Keeyon Upkins & Terry Prather discuss the importance of creating space for the gathering of Black professionals and entrepreneurs
Hey {{ first name | Friend}}! Read below for some updates on The Union.
What's Happening?
BRUNCH RECAP
Great People, Great Time!
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the fantastic time we had at the brunch last Saturday. The energy was electric and it was clear that there is a strong desire among us to see the creation of The Black Part of Town, an area that is the go-to for Black professionals and entrepreneurs. In addition to appreciation for those who attended the event, special appreciation also goes to:
Location: Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center. Need a place to host your next event? The Heart is the place.
Food: Legacy Cafe. Need a place to meet a friend for lunch during the week? Look no further.
Lounge Design: Atipical Design Co. For all your home or corporate staging needs. Just know you would have been severely underwhelmed with the design if Atipical did not step in.
Bartending: Bottoms Up Bar Co. Bartending service made easy. Highly recommend for any and all private events.
UP NEXT
PJ Morton at Steinmetz Hall (August 10, 2024)
Several of us got together in March to see Cece Teneal at Judson’s Live at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. We’re going back! This time to hear the soulful sounds of PJ Morton and in the beautiful Steinmetz Hall. We will gather in the PNC Hospitality Suite before the concert to continue the planning conversation around the Black Part of Town, followed by a reception. Purchase tickets here. To get discounted pricing, don’t forget to use this code: {{member code | …oh wait, I think you need to join the collective to get discounted prices on tickets. See the section below to make that happen}}.
Please, please, please watch the video below to hear the best version of the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love” you will ever hear in your life!
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM ALIVE
Four Ways You Can Lean In
We can’t let this energy fade! As great as the brunch and the conversation were, there is much more work ahead if the dream is to become a reality. How can you help to keep the momentum alive?
Support financially. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your tax-deductible contributions help ensure the organization can continue creating spaces and experiences that enable collisions between participants, leading to new and exciting opportunities. Consider giving a one-time gift or joining the collective to receive discounted prices for future events.
Stay connected. We've established a digital space for The Union to keep our conversations and ideas flowing between gatherings. This platform will be our primary hub for discussing ideas, sharing events, and staying connected. Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into the vision or just want to stay updated on what is happening, this is the place to be. Let’s use this space to keep the dialogue going as we advance our shared goals.
Show up. To keep this momentum going, we are committed to gathering monthly. These events will be varied and engaging - think dinners, entertainment events, and even a few field trips to explore what’s possible for our vision of creating the Black Part of Town. Your participation is crucial, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve together. Why is your participation so crucial? Phase 1 of creating the Black Part of Town is developing the proof of concept, evidence that there is demand among Black professionals and entrepreneurs for regular gatherings. If we can show that this group is willing to come together and spend its money in support of the businesses making it happen, only then can we move forward with Phase 2, asset development.
Share with others. In order for the dream to become a reality, it must be shared and adopted by the right people. Who are the right people? They lean more toward community than individualism. They care more about doing good than looking good (though their doing good may often make them look good). They seek to build across generations and not only among their peers, valuing the wisdom and experience of seasoned leaders and the innovation and energy of young leaders. Have someone in mind? Forward them this email or send them this link to sign up for the newsletter.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and commitment. Together, we’re building something far greater than the sum of our individual efforts.
KEEYON UPKINS
Dreamer
The Union
