Multiracial Adoption

Barack Obama's election was celebrated as a historic milestone for Black political representation, but it also helped create the illusion that symbolic inclusion within existing institutions would lead to meaningful change and even liberation for Black communities. The elevation of Black political leaders often obscures the continued realities of economic inequality, displacement, state violence, and political powerlessness facing Black people. This [Assata Shakur Popular Education (ASPE)](https://pacapower.org/our-work/programs/assg/ "https://pacapower.org/our-work/programs/assg/") session will reflect on the promises and legacy of the Obama presidency, examining its contradictions while considering its impact on political consciousness, Black leadership, and popular understandings of progress. Together, we will discuss why genuine democracy requires more than representation and how community control can serve as the foundation for DC's political future. *Food will be provided!* The ASPE are hybrid sessions with the option to participate via Zoom. **To join via Zoom use this link [https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy](https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy "https://tinyurl.com/africansstudy")**

Organize your schedule with our **Google Basics: Calendar & Tasks** in-person event! Spaces are limited. Please register in advance! [https://luma.com/466w3g7w?utm_source=meetup](https://luma.com/466w3g7w?utm_source=meetup)

*tickets sold out* 🎬💧 Reel tears incoming. Join DC Black Girl Film Club and @CryinginDC for a special Happy Hour + screening of *Moonlight* (2016), Barry Jenkins' Oscar-winning coming-of-age masterpiece. The evening includes Happy Hour, the screening, a brief group discussion, and a curated goodie bag featuring a handmade *My Cry Guide* zine, stickers, tissues, and snacks. 🕕 6:00–6:45 PM — Happy Hour 🎬 7:00–9:15 PM — Screening + discussion *Moonlight* is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that follows a young man across three defining chapters of his life as he navigates identity, love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. 🎟️ **Tickets must be purchased in advance via Posh to attend.** 👉 Secure your spot here: **[Get Tickets on Posh](https://posh.vip/e/dc-black-girl-film-club-crying-in-dc-present-moonlight)** Only guests with a valid Posh ticket will be admitted, as space is limited. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get your drums ready to travel to the capital of Brazil's Afro heart, Salvador, Bahia. This special event will introduce Brazilian drumming rhythms from Salvador from two amazing Brazilian teachers. Drums are provided. All levels are welcome. Come comfortably dressed. Class fee: $20

Queer trivia night hosted by [The Mistresses](https://www.instagram.com/triviamistresses?igsh=MXJsNHpnMmk3bmdycA==) at [Dewdrop Inn](https://www.dewdropinndc.com/events/). Trivia begins at 7pm; I’ll get there at 6:15 for a table. Topic announced at the event. You do not need to be “good” at trivia; just come have fun! Also, for respect of time, please keep your RSVP updated; I will cancel if we don’t have at least 4 attendees. This is a popular event for Dew Drop, so note that it may be crowded and we will try to assure we have room for all our folks. Depending on the weather, we may be outside or inside; check comments day of for how to find us! Thank you & Hope to see you! INHERENT RISK AND LIABILITY: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Common sense dictates that conditions may change and there is inherent risk associated with attendance. Organizers and the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries or any other incidences that may occur in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.

LET’S MEET, MINGLE & KICK OFF SUMMER! It’s been a while since we’ve gotten together, so let’s catch up, relax, and enjoy a fun afternoon with great company! 📍 **Where**: McCormick & Schmick's 2010 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 🕟 **When**: Saturday, June 13 4:30 PM–6:30 PM 🎟️ **RSVP Fee**: $5 Click below to reserve your spot: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/VJohnsonMeetupcom/5.00) *Please pay the nominal administrative fee using the link above. Your name must be on the attendee list to participate. Registration is not complete until payment is received.* **What to Expect**: • Great conversation and networking • Drinks available for purchase (beer, wine, cocktails, and more) • Food available for purchase (burgers, wings, sandwiches, and more) **Please note: There is no happy hour pricing on Saturdays.** **Important Information**: • Meet us in the bar area. We do not have reserved space. • Everyone is responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. • Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. **Parking**: • Free parking after 4:00 PM (please read posted signs). • Do not park in the residential condo parking areas across the street—you may be towed. Bring your friends, co-workers, and positive vibes. I look forward to seeing everyone! **EVENT RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK**: By attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with your participation and agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Valerie Johnson, Meetup.com, the event organizer, event hosts, and their representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, injuries, illnesses, expenses, or causes of action arising out of or related to your attendance or participation in the event. This release includes, but is not limited to, matters relating to food or beverage consumption, food allergies, alcohol consumption, venue conditions, parking, transportation, personal property loss or theft, bodily injury, illness, accidents, negligence of third parties, or any other occurrence before, during, or after the event. By attending, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own actions, decisions, safety, health, property, transportation, and purchases.

