Nia

Hi Everyone! This will be the FINAL (yes, you read that right!) event for this meetup group, so let's go out with a bang! Come celebrate Pride month and the community we’ve built for the last 4 years. Early arrival is suggested! This event is for Black queers only (no cis men)! Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. Happy hour drink specials pictured below. You're welcome to bring outside food since this venue does not serve food. We may have some celebratory cake. See you there!

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

Experience the ultimate relaxation with our 60-minute Yin & Restorative Yoga fusion class. This session combines the deep, meditative stretches of Yin Yoga with the soothing, supportive postures of Restorative Yoga. During this class, you'll explore longer-held poses designed to release tension from deep within the muscles and connective tissues, promoting flexibility and calm. The Restorative elements enhance relaxation by incorporating props to fully support your body in gentle, nurturing positions, allowing for complete surrender and rejuvenation. This practice is ideal for anyone seeking profound relaxation, stress relief, and a sense of inner peace. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to these styles, join us for an hour of blissful tranquility and restoration. **The session is offered InStudio only. Sign up at www.piesfitnessyoga.com required at least two hours before class begins.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment? This free intro class is a simple way to get started. Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting. You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn. This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain. If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start. **What you will work on** * Breathing and staying calm under pressure * Movement that improves balance and mobility * Awareness and posture * Simple partner drills * Practical self-defense training for beginners **Who this class is for** * Adults new to self-defense training * Beginners looking for a low-pressure class * People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts * Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes **What to wear** Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required. **Why start with this class** This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes. **RSVP** Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. Enjoy a French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency. METRO & PARKING INFO : The opening of the Silver Line Metro Station made the Tysons Corner very accessible. To get to the Restaurant, you just have to cut through the Mall and take the exit by Bloomingdale's. Then walk a block to Leesburg Pike. Closest Metro Station is Tysons Corner. Also, please take into account Metro's Weekend Track Work & Service Adjustments. Please check it on http://www.wmata.com/ and plan accordingly. Parking is free! They have more than 200 slots in the building.

Link to purchase tickets: [https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100000551/](https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100000551/) This meetup at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring is a double feature of Black Girl and Borom Sarat. The ticket incudes both films. Ousmane Sembène, one of the greatest and most groundbreaking filmmakers ever and the most internationally renowned African director of the 20th century, made his feature debut in 1966 with the brilliant and stirring BLACK GIRL. Sembène, who was also an acclaimed novelist in his native Senegal, transforms a deceptively simple plot — about a young Senegalese woman who moves to France to work for a wealthy white couple and finds that life in their small apartment becomes a figurative and literal prison — into a complex, layered critique on the lingering colonialist mindset of a supposedly postcolonial world. Featuring a moving central performance by Mbissine Thérèse Diop, BLACK GIRL is a harrowing human drama as well as a radical political statement — and one of the essential films of the 1960s. (Note courtesy of Janus Films.) DIR/SCR Ousmane Sembène, from his short story; PROD André Zwoboda. Senegal/France, 1966, b&w, 60 min. In French with English subtitles. NOT RATED Preceded by: BOROM SARRET The genesis of Black African cinema can be traced to this short, stark masterpiece that chronicles a day in the life of a Dakar cart driver. DIR/SCR/PROD Ousmane Sembène. Senegal, 1963, b&w, 20 min. In French and Wolof with English subtitles. NOT RATED BOROM SARRET was restored in 2013 by the Cineteca di Bologna/L'Immagine Ritrovata laboratory and Éclair, in association with The Film Foundation's World Cinema Project; INA, Institut National de l’Audiovisuel; and the Sembène Estate. Restoration funded by Doha Film Institute. Run Time: 80 Minutes Genre: Drama

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and the dojo on Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and a mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. On Saturdays, class is limited to the first 5 persons to rsvp (until further notice) "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Cash and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

Come join us at the Smithsonian National Zoo! We will meet at 9AM to wander around for a few hours. Meeting location (9AM): We will meet outside the visitor center at the north end of the zoo, near the Connecticut Ave. pedestrian entrance, Please reserve your own entry pass (free, necessary for admission) here: [https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes "https://nationalzoo.si.edu/passes") The pedestrian entrance is a short walk away from the Cleveland Park and the Woodley Park/Zoo Red Line metro stops. You may also purchase parking passes if you prefer.

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.

