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ESSENCE Girls United Summit 2023: Atlanta’s Celebration of the Black Experience in the Era of Disruption

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

On Saturday, Nov. 11. the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse facets of the black experience. With the support of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, attendees of all ages gathered for a day filled with panels, beauty, and music.

Throughout the lively event, trays of complimentary McDonald’s French Fries circulated the venue while guests engaged in various activities including photo-booths, crafting flower crowns, and more.

Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga kicked off the event with her ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ panel. A thought-provoking episode of the podcast ‘If Not for My Girls’ featured comedian and actress Pretty Vee, rapper BIA, and singer-songwriter Muni Long discussing walking in one’s purpose and aspiring for more.

Girls United Co-Founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis joined sisters Jordyn and Jodie Wood for a heartfelt conversation on the joys of sisterhood and how they’ve learned eachother. Despite their age gaps, the sisters displayed a genuine closeness that made the panel feel more like a relaxed chat between life-long friends.

Jordyn and Jodie Woods, despite their undeniable impact across social media, have solidified themselves as more than just influencers. Jodie has emerged as an inspiration for the new Gen Z, while Jordyn has continued to establish her brand with her newly launched clothing line, Woods by Jordyn.

Notable personalities such as Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, and DJ Tootz were also in attendance.

The summit offered diverse interactive experiences, from speed mentorship sessions to a beauty makeover station. In front of a massive photo wall featuring the season 5 cast of ‘If Not for My Girls’—BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee—attendees enjoyed Coca-Cola mocktails at a mocktail bar and explored a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation.

Guests personalized airbrushed tote bags and pouches and indulged in some light shopping at the Soko Marketplace, featuring a range of products from jewelry to haircare.

The day concluded with an electrifying performance by Mariah The Scientist, singing her hit songs, including the fan-favorite “Spread Thin.”

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Turning Grief into Art – Tolliver’s Musical Journey to Self-Discovery

by Ranya Salvant
written by Ranya Salvant

Tolliver wakes up like the rest of us–by splashing some water on his face and getting his morning cup of coffee on the way to pick up cat number two. That was the start of his day as we interviewed him to discuss his background, music, and journey of self-discovery.

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Avril Lavigne Hits Vegas for “When We Were Young Festival” and MusiCares Charity Bowling Event

by Kaia Harley
written by Kaia Harley
Avril Lavigne, notable music artist and reigning punk rock princess, is also the current face of BeatBox Beverages’ inaugural Creator Series, having collaborated on her own flavor, Pink Lemonade Punch. Lavigne attended the Unite The United & Charity Bomb When We Were Young Festival Bowling Event to Benefit MusicCares, Presented by BeatBox Beverages in Las Vegas, held at Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ, the bustling outdoor village of shops, restaurants and bars located on The Strip.
 
At the event, pop punk icon Avril signed custom BeatBox guitars for some lucky fans at the VIP Bowling event, which featured her Pink Lemonade Punch flavor. Avril was joined at the event by BeatBox founders Aimy Steadman and Brad Schultz, who were on hand to support the charity bowling festival kickoff. The festival and kick off event were presented by BeatBox, “The World’s Tastiest Portable Party Punch.”
 
During the charity bowling event held at Brooklyn Bowl, performances took place from Bowling For Soup and Plain White T’s, as well as Sum 41, during the evening which benefitted MusiCares and was organized by Charity Bomb. 
Lavigne was also surprised at the bash with a giant cover blowup of her recent Food & Beverage Magazine July 2023 issue cover, which she also autographed at the event, presented to her by F&B Editor In Chief Lauren Kane.
 
The following day, Avril surprised festival goers coming out on stage during All Time Low’s set and performing “Fake As Hell.”  Attendees enjoyed BeatBox beverages all weekend at their concert grounds activation, gaining momentum as the most in demand concert circuit RTD beverage, hitting over 100 festivals to date.
 
 

Eight-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, designer, and philanthropist Avril Lavigne partnered with BeatBox for first ever alcohol partnership which we announced in Spring 2023, with ready-to-drink cocktail brand BeatBox leading their Creator Series. Avril’s 11.1% ABV Pink Lemonade special edition package and full flavor line is available in over 45,000 retail locations nationwide. The Ultimate Creator, Avril’s continued fame and success show no signs of slowing down, with over 100 million social media followers to-date, 8 Grammy nods, and 6 World Music Awards. 

Follow @beatboxbeverages for more news and updates.

Photos by Shutterstock.

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ESSENCE Girls United 2023 Summit featuring South African Songstress Tyla, Muni Long, BIA and More To Return To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden
written by Chantell Hayden

The ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit returns on November 11, 2023, in Atlanta, GA. The one-day event will be held at the PC&E soundstage from 10 AM to 5:30 PM EST and will serve as a safe space for young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth engage in panels, workshops, networking, activations, and more.

This year’s theme is “The Era of the Disruption” and inspires the new generation to come together and use their voices, innovate, share ideas and celebrate the richness of the Black experience.

The  lineups does not disappoint and includes sister-duo Jordyn & Jodie Woods, Fashion Blogger and Designer Aleali May, Social Media powerhouses Yung BBQ and Aliyah’s Interlude, ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga, and a live taping of Season 5 of If Not For My Girls with rapper BIA, singer-songwriter Muni Long and actress and comedian Pretty Vee.

Hailing from South Africa, singer-songwriter Tyla will mark her performance debut at ESSENCE Girls United. Her track “Water” gained TikTok fame and has since made a significant impact in the industry, earning her a No. 1 spot on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, displacing “Calm Down” by Rema featuring Selena Gomez.

“ESSENCE GU continues to embrace the values of empowerment and leadership. With a strong focus on personal development, intellectual growth, and societal change, our initiative has been meticulously curated to inspire young women and girls, creating a ripple effect of disruptors,” said Essence Girls United Co-Creator Rechelle Dennis.

Participants can secure free tickets for the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit at https://www.essence.com/gusummit2023, with virtual access on ESSENCE.com and GirlsUnited.ESSENCE.com. Join the conversation on social media @ESSENCEGU, using #GUDisruptorSummit.

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