African Americans

You are invited to this joint event of Association of Black Humanists and Unruly Beauty. **Overview** Can a life without traditional religious meaning still feel sacred or whole? Grief is often associated with the loss of a person, but many of us carry quieter, less recognised forms of grief. This workshop creates space to explore the grief that can arise after losing a community, a shared purpose, or a spiritual framework, especially in the aftermath of leaving a religious tradition or belief system. Together, we will gently examine what it means to grieve not only *what was*, but also *what was promised*: belonging, certainty, identity, and a sense of divine connection. Participants are invited to reflect on how loss of faith or religious community can affect meaning-making, relationships, and one’s inner life, often in ways that are invisible or misunderstood by others. You do not need to identify as spiritual or religious to attend. This space honours doubt, curiosity, longing, anger, relief, and hope, (without pushing answers or beliefs). This is not about fixing grief, it is about witnessing loss, honouring transition, and making room for new forms of connection, within yourself and with others. Whether you are newly navigating life after religion or years into rebuilding your sense of self, you are welcome here. All Unruly Beauty events are open to ALL BODIES and ALL IDENTITIES! We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and are committed to cultivating a space that is inclusive, affirming, and psychologically safe for all. Please get your ticket at: [A Conversation on Grief : Belonging, Identity, and Loss After Religion Tickets, Sunday, Apr 19 from 2 pm to 6 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-on-grief-belonging-identity-and-loss-after-religion-tickets-1983653963403?aff=ebdsshsms&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=41dc7852e3c2c15abff109e6d60c35ae41b4d315c9aaf13ae99fadc159dd4742c404b715e2e5b679ea51461ecf7d9b293310945233892b469142c37487084052265edc7df3f422ec4d0ab644db) **(If the cost of a ticket feels like an obstacle, please send us a message. We welcome you and want you to be part of this space.)** ### Location ### The Advocacy Academy 2 Beehive Place London SW9 7QR

Join us for a cricket match organized in East London by Millwall Stars CC (https://millwallstars.play-cricket.com/home) Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be a part of the East London cricket scene and make a difference together We are looking for players of all levels as we run 3-4 teams every weekend. If you are interested to take part, please reach out to Himanshu Singh at 07466491118

• What we'll do -Play and socialisation for all types of Bulldogs. We are a friendly and inclusive group. From 11am-11.30am we will be at Adam's Pond, then at 11.30am we will walk the half mile from Adam's Pond at Sheen Gate to Beverley Brook at Roehampton Gate for the bulldogs to exercise and have a paddle in the brook. If you arrive after 11.30am please make your way down to the Brook to meet us. • What to bring -a collar & lead plus some water for your bulldogs (bulldogs can run free if they like to play but may need some time out if they get over excited). • Important to know -There is free parking in East Sheen Gate car park of Richmond Park which is 20 yards West inside Richmond Park at East Sheen Gate entrance. The Bulldog Meet Up is at Adams Pond, 20 yards east inside East Sheen Gate, and can be seen from East Sheen Gate entrance. There is also free parking on the roads outside the gate - Sheen Lane and Fife Road, London SW14 8BJ

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:00 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 6:30 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 7:30 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 8:30 PM–23:00 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £15 two classes 6:00 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow.

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit, today’s hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious to share views on the following intriguing observation. Growing up in the west - before the 2020s - Friday and Saturday nights meant going out with your mates for highly sociable enjoyable fun things like music, dancing/clubbing, drinking, eating, comedy, singing, being silly random conversations and banter with strangers you'd meet out and about 100% organically. Taking drugs even. Tuesdays and Thursdays was about doing the same stuff but with work collegues hence the workplace was a place to make new lifelong friends. Weekend daytimes were for doing healthier but socially fun stuff like playing sports, pub lunches, visting galleries/museums, theatre and watching movies together at the Cinema or around a mate's house. Fast‑forward 2026 - it feels like everything changed: Despite public transport running all night (it wasn't when I was in my teens/early 20s yet my peer group stayed out proper late most weekends) - on a Sat night "young" people head home at 10.30pm, skip the dance floor for board games, avoid bar banter, jokes and rarely engage in organic spontaneous chats with strangers. Whatsmore the stats are wild — data show virginity rates among men hitting record highs by age 30, social anxiety and social skills off-the charts. So what's happened? We’ll explore questions like: * Is this just nostalgia talking, or has something genuinely shifted? * Why has typical multi generational fun pastimes (1950s to 2010s) lost its spark for the 20‑somethings? * How much does health, economics, mobile phones, social media and gaming explain the trend? * Are certain professions (like tech/IT) changing the social landscape, or just attracting already‑very introverted people? * Why are some stats so **contradictory**? Think higher reported male virginity rates by 30 alongside rising STI rates in young people. Despite tanking alcohol sales - UK alcohol related death rates per capita are still rising. What's going on? * Target audience demographics for mainstrream commericial pop music radio stations (Capital, Kiss etc) is still 18 to 24 suggesting young people still consume music and other popular culture but are not going out to enjoy it. Why? * Is it harder for younger people to make genuine friends today and if so why? * Dancing is natural to all of us - every kid moves instinctively to music. So beyond a less joyous social life what happens when these innate behaviours get suppressed as adults? What has this healthy exercise and creative expression been replaced with? * AI is predicted to take over technical job and tasks - the most future‑proof skills will be things like interpersonal skills & emotional intelligence built through real‑world socialising. Employers already complain that young people lack these skills. How will they get non-AI jobs? * Levels of emotional intelligence and self-awareness - particularly amongst men - are at an all time low. Wiill social anxiety worsen further as the introversion trend accelerates? * What does all this mean for dating, relationships, and starting families? Expect lively debate, sharp humour, and a host (a former news journalist) that isn’t afraid to ask awkward questions. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your caffeine tolerance — we’ll stir the coffee pot on whether the young have really become more boring or have they’re just discovered new fun activities - if so what are they? And if you are in your 20s - I would love to hear your views! Oh BTW - Lucy Pearson - the blondie whose friends have become boring - she's a British journalist Lucas - The alcoholic 3am Eternal singing break-dancing geriatrics

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**Let’s catch up and take an afternoon break.** **Grab a coffee or snack and let’s chit chat! Gayle and I will bring adult coloring books and/or a simple craft if you’d like to unwind and relax.😊**

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR - FLIGHTS N TACOS!!! Join us for a fun and relaxed Over 50 Happy Hour on Friday, May 1st from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Giant Eagle Grandview Yard Event Center! (upper level) **Plenty of free parking**. The event center is huge! Pics are in the comments. Over 50 CINCO de MAYO HAPPY HOUR!! – Flights n Tacos Let’s join together for a fiesta! (Invite friends - we have lots of room!) • Taco Bar • Margarita and Beer tasting • Complementary chips and salsa • Margs/cocktails at the bar for purchase • Festive Band/Music Margaritas/Mexican Beer Tasting + Taco Bar: Optional - For $15.00 per person you can also get 4 Margarita or beer) Get ready for a fun evening filled with live music, great conversation, and a lively crowd of 50+ singles and friends looking to mix, mingle, and enjoy the night. Whether you come solo or with friends, you’ll quickly feel the welcoming, social vibe. Enjoy happy hour at the bar until 6 PM, or take part in the special Cinco de Mayo experience featuring margarita flights and delicious Mexican bites. It’s the perfect setting to relax, meet new people, and celebrate in style. Our private upstairs space gives us plenty of room to connect, laugh, and enjoy the energy of the night. Come when you can, stay as long as you like — the best conversations (and the most fun!) tend to build as the evening goes on. No agenda — just great people, live music, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration you won’t want to miss!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."