For introverts, the social side of adulting can be pretty tough. Whether you rushed off to another city to follow your dreams or your employer shipped you across the country to open a new office, it can easily start to sink in that somewhere along the way you forgot how to make friends.
Here is a list of Meetups around the country for introverts, extroverts and unicorns of color:
Black Artists/Musicians/Creatives
Forest Park, GA
Founded in September 2015, this group already has 1,173 members. If you’re in the Atlanta area and want to connect with other artists, musicians and creatives, stop by one of their jam sessions or poetry meetings to get involved.
The Tampa SECRET Society of Nerdy Black Chicks
Tampa, FL
If you’re a nerdy black chick in Tampa, you’re in good company. This group capped at 50 members on Meetup, but you can still join the Facebook Group. If you dig gaming, graphic novels or samurai words, there’s a group of nerdy soul sisters waiting to greet you in Klingon.
Black Geek Society & Nerds of Color
New York, NY
New Yorkers can also now fellowship over comic books and sci-fi movies. This meetup just started a few weeks ago, and already seems to have a group of excited “Blerds” prepping for a “Captain America Black Panther Party” in May.
Black Unicorns
Silver Spring, MD
This group is for women who have felt like outcasts, only to find out that they’re really unique, one-of-a-kind, beautiful black unicorns. This group meets often for food, fun and friendship.
Suga Puddin Guild: Creative Subsistence & Crafty Tomfoolery
Oakland, CA
This Meetup is the embodiment of “Why Be the Black Martha Stewart When You Can Be Yourself?” These Oakland ladies get together to share tips on all things DIY, homemaking and crafting for fun. Join them to get in on their next sewing workshop or fabric store scavenger hunt.
Afro- Hipsters
Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for cool people to connect with for miscellaneous fun, link up with D.C.’s Afro-Hipsters. This trendy group of friends is down to talk about anything from dating to politics. You can catch them anywhere between a black art gallery and a #BlackLivesMatter rally.
Nappy Roots Beauty
Alberta, Canada
If you find yourself on the other side of the northern border, you might drop in on Alberta’s group of obsessed naturalistas. Although most meetups like this just eat brunch and swap products, Nappy Roots Beauty offers much more. If you want to engage in fun discussions about natural hair and practice unique styles with a few friends, sign up for one of their upcoming summer meetups.
Writers Evoking Buzz (WEB) Society
Dallas, TX
These Maverick City professionals are joining forces to make a difference in the community. This Meetup includes not only writers, but also publishers, editors, agents and academics. They have regular meetings to showcase their writing and support each other through new writing projects and publishing. They even get together to discuss literacy and mentor other writers.
Lipstick & Laughter
Falls River, MA
If you can talk makeup for hours, you’ll want to check out this Massachusetts meetup for flawless makeup mavens. There’s no need to sit at home bored with YouTube tutorials when you can join this group of face-beating fanatics for discussions on skincare, beauty on a budget and the ever-popular product swap.
Black Vegan Meetup
Atlanta, GA
Healthy eating is only half as hard when you have a support group. If you’re a vegan or are thinking about making that lifestyle change, Atlanta’s Black Vegan Meetup has over 1200 members for you to connect with. Check them out for awesome physical activities, dining at unique vegan restaurants and even their book club!
Phoenix Black Photographers
Phoenix, AZ
If you’re trying to capture some dope shots out there in the desert metro, the PBP meetup is a fine place to connect with others and hone your photography skills. The very consistent group has been around since 2010 and already has meetings scheduled through April 2017.
