Still Showing Up: Why Community, Conversation, and Collaboration Matter Now More Than Ever

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a very real and frustrating experience.

I’ve reached out to multiple agencies and individuals for support—support for ideas that are meant to benefit the entire community. I’ve received yeses in public spaces. Yeses over the phone. Encouragement in passing conversations. But when it comes time to follow through—emails, texts, scheduling, solid next steps—there’s silence. I get it.

People are busy. Life is moving fast. Everyone has their own priorities, their own schedules, their own responsibilities. It can be hard to commit to something new, especially when you don’t fully know the person or the vision yet. Add in timing conflicts, limited availability, and the lack of public information about when people are free—and suddenly collaboration becomes a whole puzzle.

But that’s exactly why public spaces matter so much.

We need accessible, welcoming, low-cost (or free) public spaces where people can gather, talk, connect, and build—without the pressure of spending money or feeding unhealthy habits. Spaces where conversation is normal. Where collaboration is natural. Where relationships can form organically.

Honestly, that’s where the city can play a powerful role—by creating, supporting, and marketing these spaces so people know they exist. Because even if someone isn’t spending money in that moment, the connections made in those spaces can lead to jobs, partnerships, safety nets, and economic growth down the line.

The Heart of This Work: The Black Community and Marginalized People

The Black community has always been very dear to my heart.

I’m compassionate, and I pay attention. And what I’ve seen—over and over again—is that Black voices, or those from struggle are often not heard, not validated, and not taken seriously. Too often, when people from these demographics express concerns, they’re dismissed. People assume the problem isn’t real—or worse, that the problem is the person speaking. that’s baffling to me. Because nobody speaks up for no reason.

If someone takes the time to say, “this is hurting me,” or “this is affecting us,” the least we can do is listen—without judgment, without assumptions, without already deciding what the truth is before they even open their mouth. And that work starts within our own community.

Because we understand our own struggles in ways no one else can. And if we don’t listen to each other, support each other, and show up for each other—then who will?

There is strength in numbers. There is power in unity. And if I’m being real—I’ve felt alone at times on this journey. But I’m also grateful.

Because I do have five people who have been consistently showing up for me. I was able to send them a love gift last week, just a small token through Cash App and Apple Pay to say thank you. And I want to continue doing that—because I want people to feel appreciated, not just hear the words.

This work is not about me. It’s about the community. Sometimes that’s hard to communicate when people see me and think, “Oh, she just does events.” This is bigger than events. This is about building systems of care, connection, and opportunity.

What’s Coming Up: Let’s Build Together

Even with the challenges, we’re still moving forward.

I’m inviting everyone to our Lemonade Brunch, happening Sunday, March 8th from 1–4 PM in celebration of International Women's Day. This day is about honoring women, uplifting their voices, and celebrating their contributions—and we’re doing that right here in our community.

We’ll also be capturing content for a commercial during the event, so this is something special you’ll be a part of. And because community doesn’t stop at one moment—we’ll be hosting a follow-up brunch on March 20th, welcoming the first day of spring, a new season of growth, renewal, and fresh opportunities.

CLICK IMAGES TO RSVP

I also want to be transparent about the vision still in progress:

We offer free branding and marketing, and also gurantee event participation from BLKNGLD members and affiliates.

• I’m planning a virtual community call—and if no one steps in to lead it, I will

  

  
  

• I’m working to host a homeowners workshop to help people build generational stability ( I may have found our host, but need venue support

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• I’m developing a Braid Wars competition and seeking the right partner to help lead it (A venue confirmed, just need a partner passionate about the community)

  

  
  

At this point, I’m learning a powerful lesson:

Sometimes you just have to do it yourself, put it out there, and trust that the right people will show up.

Access, Visibility, and the Reality of Elections

I also want to speak on something that really weighed on me.

Candidate statements were recently prepared for print—and candidates who didn’t pay for their statement were not included. That means, to the public, it looks like we don’t exist.

And that’s a hard reality. Because it shows how money can directly impact visibility in our elections. And that’s something we have to keep talking about.

An Open Invitation

Our brunch is now open to the public—I want you there.

If you can’t afford to buy a plate please still come, we'll have something for you. Bring your energy. Bring your voice. Bring your presence. And if nothing else—spread the word.

Because community is built by people, not just by dollars.

Final Thoughts

This work is rooted in excellence, collaboration, compassion, and community care.

It’s rooted in the belief that when we create space for each other, listen to each other, and support each other—we all rise.

So I’m going to keep showing up.

I’m going to keep building.

And I’m going to keep creating spaces where we can connect, grow, and thrive—together.

I hope you’ll join me.

— Dani ✨