Our Story

I have always struggled social anxiety, but like millions of other people, the pandemic only seemed to exacerbate my ability to connect with others on a deeper level. I had joined other clubs and groups, but didn’t know where or if I fit in.  I’m not the charismatic or outgoing Black girl, I’m more awkward and introverted but struggled to find space where I didn’t have to have a pitch on who I am or what I do for work.  I desperately needed to make lifelong connections; people to go to the grocery store with or call up to go out on spontaneous excursions. Being raised by the internet, I was comfortable with making friends and reaching out to new people online which led me to advertise a meet up event on TikTok on a whim. To my surprise, the video caught fire and garnered the attention of thousands of Black women globally. On January 28th, I showed up to Colony Square with a handheld poster, some name tags, and a few sharpies not knowing what to expect to happen. Over 100 Black women showed up with the same hope: to feel something. While I had no plans to organize at that time, it became clear that what we pulled off was nothing short of magical and I wanted to keep it going.  Over the last nine months, we have grown our media presence, built a website, and organized what we do.

If you follow us on social media, you’ll probably notice our constant distinction between being a “club” and a community. We realize there is no shortage of Black events, clubs, and establishments in the Greater Atlanta area, so the question became “why are we all still so lonely?”. I realized there was a need for a space where Black women are encouraged to exist free of the limitations of fitting a certain status quo. There is no follower count requirement, no income or status requirement, no age limitations (outside of being over 18), and no prequalification to join. We come together for the sole purpose of having a system of support and through that we find a sense of security in knowing we don’t have to do ‘this’ alone.

Today, we stand at just over sixty members who have access to our privately hosted events, Discord server, our blog, and other resources shared within Free to Be.

Thank you for believing in us.

XOXO,

Tsahai.