Black Out Night at the NAC was one to remember.

The BON Market felt mesmerizing. Incredible women entrepreneurs and community organizations. Great people, from different generations and spaces, The laughter, the ease and warmth were kind of a big deal.

And honestly, watching my son move through that space with softness in his eyes did something to me. No code switching. No what ifs. No pressure. Just floating, grooving, shoulders doing that softening thing I try to get them to do when I'm in large crowds but never seems to work.

Seeing friends, acquaintances, leaders, aunties, creatives, folks I admire and folks I was meeting for the first time. It felt joyful and intentional. The care that went into that market was remarkable. You could feel it in the pacing, the conversations, the way people lingered, kept walking through, kept supporting. (Listen I found African Print Silk Pyjamas -- BIG SCORE)

Then the evening shifted into Copperbelt a show that took me by surprise, even though I knew the premise. There were twists and turns. Jokes that landed reaaaaaaaaal deep. Moments that felt like they intertwined in my own life. It stirred questions I have been sitting with for a long time.

And let me talk about the crowd for a second because whew. The engagement was everything I'd hope for. Gasps. Belly laughs. Side eye type of shenanigans and more. There is something special about being in a room where people understand the nuance, where folks can process a story collectively and from different perspectives without explaining themselves.

It was such a great show that it flowed so beautifully into BON Nuit. Black women artists and musicians lighting up the space with song, beats and connection. Music wrapping around laughte. People hanging out longer than planned. That gentle shift from witnessing to celebrating felt perfect. A reminder that joy was part of the night.

I left feeling full of happiness. Black Out Night reminded me how important it is to have spaces where we can soften, laugh loudly, question deeply, and celebrate each other without explanation.

If you were there, let me know your thoughts
If you missed it, Copperbelt is still playing at the NAC until Saturday, January 24th!!

Go check it out!!

Copperbelt Tickets