Kristi Love | Blogger
Over the Easter weekend, Charlotte, NC experienced Black Excellence on another level. O.U.R. Weekend: For The Culture exceeded their expectations and the team is already in planning mode for next year’s event. Black millennial’s made their voices known through curating an intentional weekend of events that made a positive impact on Charlotte’s Black communities.
O.U.R. Weekend sought to Own, Unite, and Revive for a united celebration of legacy, service and excellence. The creators of O.U.R. Weekend captured the essence of the Black family and community through embodying the Black Wall Street concept.
So what did you miss?
The weekend began with a Black Excellence Ball where individuals came together to honor culture and achievements of young and diverse professionals. Individuals attending the black tie event were met with a red carpet entrance, live band, a DJ, light refreshments, and live painting.
Black Excellence Ball host, Shelah Marie, founder of Curvy, Curly, Conscious. Photo from IG @theshelahmarie
It was hosted by the founder of Curvy, Curly, Conscious, Shelah Marie where she guided guests through her entrepreneurial endeavors and understanding of Black brilliance. The night of elegance was used to recognize what’s to come for young entrepreneurs and everybody in between.
Sunday’s event (O.U.R. Festival) was a perfect ending to the purpose behind the movement. The hosts of the event kept the party vibrant and engaging. MTV’s Wild N’ Out, Chico Bean and With Great Care’s Hip Hop artist, Yusha Assad created a structured, comedy infused gathering of community.
O.U.R. Festival hosts, Yusha Assad @yushaassadmusic and Chico Bean @chicobean
When asked about the festival, Yusha said, “It was a dope weekend highlighting black culture, business, and black art. It had the blueprint of a revised Black Wall street but felt like a family reunion.”
Speaking of a family reunion, the event had games, a live DJ, and a double dutch battle (where Chico Bean jumped in). Patrons supported Black-owned businesses, enjoyed a sip and paint section, witnessed a DJ/producer beat battle and heard from local and national known artist. PatriceLive from the DMV graced the stage with songs from her upbeat, Wonder Woman album. Host, Yusha Assad performed, and producer Howard Cummings ended the weekend with his band, The Howard Cummings Project. Families, friends, and community partners mixed and mingled and the entire weekend was done with great care, purpose, and intention. What more could you ask for.
No worries if you missed out on O.U.R. Weekend this year- there is more to come.
“Next year, O.U.R. Weekend is going to be twice as big! You all should look forward to tons of entertainment, meeting great people in the Charlotte community and beyond, and just having a great time”, says Bianca Payton, Publicity & Communication spokesperson. She went on to say, “We have an amazing platform and look forward to encouraging people to be their best selves, focus on their business and legacy, and be a positive influence in the Charlotte community. We will, of course, have some surprises! You will have to attend to find out!”
Stay up to date with O.U.R. Weekend at www.ourweekendfortheculture.com
*All proceeds from the weekend will support a Charlotte based non-profit organization, T.I.M.E. Foundation.
Uprising Experience 