#ConvergeMediaPresents - On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the WOW Gallery in downtown Seattle's Pacific Place Mall hosted a very special event titled "Celebrating HERstory Tea Party." This gathering brought together a diverse group of Black women from various organizations across the region. The event aimed to celebrate Women's History Month and provide a space for networking, connection, and recognition of the vital work being done within the community.

Beverly Aarons, a writer and storyteller, described the event as an intentional gathering, highlighting the need for such convenings in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, where the Black community is spread out. Aarons shared her experience connecting African American and South African artists through her artist residency at Wonder Women, emphasizing the importance of such cross-cultural dialogues.

Michelle Terry, MD, a pediatrician, spoke about the joy, conversation, and community at the high tea. She praised Veronica for creating a space where people could meet, learn from, and celebrate each other. Terry highlighted the opportunity to learn about the Black Historical Society and the philanthropy of Black women in the community.

Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, expressed her excitement and the energizing power of the event. She appreciated the opportunity to share the work of the Black Heritage Society and was inspired by the global reach of the sororities present. Johnson-Toliver emphasized the nourishing and restorative nature of the gathering, noting the importance of representation and sharing their archive with the women in attendance.

Veronica Very, the Founder, CEO, and Visionary of Wonder of Women Int’l and WOW Gallery, explained that the event aimed to bring together various women's organizations that often operate in silos. She emphasized the medicinal nature of sisterhood and the importance of creating space for Black women to be in each other's presence. Very spoke about the intergenerational connection at the event, with attendees ranging from 16 to 84 years old, and the unifying factor of their shared melanin. She highlighted the event's role in fostering community, connectedness, and motivation for collaboration among the organizations.

Amber Warner, who traveled from California, expressed her excitement to be at the WOW Gallery, a place she considers one of her favorites. She noted the significance of honoring the contributions of various groups to social justice and women's empowerment. Warner praised the owners, Veronica Very and Hiawatha D, and the healing atmosphere created by the art and the space itself.

The "Celebrating HERstory Tea Party" at WOW Gallery was a vibrant celebration of Black women's contributions, a space for community building, and a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of sisterhood.