African Americans

It's that time again! Let's keep our yearly tradition going by celebrating the 4th of July with a chill picnic at the Kinnekswiss Parc in Luxembourg city center! If the weather changes and Saturday 4 July is no longer a good day for a picnic, we will change the date. Feel free to bring along stuff to share, or not! Sharing food and drinks isn't mandatory, although if you have a signature dish or drink others will surely appreciate it too... :) DO be sure to bring your own blanket or towel, food and drinks, and a hat/sunglasses/sunblock! If you have any outdoor-friendly games, bring 'em along as well! I will bring some small food things for us to share, some disposable cutlery, a small speaker, and a cooler. As the day approaches we can use the comments section or group chat to plan pot-luck food, games, etc. Join when you can and leave when you need, people will be coming and going all afternoon! Please provide me your phone number in a private message if I do not already have it. This is only so I can create a WhatsApp group to share the picnic location on the day. If you do not wish to be in that chat, please let me know and I will send you our location privately on the day. I will show up a while before the start time to find a good spot and claim some space, and I expect us to wrap up the party in the early evening :) Can't wait to see you there!

You read that right, our group will be celebrating the 4th of July all weekend long! Part two will be at Kantin in Dudelange, where the team is already planning some awesome food, entertainment, and games for us all in Independence Day spirit. On the agenda is: \* Authentic Texas BBQ buffet featuring smoked USDA Prime brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, buffalo wings, sausages, and traditional American side dishes \* Award-winning craft beers from Twisted Cat Brewery on-tap plus frozen margaritas, bourbon cocktails, homemade lemonades, and milkshakes \* Cornhole and Beer Pong \* American-themed music all day \* Best American Outfit contest with prizes The event is family-friendly, and Kantin is dog-friendly, so everyone is invited! I will arrive at 14:00 that day, but if you want to come later, no worries, just let me know! I am asking for a PayPal fee simply as a deposit to guarantee your seat and fight against no-shows. When you arrive at Kantin, I will reimburse your fee and we will all pay our own way at the end as usual. If you ghost us, we reserve the right to buy BBQ with your money! Thanks for understanding and let me know if PayPal is an issue for you :) Hope to see you there!

Ready for a different kind of afterwork? Want to get buzzed with inspiration? **Join our Meaningful Afterwork!** A relaxed and uplifting space for meaningful conversations inspired by the Bahá’í Writings. Together, we explore deep questions about life, purpose, and the world around us, connecting spiritual insights with the realities of everyday living and the challenges of society. An open, co-created, and collaborative space for reflection, discussion, and consultation, where everyone is welcome to be a protagonist, share, listen, and think together. And because meaningful connection also happens around the table, this is also a potluck-style gathering: feel free to bring something to share! Food for the soul… and for the body ;) Come as you are. Bring your openness and curiosity, meet new people and recharge your spirit! The Details: * 📅 **Date:** Thursday, 2nd July * ⏰ **Time:** 6:30pm * 📍 **Location:** 17, Allée Léopold Goebel, Luxembourg City In case you have further questions, feel free to contact us via email ([meaningfulafterwork@gmail.com](https://meaningfulafterwork@gmail.com "https://meaningfulafterwork@gmail.com")). Warmly, Your Meaningful Afterwork Team P.S.: As spaces for the upcoming Meaningful Afterwork will be limited, please sign up via the link below to let us know if you’re coming, if you’re bringing a colleague, and what treats you might be bringing for the potluck: 🔗 [https://forms.gle/6sfBMUcrFm9NeCD1A](https://forms.gle/6sfBMUcrFm9NeCD1A)

Growth sounds exciting… until it starts demanding change. Many people say they want confidence, better relationships, clarity, purpose, discipline, peace, a new career, a new identity, or a completely different life. But when real growth actually begins, something unexpected happens: resistance. We overthink. We delay. We go back to familiar habits. We question ourselves. We stay in environments we’ve already outgrown. We become uncomfortable when challenged. We want transformation… without losing the version of ourselves that feels safe and familiar. And this is where many people get stuck. Not because they are lazy or incapable. But because growth is uncomfortable by nature. It asks us to let go of old patterns, old beliefs, old coping mechanisms, and sometimes even old versions of ourselves. And that can feel confusing, lonely, frustrating, and deeply uncomfortable. Especially when one part of you wants change… while another part desperately wants certainty. This Gather & Grow event is for people who feel they are somewhere between: – who they used to be and – who they are becoming. Together, we will explore: – why growth feels difficult even when we truly want it – why people stay stuck in familiar patterns – fear of change and self-sabotage – confidence, self-worth, and identity shifts – the discomfort of outgrowing old versions of ourselves – the difference between talking about growth and actually living it – why awareness alone is often not enough to create change This is not just a casual discussion circle. Gather & Grow is a facilitated experience designed to encourage reflection, awareness, honest conversations, deeper understanding, and meaningful personal growth. You are welcome to participate at your own pace, but come with openness, curiosity, and willingness to think beyond your usual patterns. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming. Most people don’t. Sometimes growth simply begins by finally having the conversations we usually avoid. 📍 Location: I AM WOW – City Concord Free parking available. Please arrive a little earlier to order your drink so we can begin together on time. If you feel like you’ve outgrown parts of your old life but don’t fully know what comes next yet… this conversation is probably for you.

