Recap of Our Table Conference
By Fatima Lathan
History was made on March 19th when Endo Black Inc. hosted the first African American-led endometriosis conference, Our Table. Standing On The Frontline: Endo Black’s Advocate and Allies Conference. Never before has there been an event centered around the wants, needs, struggles, and obstacles of being a black woman.
The conference was set around being your authentic self which was made evident with the diverse speakers throughout the three-day event. The ladies also educated attendees on what to look for, seeking help, and their best practices living with this living-altering disease. From different backgrounds, women from all over the globe came together for one reason; to help black women and women of color with endometriosis.
The three-day event was jammed packed with special guests, including Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Art Auré, Erica Willaims, Elizabeth Smith, April Christina Alexander, Samantha Denäe Sanders, Catherine Lee, Lauren Lee, Samantha Garvey, Dr. Rahmatu Kassimu, Les Henderson, Kyla Canztar, La-Anna Douglas, Karinee Lopez, and many more.
The event kicked off with musical artist Art Auré’s listening party and interview facilitated by Erica Williams. A fast-rising new voice on today's global music scene, Art’s now releasing "Good Times,” her thrilling new single feel-good. Little did she know, “Good Times” would be the theme of the Our Table Conference. "The music was one of my favorite parts. I've never attended a conference where so much feel-good music was played", shared by one of the Our Table Conference Attendees. Art’s music added a sense of warmness and enjoyment for the event-goers. The first day closed with a discussion with keynote speaker Tia Mowry-Hardrict moderated by Lauren Kornegay.
In the interview, Tia discussed how taking charge of her health led to her getting pregnant with her son Cree. Mowry- Hardrict also talked about how her shift in how she viewed her diet and exercise routine led to her conceiving. This miracle guided her to share her story and help as many women as possible.
The two also went over the importance of having a healthy relationship with your provider, treating your endometriosis, and never leaving an appointment with unanswered questions. They emphasized the importance of putting your health first, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and Mowry- Hardrict shared her best practices which included 10-20 minutes of meditations.
The two also went over Mowry- Hardrict supplement line Anser, which Tia shared that she was inspired to create due to supplements being necessary to holistically and adequately treat endometriosis and the expense that some supplements cost. The two closed with the importance of having a community around you and a live Q&A with the viewing audience.
On the second day, the ladies plunged into how endometriosis affects motherhood, endo advocacy, having a business, and endometriosis and health equality. The ladies made sure not to miss a beat in the health equality segment. The ladies got real on how frustrating it can be with going to providers who aren’t open to listening to the pain that black women endure. The inspiring panel of women also went in-depth regarding how black women are often seen as aggressive or intimidating simply for standing up for themselves.
The endo advocacy panel discussed why they decided to create platforms and what it means to them. The lack of diversity for endometriosis online led many women to speak out and create a safe space for women in similar situations.
The women truly bonded and created a sense of community on the struggles of being 1 and 10 and how our communities don’t always know how or discuss the invisible disease.
The ladies opened up about the emotional and mental struggles that come with being a minority with endometriosis. They provided advice from their experience and stressed the importance of having a good support system around you and the necessity of making sure that you set time for yourself. Instead, you decide to go workout, read a book, shut down always To extend ourselves the grace that we give so freely to others.
The weekend closed with a live recording of the season finale of The V. Podcast, a podcast hosted by Lauren Renee, April Christina, and Samantha Denae. A dynamic trio that shares their struggles and findings with living with endometriosis. The last event was The State of Black Endo, where Lauren closed out the events, summarized the event, and viewed the current state of endometriosis. Providing a detailed speech on how black bodies help advanced gynecology, yet the treatments discovered were not created with us in mind.
The conference was a reminder that even if we are 1 in 10, we are still human, and we have to take time to enjoy life even with this invisible disease that waits patiently in the corner to flare its nostrils and attack. Despite the flares, appointments, medications, and procedures, we are powerful women, still learning how to maneuver this disease and lead a fulfilling life.
To learn more about the Our Table Conference and see the footage from the conference, please visit www.ourtableconference.com.
Here’s some of what attendees said about this year’s conference:
“Overall the conference was amazing. the promo, the lineup, the professionalism, it was worth every penny.”
“Motherhood and Endo was such a beautiful experience to watch. The vulnerability amongst the ladies touched my heart. I love that the other panelists and participants were holding space for each one as they shared. Especially Kyla’s story. Had me super emotional for some reason... It was a little harder for me going back and forth for the different times each panel representing. I wasn’t a fan of that method at first but it provided much-needed breaks especially as many of us were attending so many Endo events...The music was a great addition, I was rocking. Her music is definitely hitting... The Live Podcast was super DOPE! The energy of all of the Panels that I caught was as super dope. It was an overall informative, sisterhood, fun, emotional and down to earth kind of conference.”
“I’m very much looking forward to the recordings to the sessions that I missed out on. The agenda, swag bag and resources have been amazing. I hope this happens again next year.”
“Overall, I love that the sessions are focus on components of life with Endo, as to avoid making the whole conference about Endo and suffering it was more empowering and about thriving while also having Endo. That is great.”
“Excellent content. As an ally I was grateful to be able to listen and learn. Grateful to learn about and listen to advocates I had never met.”
“During & After the conference; I felt empowered, heard, uplifted, informed, and a sense of unity. I am so proud of Ms. Lauren and the Endo Black Team! Also, to hear the many stories and experiences from all of these beautiful endowarriors was really touching. We could relate and celebrate each other.”