GRAND OPENING & BLACK HISTORY MONTH "Women's Day Celebration" / Gent

Event Theme: "Sisterhood, Strength & Legacy"

We're thrilled to welcome all our esteemed guests, inspiring speakers, and our dear friends to this exceptional event, where we come together to celebrate the spirit of womanhood and acknowledge the essential role of black women in our society.

“As we celebrate the strength and resilience of women around the world, may we continue to uplift, empower, and support each other, and recognition to every strong woman who continues to inspire, lead, and make a difference. You are truly remarkable.

Not forgetting the impact of Black Women in history. 
Today, and in the future Black Women have always served on the front-line in the fight for equality.

Although their contributions were overlooked in both the Civil Rights and Women's Movements, their power, resilience, and courage cannot be overstated.

PROGRAM:

The preliminary program of Black History Month Gent below. 
Most special guests are confirmed. Many credits to DJ Abena 
Please save these dates, and feel free to share and invite friends and family to our BHM events to enjoy the beautiful program we have lined up for you in Ghent

Some last details are being finalized. Thank you Vonnetta Smith for bringing the new Afro-Caribbean Cultural Center "Xaymaca One Love" to Gent, in my street!! Thank you also to Shamala & Linus.

Program BHM March 2025

Saturday March 8th 2025: 
International Women's Day:

MC day: Lindah Leah Nyirenda (Zambia)

14:00 – 15:00 | 
Welcome & Opening Remarks by Vonnetta Smith (Xaymaca One Love Cultural Center & Café, Jamaica) & DJ Abena (Ghana)

Topic: acknowledging of all the women around the world and their contributions in the history

Stella Nyanchama (Hand in Hand tegen Racisme, Kenya)

Spoken word or poetry performance by a local artist. EJ Cocodrops (Zambia), Ange Compaore (Burkina Faso) & Sunshine Alicia (Jamaica)

15:00 – 16:30 | 
Panel Discussion: "The Power of Black Women"Panel of local Black women leaders, professionals, and activists.
Topics: Overcoming challenges, building community, and inspiring the next generation.

with Aziza Braekevelt ( L’Institut des Connaissances Africaines, DRC/B), Sandrine Ekofo (Broederlijk Delen, DRC), Charlotte Adigéry (Singer Martinique - Guadeloupe/B, tbc), Marie-Claire Nyatanyi (voorzitster van Women Up, Rwanda)

16:00 – 16:30 | 
Ambassador Simone Betton Nayo (Jamaica, tbc)
Hafsa El-Bazoui, Ghent Vice-Mayor International Solidarity

16:30 – 17:00 | 
Q&A session with the audience.

17:00 – 17:30 | 
Networking Lunch & Café Conversations
Attendees connect in small groups to discuss personal journeys and shared experiences

Feature A local Black-women-owned catering business Yvonne Piece (Ghanaian)

Background music by a local DJ playing Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall and soul music.

18 pm – 19:30 
Interactive Workshop: "Self-Care & Mental Wellness" 
Led by wellness coach Amanda Makasi (DRC) 
Activities: Guided meditation, self-care strategies, and journaling exercise.

19:30 - 21:00 | 
Afro/Caribbean/Latin American Foodbar: with Yvonnes Piece (Ghanaian), Xaymaca (Jamaica)

20:00 – 21:00 | 
Entrepreneur & Career Empowerment Panel

Local Black female entrepreneurs and professionals share career advice.
Topics: Building a business, career growth, and financial empowerment.

Paulina Boamah (Mawyer, Ghana), Ester (Pharmacist, Cameroon), Porchecally (Fashion Designer, Nigeria), Patella (Fashion Designer, Graciette (Dancer, Dance Agent, Angola), Safoura Zombra (Logistical Assitant UZ Gent, actress & assistant Chef, Burkina), Linda Leah (Artworld, Zambia)

21:00 – 02:00 AM 
Party with DJ Abena