Feel free to bring games, or suggest some from my collection (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/garryjenkins). Please RSVP so I can select appropriate games for the number of people attending. Food and drinks should be purchased on site. Also to have an idea about what type of games you probably will play, you can take a look at the comments of previous weeks of this weekly meetup. If you have any question, don't hesitate to send me a message, or ask here in comments.

Join us to read through a play or a script in hand. You don't need to memorise any lines. All you need is to bring your enthusiasm. No drama or stage experience is required. Open for anyone with an interest in reading out loud in a friendly environment. **Playscript:** Based on the participation the text/play will be selected hence please update your attendance in a timely manner (at least 48 hrs prior to the event). **What you will need:** \- a digital or physical copy of the text \- enthusiasm for theatre **Where:** Join in play-read at the park if the weather is nice! Fee: To be able to better arrange a place for the play reading and cover costs the events are marked for 2eur going forward. For further discussions join the WhatsApp group about theater and music: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX8bMKifES35gDNd8g2VpW?mode=gi_t

⚡ **Circle** by **AI & Coffee — Luxembourg's In-Person AI Community** AI is moving faster than any of us can keep up with alone. The best way to make sense of it — and stay ahead of it — is by getting in the same room as people who are just as obsessed with it as you are. That is exactly what AI & Coffee is about. We are bringing together Luxembourg's most curious, creative and driven minds for an afternoon of open, honest and energising conversations about artificial intelligence — not in theory, but in practice. No slides. No pitches. No pressure. Just real people, real ideas and real connections over great coffee. ☕🤖 *** ☕ **What we will talk about** AI & Coffee is an open conversation — guided by curiosity and driven by the people in the room. Expect discussions around: * What is actually happening in AI right now — the real breakthroughs, the real hype * Tools, projects and experiments people are building and testing * Practical AI use cases across industries — finance, marketing, tech, healthcare and more * Ideas, feedback and fresh perspectives from people at different stages of their AI journey Feel free to bring your laptop if you want to show something you are working on. Some of the best conversations at our last event started with someone sharing their screen. 💡 *** 👥 **Who is this for?** Developers and engineers building with AI Founders and entrepreneurs exploring AI for their business Investors and mentors looking to understand what is coming Researchers and students at the forefront of AI Creatives experimenting with AI tools Corporate professionals curious about AI's impact on their industry And anyone who simply cannot stop thinking about where AI is heading If AI excites, challenges or intrigues you — you belong here. *** ✨ **What to expect** A warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where everyone has a seat at the table. Our host will kick things off with a few conversation sparks and the latest AI highlights — then the rest is yours. Meet, talk, connect and exchange freely. No commitment. No agenda. No pressure. Just the kind of afternoon that leaves you energised, inspired and already looking forward to the next one. *** 🎉 **The only cost is your own coffee or drink.** Bring your curiosity, your ideas and an open mind — and let's keep building one of the most exciting AI communities in Luxembourg. 🇱🇺 👉 Register now — spots are limited and they go fast!

***July is National Picnic Month*** (along with National Hot Dog/Baked Beans/Ice Cream Month)! So let's do it up by joining a giant PICNIC celebrating America's 250th Birthday! Join us at Wyandotte Winery for an **America 250–Ohio Homecoming Picnic as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in true Ohio style!** Throughout July 2026, communities across Ohio are gathering for food, fun, and friendship to honor our nation’s history and reflect on the contributions of Ohioans over the past 250 years. Our picnic will feature a relaxed atmosphere with food, live music (starts at 5pm), and opportunities to connect with friends. ***BRING***: ***Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs*** and enjoy an afternoon of community celebration. ***FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***: Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the shop and food trucks. ***PARKING***: limited near the wine shop. Most park one block away in the church parking lot. [Wyandotte Winery](https://www.wyandottewinery.com/) has been part of the Central Ohio community since 1977, and we are proud to host this gathering during our 50th year of operation as a local place for connection and hospitality.

🇺🇸 Red, White & BOOM: A Black Love Summer Social ❤️ Skip the downtown chaos and celebrate with great people instead! Join Black Love & Friends as we spend the evening together in the beautiful, historic King-Lincoln District, just steps from Mayme Moore Park, with an incredible view of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks. This isn't a formal event—it's a relaxed summer gathering. Come early or stop by later. Stay for an hour or stay all evening. We'll have our own private meetup space where you can kick back, meet new people, play a few games, enjoy light refreshments, and simply enjoy the holiday together. Throughout the evening we'll explore the King-Lincoln District, soak up the atmosphere, laugh, connect, and then settle in as the Columbus skyline lights up with one of the biggest fireworks shows of the year. ✨ What to expect: 🎆 Great views of the Red, White & BOOM fireworks 🏙️ Historic King-Lincoln District ⛺ Private Black Love & Friends meetup tent 🎲 Lawn games & conversation 🥤 Light refreshments 🤝 New friends & great vibes 📸 Perfect summer photo opportunities Event begins: 6:30 PM Fireworks begin later in the evening, so arrive whenever works for you. Feel free to come and go throughout the night. ⚠️ RSVP is required. Space at our tent is limited, so we'll only be able to accommodate those who register in advance. Bring a chair if you'd like, wear your favorite red, white, and blue, and come celebrate community, connection, and summer with Black Love & Friends. Good people. Great conversations. Amazing fireworks.

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!

Want to see your work shine and put your pride on display? Then come to July's Creativity Circle! We will be making simple Suncatchers with tissue paper! Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

## 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

Come join us for lunch together at Bendi Wok, one of my favorites!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday June 30th from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!