The Black Beauty Club, a dynamic collective founded by Tomi Talabi, celebrates, amplifies, and empowers beauty, culture, and creativity within the Black community. After all, Black beauty shapes culture, drives creativity, and inspires generations. And, despite significant progress, there’s still work to be done to ensure its representation is both authentic and inclusive.
That said, for years, Talabi and her team have nurtured intimate conversations around Black aesthetics. But as of last night? The club has elevated their conversations to new heights for their flagship Black Beauty Talks event at The Times Center in New York City.
The evening was a powerful homage to Black beauty’s past, present, and future. Panels featured industry leaders, creatives, and cultural innovators such as Eni Popoola, moderated by Mimi Sillah; Raisa Flowers and Dawn Sterling, moderated by Tahirah Hairston; and Simi Muhumuza in conversation with JT. The panelists agreed on one undeniable truth: there’s nothing like being a Black woman. As Flowers said, “We’re fierce, ferocious.”
Talabi’s decision to hold the event during Black History Month further underscored its cultural significance. “That’s the whole point of what we’re doing: opening the aperture, making it wider so people recognize those who are making it possible for them to be part of the conversation.” Talabi also emphasized the need for self-reliance within the Black beauty space, reminding attendees that empowerment starts from within.
To finish off the night, JT delivered an empowering message to the audience: “Your time is coming—just be patient.” The rapper also spoke about how Black women are constantly policed in the beauty space. “Don’t let anyone convince you that you’re not ‘that girl’,” JT said. “It looks so much better on us anyway.”