‘Tea and Conversation’ returns to Philadelphia roots

The adage says that some things are better left unsaid, but not over a warm, richly steeped cup of tea.

Award-winning journalist Sandra Long Weaver, freelance editor and former vice president for editorial product development for The Inquirer and Daily News, is bringing "Tea and Conversations" back to Philadelphia, a tradition she started at the newspapers nine years ago.

But this isn't your 7-year-old's tea party.

The event, geared toward African American women, is meant to foster informative discussions, networking, and spiritual connections.

The tea originally began as a way to hear opinions on the paper from people who weren't often heard from.

"We did not have the diversity of voices," Long Weaver said by phone from her home in Tennessee.

She wanted to hear the issues at the heart of the people.

"I felt women's voices weren't heard as much, the paper focused a lot on male voices," she added.

She felt there was even less representation of African American women, a demographic she believes has "a lot to offer to this country. We have a lot to say, and our voices still haven't been heard the way they should be."

She began to brainstorm different ways to bring these women together. And as fate would have it, it was over a cup of tea that she was reminded of the warm brews her mother used to make. Sips would turn into conversations and moments of bonding.

After running the idea by a few editors and receiving great feedback, she got contacts from reporters and editors and sent out invitations. "Tea and Conversations" became a November staple, right after the elections, she said, "so people have something to talk about."

Varinia C. Robinson, an IT consultant, has attended a few "Tea and Conversations" in Philadelphia and says "it brings people of diverse backgrounds together," adding that the tea "makes it a social event, not like we're going a lecture."

Tea seems to be the perfect catalyst for conversation. Aside from making participants feel comfortable, Long Weaver said, "When we focus in on America, tea is woven into the fabric of our lives as African Americans."

But the event isn't limited to African American women; anyone 18 or older can attend.

The first "Tea and Conversations" drew 50 people and her last one brought almost 400 people.

Participants are divided into small groups to discuss issues prevalent in their community. There will be workshops on finance, education, fashion, social media, and "treasures in your own home." Jazz and soul vocalist Sherry Wilson Butler will perform with a tribute to legendary singer and activist Nina Simone. And, of course, there will be a hat contest.

"In the 1940s and '50s," said Long Weaver, "having a tea was a big deal; people would wear hats and gloves."

Staying true to roots, the event will be held at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, which was established in 1794, making it the oldest church continuously owned by African Americans.

"I got chill bumps because you can feel the ancestors there with you," Long Weaver said.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the church and "Praise Is the Cure," an organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer and bringing about awareness of the disease.

Long Weaver is also working with Wystone's World Tea of Denver, Colo., to provide customized tea blends. There will be three teas, with each blend representing a character strength: inspiration, endurance, and empowerment.

Inspiration, Long Weaver said, because "we need to be inspired to go through that day, or we're working through some issue"; endurance to help cope with the issue of the day; and empowerment to commemorate that "you've decided that this is something you can do."

It's very important to her that women leave the event with these three pillars in mind.

"We're celebrating our uniqueness," said Long Weaver. "It's something that we as women can all give each other."

She will also be asking for women to share their "tea story," a question she recently asked Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, who said her cup of tea "helps me get through the day."

Long Weaver plans to provide that kind of holistic experience for more women.

She hopes to turn "Tea and Conversations" into a national tour. Her next confirmed stops for the year: Pasedena, Calif.; Nashville; and Denver. "I'd like to do it in 10 cities a year and reach several hundred people at a time," said Long Weaver.

But she's especially eager to return to the city where it all began.

"I'm excited and truly looking forward to seeing people I haven't seen since I left Philadelphia," she said. "I know people who came every year."

There's no shortage of things to talk about, from elections to school reform. "A conversation over a cup of tea," Long Weaver said, "can lead to changing the world."

Tea and Conversations with African American Women

10 a.m. Nov. 15 at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Sixth and Lombard Streets. $40 online at www.teaandconversations.com; $45 at the door. Information: SandraWeaver@teaandconversations.com EndText

215-854-5054 @sofiyaballin