Mountains to plains to tropical beaches, Tanzania has it all. You will get an opportunity to let out the Tarzan in you through this experiential multi-day safari in Tanzania. Immerse yourself in nature and wildlife during our game drives at Manyara and Ngorongoro. You may also experiment with wildlife photography at Serengeti National Park. Enter the world of colorful coral reefs at Mnemba and swim along with the tropical fishes. End your trip at Zanzibar with a remarkable snorkeling and scuba diving experience. Highlights Visited Places: • Arusha • Lake Manyara • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro • Zanzibar • Prison and Spice islands • Mnemba Atoll Travel Experience: • Admire the wildlife at Lake Manyara • Enjoy a game drive at Ngorongoro crater • Enjoy the safari at Serengeti National Park • Discover the history of Zanzibar • Explore the Prison islands • Meet the giant tortoises at Changuu island • Learn more about local spices • Go snorkelling at Prison island • The Rock restaurant • Recline near the sandy beaches at Zanzibar • Snorkelling at Mnemba • Look for the ‘Big 5’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) Tour Start Kilimanjaro Tour End Zanzibar Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 12pm • Return: Day09 anytime after 12pm Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO) Abeid Amani Karume International Airport(ZNZ) Itinerary Day01 Kilimanjaro – Arusha Day02 Lake Manyara Day03 Serengeti NP Day04 Serengeti - Ngorongoro Day05 Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha Day06 Zanzibar Day07 Prison & Spice Islands Day08 Mnemba Atoll Day09 Zanzibar Cost: Safari + Zanzibar (Double Occupancy) $3990 / person Safari + Zanzibar (Single Supl) $4590 (Single) Safari ONLY (Double Occupancy) $2990 / person Safari ONLY (Single Suppl) $3590 (Single) Inclusions Price Includes • All park and conservancy fees • Crater service fee • Professional Safari Guide and Driver • Accommodation as per the itinerary (Lodge / Camp) (Double Occupancy) • All meals during the Safari • 4×4 Safari vehicle • Zanzibar 4D/3N hotel stay, activities & transfers as per the Itinerary • ONE WAY FLIGHT: Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar – On Day06 Price Excludes • International Flights • Meals (other then mentioned above) • Personal Expenses • Tips and gratuities • Transfers other then mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost) • Travel insurance / Visa ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/tanzania-serengeti-ngorongoro-safari-with-zanzibar/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/tanzania-serengeti-ngorongoro-safari-with-zanzibar/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Let go of the week and welcome the weekend. Join master teacher Ann Kite **in person every Friday** at 8pm for a dynamic, deeply embodied release. Each week, 60–75 people gather to dance together in a supportive, spirited community. Ann has held this group for years, creating a **safe space to sweat, shift, and soften** the ego’s grip so the freer, wilder, more alive part of you can come through. Movement is for everyone, whether you’ve danced for years or are brand new. This **isn’t about performing or getting the “right” steps.** It’s about tuning into your body’s natural rhythms, finding freedom in stillness and motion, and remembering what it feels like to be fully alive. Whether you’re seeking connection, healing, or simply a fresh perspective, you’re **welcome exactly as you are**. Movement is the doorway. We’ll guide you the rest of the way. **Purchase tickets:** [https://www.annkite.com/letgo](https://www.annkite.com/letgo) \*\*\*\*\*Feb 27, Apr 1, Jun 26, Aug 28, and Oct 9, will be led by a substitute teacher as Ann will be away leading a retreat on those dates. Our June 12 gathering will be led by the wonderful Henya Emmer!

**$45 chose your own design**

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

**Let’s meet for pizza 1st at Mikey’s Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**

Discover Inner Engineering in Columbus! Saturday June 13th Choose a location & Time: Holiday Inn Express : 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Rangoli -The Indian Mall: 7:00 PM -8:00 PM [RSVP](https://innerengineering.sadhguru.org/columbus?fbclid=IwdGRzaASVdldjbGNrBJV2TmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHmTH5dVmwyksT8x39dKxCZZPJm96hYF7q4m6CmzfjsgJ14o3X4jux71er_mq_aem_W51vRnuLMzlDtxYJWPuqKg&sfnsn=wa)

Summer is here, and it is the perfect time to connect, recharge, and enjoy our amazing community outdoors! Join **Women in Agile Columbus** for a relaxed **Walk & Chat** this June. As a community, we are always looking for new ways to connect, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful conversations beyond our regular events. Whether you are a long-time member or attending for the first time, this gathering is an opportunity to meet fellow community members, exchange ideas, and enjoy a pleasant walk together in the beautiful June weather. **Bring your pets, children, family members, and friends!** This is a family-friendly event where everyone is welcome. Come enjoy fresh air, good company, and engaging conversations while building connections within the Women in Agile Columbus community. ### What to Expect * Casual networking and conversation * A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere * Time to connect with fellow Agile professionals and community members * An enjoyable outdoor walk at a comfortable pace * Family-friendly fun for all ages No presentations. No formal agenda. Just community, connection, and conversation. We look forward to walking with you and continuing to grow a strong, supportive Women in Agile Columbus community—one step at a time!

**Let’s have lunch and have some extra fun! Bring your favorite game! 🥳**