#CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout at The Fridge (Event Recap)

A Gathering Of Young Black Women Artists and Entrepreneurs, The #CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout Finnally Comes To DC

Last month’s #CareFree BlackGirl cookout was a wonderful event with live music and local vendors. performers included Ashgod, Baby Kahlo, Sol, Mizz Montana and many more. The event was held at The Fridge a frequently used art space located in Southeast DC.

A social movement and platform, #CareFreeBlackGirl’s official website states “the mission of the organization is to host free events for the public and bring Black women together to highlight them and find solutions to rebuilding communities.” The women’s empowerment group has held events in New York, Philadelphia, and Georgia. CareFreeBlackGirl LLC founder Shaqunna “Quanna” Bolden, stated “What we do is provide spaces for women of color to fellowship and display their businesses, talent and arts,”. It’s a lifestyle brand with a podcast, video content, and live events.

It was amazing and beautiful how effectively #CareFreeBlackGirl was able to bring young black women together. The DC edition of the #CareFreeBlack Girl Cookout was a wonderful event that showcased entrepreneurship and the arts with vendors offering all sorts of items for sale with clothing, oils, meditation candles and more. It was an environment of unity, fun, and encouragement with food, music and a sense of community.

I wasn’t familiar with most of the artists that took the stage but was intrigued enough to want to hear more. The artist lineup consisted of Sol, ub3rgirl, Khadijah, Mizz Montana, Baby Kahlo and Ash God with DJ sets in between. One of the first performers of the night, Sol had a set that I couldn’t help but enjoy her presence was soothing, her voice was sweet, her sound was tranquil and her new single “Dreamin” sounds lovely and inspirational.. I’m convinced Baby Kahlo is going to be a star! She has “it” her energy is magnetic, her stage presence is electrifying and her music is HARD AS FUCK.

. I hadn’t previously heard any of Mizz Montana or Ash God’s work but both of them did their thing and once I took the time to listen to their music after the show I discovered how good they are. Ash has this R&B sound that’s reminiscent of Jhene Aiko’s older work with a bit of Kehlani while Mizz Montana is a versatile artist constantly experimenting with her sound. I was drawn in by Khadijah’s friendly energy and attitude. Her music was funky, compelling and rhythmic, interacted with the crowd well she d had a very pleasant set.

The show was well curated and produced offering exposure to young, independent artists with varying messages and genres. #CareFreeBlackGirl Cookout had a welcoming atmosphere, young entrepreneurs, and dope music it was inspiring to see a gathering of black women supporting each other and putting on a event that served a greater purpose. Follow #CareFreeBlackGirl on Twitter and enjoy the photo recap below.

Photos By Khari Leone

Baby Kahlo