( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Dr. Mahogany L. Browne, Curator of the Black Girl Magic Ball
Author, activist, writer, and educator, Dr. Mahogany L. Browne is a trailblazer in a league of her own as the curator of the annual Black Girl Magic Ball. Celebrating their 9th anniversary, it will take place for the first time at Alice Tully Hall on Thursday, March 26, presented by Lincoln Center Performing Arts. This year’s theme is MATRIARCHS, celebrating the artistic wisdom of Black women who have shaped movements and brought vision across generations. Through the arts of all forms, such as dance, cinematic storytelling, and creative leadership, this event will honor the legacy, brilliance, and cultural impact of Black women.
The empowering event started when Dr. Browne’s book “Black Girl Magic” was launched, accompanied by a viral PBS performance in 2017. This moment sparked an annual phenomenon and has become The Black Girl Magic Ball. The event is a testament to her enduring impact and community building for all powerful Black women and those who foster support. Amanda Seales will host the affair and will have performances, poetry, music, and live tributes. Important guests for the occasion will include innovators Veronica Chambers, Patricia Smith, Queen Jean, and V. A continuous story of Black womanhood and cultural preservation, with an award ceremony taking place.
The Black Girl Magic Ball has grown into a powerful cultural celebration over the past nine years. What inspired you to create it initially, and what vision continues to guide the event today?
Initially, this served as a book-release party for my illustrated poem, “Black Girl Magic.” Instead of the usual book reading, which felt a bit underwhelming in theory, I wanted something that would center the same community spirit that inspired the poem. This is what continues to guide this mission: the idea that I remain inspired and honored to honor the people in our lives for their stewardship.
This year marks the first time the Ball will take place at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, a historic moment for the event. What does bringing this celebration of Black womanhood to such an iconic cultural institution mean to you?
This is huge on so many levels. We usually host 230 people, with a meal, music, and beautiful experiential activities to spark conversation, encourage community/coalition building, and foster self-reflection. This time we’ve been allowed the space to do a full-blown music, poetry, and video production for over 1,000 attendees! So what I know will happen is Mumu Fresh, Melanie Charles, and Jamila Woods will melt the stage. And Kai Diata Giovanni and Obbie West will melt the stage. And the young, brilliant dancers of Abundance BK, the magic act by Nicole Cardoza, and the musical genius of Britton Smith will bring the crowd to their feet as we celebrate and honor Qween Jean, Veronica Chambers, Patricia Smith & V.
How did the concept for this year’s production, “MATRIARCHS,” emerge, and what stories or ideas about Black womanhood were you most interested in exploring through it?
I began thinking of the foundation that makes my living possible. And if I’m looking to my left and right, there is the Matriarch, the Aunties, the Sisters, and the Daughter: the Seedling. I wanted to break up each year’s celebration to focus on these themes. So next year will be the Sisters or the Seedling. I try to move with intention, so I will sit and think deeply after this event on what’s next. This year, I am so thankful to Lincoln Center for rolling out the red carpet and encouraging me to dream even bigger. So I reached out to my dear friend and artistic director of the National Black Theatre, Jonathan McCrory, and asked him to direct the production. I am so thankful he said YES – because he blew it out of the water! We can’t wait for folks to see all the goodness that promises to unfold! From activations by Heath Gallery to floral arrangements by Grand LeFleur to the undeniable short films to the fly hosting skills of Amanda Seales (who is also a former awardee!) – this night promises to be unforgettable.
Could you tell me why it is important for you to present poetry, music, dance, and storytelling experiences as forms of artistic expression in conversation with one another?
I think art in practice and as a communal offering is one of the most honest and important gifts. It serves as a placeholder, an archive of the now and bloodletting. What hurts us is named, and we grieve and heal because of this courageous act. Everyone has a story to tell, this is the place to hear voices unlike you’ve ever heard before. And while that may be by design, Matriarchs is designed to course correct the narrative that erases Black women artists, leaders, educators, and healers from the revisionist histories often penned by men.
Each year, the event honors extraordinary women who are shaping culture and community. What qualities or impact do you look for when selecting honorees like Veronica Chambers, Patricia Smith, Qween Jean, and V?
When I think of generous mentorship, I think of Patricia Smith. When I think of unwavering advocacy, I think of Qween Jean. When I think of an unyielding accomplice-ship, I think of V. When I think of boundless joy-keeping, I think of Veronica. These are the lightbearers that answered the call, that constantly make themselves available, that give because we are each other’s magnitude and bond (word to Gwendolyn Brooks).
How do you see this event helping to nurture emerging voices while honoring those who paved the way?
I think this encourages others to shower their heroes with flowers while they are living. I am inspired every single day. It has become my life’s work to give gratitude to the pillars who made me believe in my own wingspan. At the same time, they are alive to receive them, whether it is my Grandmothers, Coco & Elsie Jean, or shero and community leaders: Sista Sonia Sanchez, Toi Derricotte, Dr. Bobbi, and Chef Tommi Vincent. Whether it is my songbird/daughter Amare Symone or found family and poetry icons: Aja Monet, Camonghne Felix, and Eve Ewing – it is my life’s work to honor and celebrate Black women loudly. They keep us all whole and fortified as we continue to fight for liberation on all fronts.
Looking ahead, what do you hope audiences take away from experiencing MATRIARCHS and the 9th anniversary of the Black Girl Magic Ball?
I hope the folks that attend the event will find peace within their own bodies, will find joy within their communities, will find home within the laughter of their fellow audience members, and never forget the impact of Black women’s brilliance. The generosity of a Black woman knows no bounds; it touches everything from fashion and music to culinary arts and healing arts. We are valuable and worthy of being celebrated all year round.
Browne’s fellowships from All Arts, Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Baldwin for the Arts, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, and Rauschenberg are a manifestation of her artistic prowess and creative genius. Her voice has shown through in her books: “Vinyl Moon,” “Chlorine Sky” (optioned for Steppenwolf Theater), “Black Girl Magic,” and the banned books “Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice” and “Woke Baby.” Browne’s literary success has led to her diverse literary initiative, theWoke Baby Book Fair. Through her legacy, she continues to make strides in expressing Black excellence and other Black women’s voices. Black Girl Magic Ball is an annual opportunity to showcase all forms of success in the Black community and beyond, tickets are live for the event now.
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