Black Girl Magic: A Night of Inspiration with Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Welcome, Beautiful Souls!

I’m beyond thrilled to have you here as we dive into a truly divine experience—one that left me inspired, motivated, and ready to bring my boldest ideas to life.

On Sunday, March 30, 2024, I had the honor of attending In the City Magazine’s cover reveal for Congresswoman Nikema Williams. But let me tell you—this was more than just a magazine cover reveal. This was Black Girl Magic in its purest form.

From the moment Congresswoman Williams walked in, she exuded grace, authenticity, and power—the very essence of what it means to be a true lady. Her speech resonated with me on a soul level, reminding me of the importance of staying true to myself, pushing for change, and embracing every opportunity to uplift my community. She is not just a leader; she is a force, and I felt blessed to be in her presence.

The energy in the room was electrifying. Surrounded by so many incredible guests, each person a powerhouse in their own right, I felt an undeniable surge of creativity. My radar was off the charts! The conversations, the connections, the shared vision of progress—it all left me hungry to execute my ideas and turn inspiration into action.

So, buckle up, because this read is going to take you inside a night filled with purpose, passion, and the magic of Black excellence. Let’s relive this unforgettable evening together!

A Message of Authenticity and Change

Some moments in life remind you that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Sunday, March 30, 2024, at the Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta, Ga, was one of those moments for me. It was a day filled with elegance, celebration, and powerful conversation, but what stood out to me most was witnessing firsthand the essence of Black Girl Magic in action.

As Congresswoman Williams arrived, she was accompanied by her young son Carter, who was preoccupied with a loose tooth—wiggling it back and forth with his tongue. The moment she stepped into the museum, she effortlessly shifted from political powerhouse to full-on mommy mode. Without hesitation, she removed the tooth right then and there. It was a simple yet profound moment—a reminder that no matter how accomplished or influential a Black woman is, she is always balancing multiple roles with grace and strength.

And that’s exactly what the night was about: grace, strength, and authenticity.

Although I wasn’t yet part of the In the City Magazine team during Congresswoman Williams’ photoshoot, I could feel the energy and intention behind every frame when it was revealed. In the City’s incredible Creative Director and media interviewer, Neisha Rogers brought it all to life while speaking with Congresswoman Williams. Neisha said something so simple, yet so powerful: “You’re so down to earth and relatable.” That statement alone pulled me in. It was in that moment I knew I was witnessing something special—two powerful women sharing space, speaking truth, and creating something impactful. Neisha’s delivery and presence brought the entire cover story to life in a way that made me feel like I had been there all along.

When Congresswoman Williams took the stage, she delivered a speech that truly resonated with me. She spoke on the importance of staying true to yourself, both on and off camera—something I deeply value as a beauty professional, instructor, and director. Her words weren’t rehearsed or filtered; they were real. She reminded us that authenticity is our power, and as Black women, we should never feel the need to shrink ourselves to fit into spaces that were not designed for us.

Beyond personal authenticity, she spoke passionately about the work she’s doing to create positive change, not just in Atlanta but throughout the United States. Her vision for a better future is rooted in inclusivity, representation, and ensuring that our communities have the resources they need to thrive. She isn’t just talking about change—she’s actively making it happen.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams, representing Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, has recently achieved several significant milestones and introduced initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, promoting education, and advancing social justice.

Economic Growth and Fiscal Responsibility

In May 2023, Congresswoman Williams was appointed Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Economic Growth and Fiscal Responsibility Task Force. In this role, she collaborates with colleagues to advance policies that promote equitable economic growth and ensure a sustainable fiscal path. The task force focuses on closing the wealth gap, promoting entrepreneurial equity, and engaging with the executive branch to foster a worker-focused and sustainable economy.

Support for Minority Entrepreneurs

Demonstrating a commitment to addressing the racial wealth gap, Congresswoman Williams introduced the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act in November 2023. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a grant program within the Small Business Administration to support entrepreneurs at minority-serving institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The proposed grants, starting at $250,000, would provide resources for student entrepreneurs, thereby fostering innovation and economic empowerment in historically marginalized communities.

Investment in HBCU Research Capabilities

In February 2024, Congresswoman Williams partnered with Spelman College to secure a $14 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the Atlanta University Center (AUC). This funding aims to enhance research support and service capacity within the AUC, which includes Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University. The investment is designed to advance knowledge, spur innovation, and increase the role of these institutions in the state’s economy.

Legislation for Social Equity

In October 2022, Congresswoman Williams introduced the Reviewing the Effects of Policies, Orders, and Rules with Thorough Study (REPORTS) Act. This legislation seeks to evaluate the impact of federal programs and policies on individuals living at or below the poverty line and assess racial inequities, including the racial wealth gap. The goal is to ensure that federal initiatives effectively serve marginalized communities and promote equitable outcomes.

Honoring Congressman John Lewis

Continuing the legacy of her predecessor, Congressman John Lewis, Congresswoman Williams has advanced legislation to promote his commitment to nonviolent social change. In June 2023, she championed the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to create a fellowship within the Fulbright Scholarship Program. This fellowship would support scholars studying nonviolent civil rights movements abroad, thereby extending Congressman Lewis’s moral clarity globally.

Through these efforts, Congresswoman Nikema Williams continues to advocate for policies that promote economic equity, educational advancement, and social justice, reflecting her dedication to serving her constituents and honoring the civil rights legacy of Georgia’s 5th District.

More Than a Moment—A Movement

That night wasn’t just about celebrating her magazine cover; it was about acknowledging the impact of Black women in leadership, in politics, in business, in beauty, in motherhood—everywhere. It was about seeing ourselves reflected in spaces that once seemed out of reach.

Black Girl Magic isn’t just a phrase. It’s the resilience, the passion, the authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to pushing forward despite the odds. And on March 30, I was in the right place, at the right time, to witness it in full effect.

As I left the event, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose—to continue creating spaces where Black women feel seen, valued, and empowered. Because when one of us shines, we all shine.

And that, my friends, is the true essence of Black Girl Magic.

With love and inspiration,

Daphne Rogers

In the City Magazine

Beauty Director / MUA