Gathering for Change: Reimagining Connection in a New Era
What if the way we gather could shape not just our conversations, but our futures?
This question has been sitting with me lately, circling my mind as we prepare to move into February - a month that shines a light on Black history. It feels like a time of necessary transitions —a moment to rethink how we connect, where we gather, and why it matters.
This past week, I’ve been captivated by something extraordinary happening in digital spaces: #HillmanTok. If you haven’t come across it yet, I highly recommend you take a moment to experience it. it’s a social media movement inspired by the fictional HBCU Hillman College from A Different World. What began as a single professor sharing her African-American studies lessons on TikTok has grown into a vibrant online community, almost like a virtual HBCU, where educators, creators, and dreamers come together to teach, learn, and imagine. The beauty of it isn’t just in the knowledge being shared; it’s in the collective energy of people gathering—even digitally—to create something meaningful.
As inspiring and necessary as these viral online movements like #HillmanTok are, they’ve made me reflect on the irreplaceable magic of gathering in person. There’s something about being physically present with others that grounds us, something about sharing a space that amplifies the connection. Over the past few weeks, I’ve received an influx of requests at both L’Eau Hill and Norwood’s Vineyard to host events that embody this spirit: retreats for educators, luncheons for nonprofit leaders, and celebrations for community organizations reshaping Atlanta. These inquiries have sparked a question in me: What does it mean to create gatherings that truly matter? Not just events, but experiences that linger, spaces that inspire action and reflection.
From the Past to the Future: How Gathering Has Shaped Us
When I think about the power of gathering, I can’t help but look back. History is full of examples of small, intentional gatherings that transformed the world. Salons of the Enlightenment, often hosted by women, became spaces where ideas flowed freely and revolutions were born. The living rooms of the Harlem Renaissance were not just places of comfort but incubators of art, music, and identity that shaped an entire generation. And during the Civil Rights Movement, church basements and family homes became sanctuaries for strategy and hope.
These weren’t grand ballrooms or polished conference centers. They were intimate, humble, and deeply intentional. They remind us that gathering has always been about more than logistics or appearances. It’s about the people, the purpose, and the stories we weave together.
Rethinking Gathering: Lessons from Digital Movements
Digital spaces like #HillmanTok have taught us something remarkable: people crave connection, shared learning, and collective purpose. But translating that energy into physical gatherings is where the magic truly happens. It’s not about replicating what we see online—it’s about taking inspiration from it and creating something rooted in the tangible, the immediate, the real.
Imagine hosting a book club that doesn’t just discuss African-American literature but brings the stories to life in the space. Maybe the table is set with framed quotes from the book, or the evening begins with a reading by a local poet who adds depth and texture to the discussion. Or picture a luncheon for educators held not in a standard venue but in a library surrounded by the books they’re working to preserve and protect. The space itself becomes part of the story.
At its best, the gathering isn’t just about who’s in the room—it’s about the room itself, the energy it holds, and the memories it creates.
How We Gather Next: Ideas to Inspire
So how do we take what we’ve learned from history and digital movements and create gatherings that feel fresh, meaningful, and unforgettable? Here are a few ideas that have been swirling in my mind:
Spaces with Soul: Host your gathering in a place that tells a story. Rent an Airbnb in a neighborhood tied to your group’s mission, or choose a venue that feels symbolic—a community garden, a local art gallery, or even a historical home. Let the space ground your gathering in something bigger than the moment.
Storytelling Decor: Use the space to reflect the purpose. Incorporate framed photos, handwritten notes, or artifacts that connect to the cause or theme. These elements don’t just set the tone—they invite conversation and reflection.
Edible Narratives: Think of your menu as part of the experience. If your gathering is about sustainability, feature dishes made from local ingredients, with cards explaining their origins. Food becomes more than nourishment; it becomes a story.
Collaborative Visioning: Instead of ending the gathering with a closing remark, invite guests to contribute to something collective—a mural, a vision board, or a canvas where they can share their hopes and ideas. This turns your gathering into a living memory that continues to inspire.
The Heart of Gathering: Why It Matters
At the end of the day, gathering isn’t about perfection. It’s not about the most beautiful tablescape or the most polished speech. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and inspired. It’s about asking questions that linger, sparking ideas that grow, and building connections that last.
As we move into February, a time of both reflection and momentum, I hope this inspires you to think about the gatherings you want to create. What stories will you tell? What spaces will you choose? What moments will you create that will leave people changed?
Let’s gather boldly, intentionally, and with the belief that every time we come together, we have the power to shape something extraordinary. Happy Black History Month.
With love,
Erika