Celebrating Black Womanhood Through Dinner Gatherings

In recent years, a growing movement among Black women has emerged, centered around intimate dinner gatherings designed to foster community, resilience, and joy. Crystle Johnson, founder of Kinory, initiated these gatherings in June 2025, aiming to create a space where Black women can connect without the pressures of societal expectations. The first dinner took place during the AfroTech conference in Houston, Texas, and has since expanded to cities like Washington D.C., Austin, and Houston. Similarly, Tabrisha Ruby founded the Black Women Dinner Society in January 2022, hosting events across central Florida, including Tampa and Orlando.

The Guardian

These dinner gatherings serve as a vital outlet for Black women to share experiences and build lasting friendships. Johnson emphasizes the importance of these spaces, stating, “Black women gathering for joy and fellowship is the balm that we need right now.” The events allow participants to unplug from their daily responsibilities and engage in meaningful conversations, often facilitated by prompts from discussion cards. Ruby has noted that attendees have formed deep connections, with some even traveling together and starting new business ventures inspired by their experiences.

The Guardian

The tradition of gathering over meals has deep roots in Black culture, dating back to significant events like the 1924 dinner at New York’s Civic Club, which marked a shift in public discussions about Black identity from oppression to celebration. Christopher Allen Varlack, an associate professor at Arcadia University, highlights that these modern gatherings honor the legacy of historical figures who used dinner parties to discuss art and culture, contributing to movements like the Harlem Renaissance. He notes that such gatherings embody the principle of Ujima, or “collective work and responsibility,” emphasizing the importance of community in addressing social issues.

The Guardian

Both Johnson and Ruby have articulated the necessity of these gatherings in today’s sociopolitical climate. Johnson stated that the dinners provide a space where women can be themselves without judgment, while Ruby described the events as opportunities for deep and comical discussions about life experiences. The gatherings not only celebrate Black culture but also serve as a means of building resilience among participants.

The Guardian

While the gatherings have been largely embraced, some critics may argue that the exclusivity of membership-based groups like Kinory, which charges a $500 fee for initial access, could limit participation. However, Ruby’s Black Women Dinner Society operates on a more accessible model, charging a $25 fee per dinner, which may appeal to a broader audience.

The Guardian

Looking ahead, the Black Women Dinner Society plans to host a weekend trip in New York City from April 9 to 12, 2026, and a culinary tour in the Caribbean in July. These events aim to further strengthen the bonds among participants while continuing to celebrate Black womanhood through shared meals and experiences.

The Guardian

• “Black women gathering for joy and fellowship is the balm that we need right now with everything feeling like it is on fire literally and figuratively around us,” — Crystle Johnson, Founder of Kinory

The Guardian

• “but they’re also very comical too at times.” — Tabrisha Ruby, Founder of Black Women Dinner Society

The Guardian

• “It takes collective work in order to solve the problems affecting that community and to preserve the community as a whole.” — Christopher Allen Varlack, Associate Professor at Arcadia University

The Guardian