The 7th Annual Black Love Summit returned in style this year, bringing together the Black Love community for a weekend full of celebration, conversation, and connection. Hosted in Los Angeles at Black Love’s headquarters on Saturday, October 12, the event provided a space to explore love in all forms, family dynamics, vulnerability, brotherhood, and joy, with powerful moments shared on stage by Black couples, celebrities, and thought leaders.

This year’s summit, sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios, Square, and Cash App, featured an incredible session, “Vulnerability Is a Superpower,” presented by Amazon MGM Studios. TV host Kamie Crawford, EMMY-winning director-producer Nneka Onuorah, and “We The Urban” founder Willie Greene, and moderator Dr. Raquel C. Martin PHD, who arrived at the summit in vehicles provided by Cadillac, discussed embracing vulnerability and forming deeper, more authentic connections. Amazon MGM Studios knows this well, as they’ve long championed vulnerability in Black stories. Whether it’s Meagan Good in Harlem or Onuorah directing Lizzo’s Watch Out for The Big Grrrls (which won her an EMMY), Amazon consistently shines a light on the nuanced experiences of Black men and women. Fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking work from Onuorah and Amazon as the director’s upcoming documentary, “Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words,” premieres on October 31.

Another standout moment of the summit was the live recording of The Mama’s Den, a Black Love podcast created by and for Black mothers. This conversation was presented by Akina Connect, a tech-driven platform aimed at helping Black women and mothers thrive through mental health support, mentorship, and tools designed to meet their unique needs.

 

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During the live session, hosts Melanie Fiona, Felicia La Tour, Ashley Chea, and Codie Elaine Oliver discussed their individual motherhood journeys, staying true to themselves, career updates, and how communities like Akina have transformed their lives. When the mamas couldn’t find the support they needed, they built it themselves. Akina’s innovative solutions, including their AI-powered app, offer personalized support and connect women with the mentors and resources they need to succeed.

Summit attendees were also treated to an exclusive first look at Andscape’s upcoming film She Taught Love, directed by Nate Edwards and written by Darrell Britt-Gibson. The film follows Frank Cooper, a man trying to distract himself from his problems through booze and women until he meets Mali Waters, a sports agent living in the present. The connection they form forces them to reckon with their pasts and live fully in the moment. Lead actress Arsema Thomas chatted with Confluential Films executive Kay Dillard about the film and its exploration of love, mortality, and the power of human connection. She Taught Love is available on Hulu now.

The phenomenal conversations continued with “Bel-Air” castmates Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan and Simone Joy Jones, who chatted about their Peacock series and building strong relationships. Presented in partnership with Freeman’s members-only entertainment platform Creatricity, this discussion touched on communication, Black romance in film and TV, and the importance of fostering healthy connections within relationships. Whether you’re navigating marriage, dating, friendship, entrepreneurship, or parenthood, the 2024 Black Love Summit had something for everyone.

And the fun didn’t stop there! Attendees also enjoyed a curated marketplace featuring Black-owned, Los Angeles-based brands, presented by Square, and food provided by local Black-owned food trucks. Alcohol brands Wand & Ivy and Nomadica, along with Black-owned brands South Central Wines and Abisola Whiskey, elevated the weekend’s celebrations with their high-quality beverages.

Guests didn’t leave empty-handed, thanks to thoughtful gift bag items provided by Pattern, Undefined, and Honesty Beauty. The swag bags included tote bags, styling creams, hair picks, Argan oil, and a treatment mask from Pattern, R&R Day Serum, R&R Sun Crème packette, and R&R Hydro Jelly packette from Undefined, and the Ageless Firm + Even Restorative Serum from Honest Beauty.

The 7th Annual Black Love Summit was a beautiful celebration of love in all its forms, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!