invitations were extended to television host Loni Love, content creator Jackie Aina, actress Yaya DaCosta, two-time WNBA Champion and co-owner of the Atlanta Dream basketball team Renee Montgomery, and journalist Danielle Young. Brown’s meal courses were all plant-based or vegan.
The women discussed a variety of topics pertaining to the Black woman experience. Some of the hot topics revolved around colorism, Black hair, mental health, motherhood, code-switching, and the essence of being a Black woman.
“I think for so long, we’re taught to suck it up, and with that mentality we oftentimes put our true emotions and feelings to the side,” Chloe Bailey said. “Those moments when the world kind of stops and you’re left alone by yourself, and it’s like, am I happy?”
Saweetie presented a formula of healthy strategies she calls the “Three B’s” that personally helps her navigate life.
“In the fourth quarter of last year, I’d be journaling. I’d be meditating. I’m trying to figure out what my balance it,” Saweetie said. “I realized that we all need the three B’s. It’s balance, breaks, and boundaries. Balance — not only do we work hard, but we need that love, that girl time, that support. Breaks — I always tell the young entrepreneurs, “Team no sleep?” No, that’s not cute. No, please get your rest. Drink your water. Replenish yourself. And then, boundaries. Set your boundaries, whether if it’s showing up, doing a favor. ‘Just know that I love you. I respect you. But, I can’t do it because if I’m drained, I won’t be able to serve you.'”
The transparent conversations were intermingled with informative segments giving greater insight into the impact of Black women. In one segment, Amanda Seales interviewed people on the street about a string of topics, while another segment explored the Club from Nowhere fundraising organizer Georgia Gilmore and Civil Rights Movement activist Jo Ann Robinson’s significance during the Montgomery bus boycott of the Jim Crow era.
Recipe For Change: Amplifying Black Women is executive produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron of The SpringHill Company, and Joel Relampagos, founder of Change Your Algorithm.
“We just shared our heart and I hope and pray that our conversations will fall on the ears of who needs it and they’ll receive it and be changed by it,” Brown said as the dinner special ended.
Recipe For Change: Amplifying Black Women can be viewed on YouTube or below.
