India.Arie, Mereba, And More Lead Into Women’s History Month With AFROPUNK’s Black HERstory

Over the course of two brisk evenings, New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts quickly filled with art lovers in search of inspiration, empowerment, education and entertainment. Black and brown women from all facets and walks of life joined together under Alice Tully Hall’s roof for AFROPUNK’s Black HERstory Live, which took place on February 24-25.

Welcomed to an immersive, multidisciplinary experience including live music, visual art, poetry, dance, performance art, and much more, the Martell Cognac-sponsored event took its attendees on a ride through “agony and then ecstasy.”

More from VIBE.com

• India.Arie's Music Back On Spotify, Protest Results In Artist Pay Increase

• Here's How India.Arie Made A Couple's Dream Proposal Happen During Her Atlanta Concert

• Nicci Gilbert Takes Down Tory Lanez Plaques Following Conviction

On the first evening, the night was all about unpacking the “Black woman’s journey to find her voice through self-expression.” Perfomances from Tony Award-winning actress and playwright Sarah Jones, rising singer-songwriters UMI, Danielle Ponder, and Celisse, profound poet Mahogany L. Browne, renowned choreographer Ebony Williams, seasoned singer Nona Hendryx and NAACP Image Award-nominated poet and activist aja monet took guests on a ride, unpacking all-too-real emotions that many could relate to.

Lawyer-turned-singer Danielle Ponder shut down Friday evening’s show as she performed ballads, leaving the audience on their feet in applause. Profound poet Mahogany L. Browne also took the audience through her intense literary works, where she talked about the struggles and triumphs of the Black woman.

Amid the live poetry, dance numbers and music performances taking place, attendees were invited to shop various Black businesses offering original apparel, thrifted items, fashion accessories, plants, and even Black beauty-curated products from Sephora. As the official sponsor of the event, Martell Cognac offered curated drinks derived from its latest line Blue Swift, as the all-women DJ crew including Vonnie Mack, Kola Champagne, and Nikki Anticss spun the hits of today and yesteryear.

The concluding evening (Saturday) highlighted “the strength of the Black woman’s voice.” Similar to the night before, guests were welcomed to live art and shopping experiences, as they prepared to be captivated by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter India.Arie, critically-acclaimed artist Mereba, and the aforementioned Sarah Jones, Celisse, Ebony Williams, Danielle Ponder, aja monet, and Mahogany L. Browne.

Arie performed some of her biggest songs including 2001’s “Video,” and 2006’s “I Am Not My Hair,” leaving fans singing their hearts out to the empowering tunes fit for the overall theme of the event.

AFROPUNK continues to exist as a cultural vanguard curating innovative events that highlight all aspects of the Black experience and culture. Black HERstory Live served as an extension of the 18-year-old brand, uplifting, educating and creating a safe space for marginalized communities to show up authentically, whether it be in Brooklyn, Miami, Minneapolis, Paris, London, Atlanta or Johannesburg.

Check out images from the event below.

Click here to read the full article.