By Louis Bryant III | OBSERVER Staff

Dr. Teah Hairston, founder and CEO of Be Love Holistic, leading the group in the main gallery space of Brickhouse Gallery in Oak Park with a team building activity that requires two lines and an object passed off between the participants. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
Dr. Teah Hairston, founder and CEO of Be Love Holistic, leading the group in the main gallery space of Brickhouse Gallery in Oak Park with a team building activity that requires two lines and an object passed off between the participants. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER

A Saturday morning, blue skies, Oak Park palms dancing gently. The occasional bike streams by and within the walls of Brickhouse Gallery, Black women gather in a safe space to be authentically themselves. What might look like a typical brunch event quickly reveals the intimate and deeper intentions of Toni McNeil and Dr. Teah Hairston, who co-host the gathering. McNeil, founder and president of Concrete Development LLC and the facilitator of the Anti-Black Conversations series, came from Stockton to join Dr. Hairston as the ticketed event’s co-host. Dr. Hairston, vice president of Safe Black Spaces and founder of Be Love Holistic, dedicates her work to supporting Black women with information and resources for an optimal life.

Toni McNeil, right foreground, founder of Concrete Development, LLC, shares with attendees her vision and passion for building a stronger community through her workshop and speaker series, Anti-Black Conversations – which are dialogues she regularly facilitates in safe spaces to acknowledge and address truth beneath the systemic and oppressive layers of our society. When a Black Woman Speaks, is a part of her series in collaboration with Dr. Hariston’s organization, Be Love Holistic. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
Toni McNeil, right foreground, founder of Concrete Development, LLC, shares with attendees her vision and passion for building a stronger community through her workshop and speaker series, Anti-Black Conversations – which are dialogues she regularly facilitates in safe spaces to acknowledge and address truth beneath the systemic and oppressive layers of our society. When a Black Woman Speaks, is a part of her series in collaboration with Dr. Hariston’s organization, Be Love Holistic. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER

“When a Black Woman Speaks,” the title and theme of the event, used Brickhouse Gallery’s indoor and outdoor spaces to set the environment for an open and unfiltered mindset centered around sisterhood, empowerment and personal growth.

It was a sanctuary for women to gather, share their stories and support one another. Guests were offered a delicious catered brunch selection and beverages. After a preliminary meet-and-greet, everyone was invited inside where Dr. Kristee Haggins, community leader and board president for Safe Black Space, initiated the workshop by pouring libations, a ceremonial act signifying honor and acknowledgment of ancestors and shared experiences. Dozens of names were called out in remembrance; in fact, the plant receiving the water began overflowing. 

  • The Brickhouse Gallery provided an environment complementary to vulnerability and self-reflection. Dr. Hairston created a safe space where attendees felt comfortable sharing their stories, challenges and dreams, knowing they would be met with empathy and understanding. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • Dr. Teah Hairston (left) event co-host and founder and CEO of Be Love Holistic, offers words and introductions to a safe space for Black women to be themselves. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • ​​Dr. Kristee Haggins, founding member of Safe Black Space, pours libations for ancestors called out by participants to honor them before activities initiate. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • The circle enabled active sharing, listening and witnessing, which is symbolic to McNeil, who wanted her guests to be honest, accessible and supportive during the brunch. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER

To lay the groundwork for the experience, attendees were encouraged to silently reflect and listen to “Here’s to Life” by Shirley Horn. The room fell into deep stillness as the soulful song evoked introspection and compelled the participants to celebrate life and the moments offered.

The remainder of the early afternoon was spent with Black women of all ages engaging one another in various workshops. Some activities required grace and solace, while others pushed attendees to sprint across the room in a footrace. The soul and the presence that filled the Brickhouse Gallery was a treasure to experience, with words and visuals offering minute justice to the overall feeling.

  • Mimosas are poured and ready for guests as Dr. Teah Hairston, founder and CEO of Be Love Holistic, speaks with Raquel Sanchez. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • Outside, in the rear of the gallery space, a spread of catered food offered something for just about anyone’s appetite. Toni McNeil (left) talks with a guest during the brunch portion of “When a Woman Speaks” event, while women of varying ages connect and converse before the activities begin. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • Event co-facilitator Dr. Teah Hariston, founder and CEO of Be Love Holistic, exults at the end of the first round of a team-building game. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
  • Kirsten Johnson, left, hugs Ebony Logan while enjoying conversation during brunch before the workshop at the Brickhouse Gallery on June 17. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER

If you are interested or might know of a Black woman longing for an uplifting experience, Dr. Hairston’s organization Be Love Holistic plans to collaborate with K Love the Poet for a brunch from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Brickhouse Gallery. The event is part of K Love’s “The Art of Sistahood Tour.” For more information or tickets, visit klovethepoet.com.

IG: @beloveholistic

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