Face-to-face Role Playing Game Session

Join DC Polyam at our monthly weekday social. Come by yourself, invite your friends, your partner(s), and even your entire polycule! Come join us from DC proper, Maryland, or Virginia; we welcome all people from all aspects of life and relationship dynamics. Metrobar has non-alcoholic options for those that don't want/don't drink alongside usual food trucks for eating options. Follow us on Instagram and join our Discord @DCPolyam We always enforce a set of house rules in order to maintain a safe space: * **Respectful Behavior** towards hosts and other guests is required; anyone who violates these rules may be asked to leave the event. * **Expectations:** Check your expectations at the door. Being at this event does not signal sexual availability or indicate any aspect of sexual orientation. Our events are about developing friendships and connections within the community. This is a no cruising event, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for our guests. * **Safe Spaces:** We strive to create a safe space for people of ALL identities, including those who do not identify as polyamorous. * **No photography, video, or recording** of any kind is allowed **without prior verbal consent** of all parties involved. * **Verbal Consent:** Please be sure to ask and wait for a yes before hugging or initiating any physical contact, and encourage each other to speak openly about consent and personal boundaries. This helps foster a culture where personal boundaries are supported and attendees are empowered to speak confidently of their limits. (i.e. “Can I give you a hug?” “No thank you, but I would love a handshake.”) If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

HSLC has many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families! Come meet them at the Petsmart in Leesburg from Noon to 2:00pm on Sunday, June 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit [Humane Society of Loudoun County](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/) If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete an no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

Let's get together in a warm and open atmosphere to talk about ethical non-monogamy and how we actually do it. Ask for advice, give some in return, meet and mingle with your peers. Let's kick back and get to know each other and learn a few things. TOPIC: Ah, the Burnt Haystack Method! This system for analyzing and eliminating potential men online has got fans and haters. Tonight, we will discuss the method and whether it is useful, cruel, overly-harsh, or simply effective. Also: what would the Burnt Haystack for men to evaluate women look like? Bring a cold drink because we might get heated. The location of our group will rotate between VA and MD. This week, we'll be in VA, at the home of a long-time hostess with the mostest and a sweet pool. Bring your bathing suit! And sunscreen! We are living our best lives this summer! FOOD: It's BBQ/picnic food season. I am beyond excited about the fresh tomatoes and peaches. Please consider bringing a vegetarian or vegan option; we do currently have active members who need these options. Cut-up fresh fruit is always great! If you don't feel like schlepping, we also always appreciate a donation. Please note: we share the address on the morning of the meeting, via the messaging/email system here. If you don’t have the details by Friday noon, you will need to message us directly to get them.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

Hello Everyone, Thank you so much for joining us for our **Valentine’s Mystery Social**! It was truly a pleasure to host such an intentional space for all of you to connect as "souls" rather than just titles and paychecks. We heard your feedback loud and clear: you all wanted more time to connect after the opening icebreakers! We have noted this and look forward to hosting several more of these sessions for our private clients throughout the year with even more space for deep discussion. ### **🔥 TODAY ONLY: Elite Match Alert** We have just added two profiles, a powerhouse Jack and Jill **brother and sister duo**—both exceptional catches: * **The Sports Agent (Male):** A high-achieving, family-oriented professional who embodies the values of our community and the legacy of his upbringing. * **The Powerhouse Attorney (Female):** A stunning attorney and active actress who is a true "Jack and Jill" legacy. She balances a high-stakes legal career with a passion for the arts. **Follow us on IG:** For our most up-to-date match alerts and event BTS, make sure you are following us on Instagram @helpmeetclub **Saturday Appointment Available:** We have **ONE** consultation opening available for this Saturday. This is first-come, first-served for anyone ready! **Consultation:** To celebrate these new additions, use code FRIENDS20 at checkout for an **[additional $55.55 off](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)**[ ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)our current consult special. **This code is valid TODAY ONLY.** ### **Action Required: Selection Form** Please submit your final selections by the **end of today**. As a reminder, we only facilitate a "Double-Yes" match (where both parties select each other) or reach out if you have specifically marked that you are open to hearing from others. ### **Membership Updates** We are committed to the quality of our community. To that end, we have decided to make some adjustments to our membership structure: * **Database Services:** We will no longer allow women to join our database as a standalone service. * **The Reason:** It is undeniable that the women who complete our **Readiness Process** stand out and make exceptional partners. It is only fair that they are rewarded with exclusive access to our socials and curated community. On that note, if your database membership is currently expiring, please let us know and we will re-enroll you at 50% off your annual database membership fee.

Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider! Book description: Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true. Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart. Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series

Happy Hour on the Green ⛳ Join Black Love & Friends for a laid-back evening at Topgolf as we celebrate the fathers, father figures, brothers, uncles, mentors, friends, and positive male role models who enrich our lives and communities. This isn't a golf tournament—it's a social gathering designed to bring great people together for conversation, connection, laughter, food, drinks, and a little friendly competition. Whether you're a father, celebrating a father, bringing your brother, cousin, friend, or simply looking for a fun Saturday evening, you're welcome to join us. No golf experience is necessary. Come for the happy hour, stay for the company. Expect: • Topgolf games for all skill levels • Food and drinks available for purchase • Networking and socializing • Great music and positive vibes • A welcoming atmosphere for singles, couples, and friends Bring someone special or come solo and meet new people. Let's raise a glass to the men who lead, support, inspire, and show up for the people they love.

## 🤝 Host Information A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus 💡 About the Workshop AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge. This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow. Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required. 🛠️ What to Bring Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go. AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!) 🍕 Logistics & Perks Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided! Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site. ###

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.