The 2025 Wellness Summit Weekend Recap by Anye Elite
- C. Aigner Ellis
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Yo, this weekend was dope AF! The 2025 Wellness Summit was everything and then some. Kicking it off with Icon City's 4th annual Meet the Speakers event had me feeling all kinds of proud. Seeing the community show up and show out? That’s what it’s all about. This year was a vibe.
Kicking Off in Style with Meet the Speakers
First things first, the Meet the Speakers reception set the tone. Imagine sipping cocktails while vibes flowed and conversations sparked meaningful connections. We had movers and shakers in the building like George M. Johnson, Dr. Leo Moore, Dr. David Malebranche and a lineup of amazing people, all in one space.
The energy? Pure 🔥. Folks weren’t just talking wellness; they were living it, sharing stories, creating family. It was raw, real, and needed.
Revisiting Rainbow Soul
Yours truly had the honor of presenting Rainbow Soul for the second time. Every single time I share, I’m reminded of the fight, the movement, and the joy that created this Black, queer brilliance.
It’s not just a song or a performance; it’s a manifesto. To be standing on that stage, telling our story, amplifying voices that don’t always feel heard? That’s what lights me up. Seeing the crowd in tune with the rhythm and the story? Man, there’s nothing like it.
Mind Blown by the Speakers
Real ones came through strong. George M. Johnson spoke about Black identity and how authenticity is the secret sauce for navigating this crazy world. Their words? Poetry laced with power.
Dr. Leo Moore had us all reflecting on how wellness is more than health; it’s about community and self-preservation. My guy dropped gems that had everybody reevaluating how they prioritize their lives.
Bishop OC Allen's closing remarks lit a fire under me. Especially they part about how reliant leaders in our community have been on "HIV money".
And me—I didn't just host or supervise A/V; I had to get on the mic and remind folks about the importance of staying true to your story. This summit wasn’t just about healing, y’all; it was about building.
The thing about this summit that really hit me was how deep the connections went. We weren’t just attendees—we were family for a weekend. Every conversation, every laugh, every damn hug reminded me why we do what we do.
Also, shoutout to the whole a/v team for running it like a slick operation. Production? On point. No technical dramas, just smooth transitions and all-around brilliance. Y'all deserve roses too.
The Afterglow
What hit me the most wasn’t just what happened on stage. It’s the in-between moments that stuck. Watching people leave with new perspectives, forged bonds, and hell, maybe even a little extra love for themselves. That’s what it’s always been about for me.
See You Next Year
This year? Phenomenal. Next year? Even better. I’m hype just thinking about how we’re going to level up for the 2026 Wellness Summit. Mark your calendars, book your flights, buy the wig glue ’cause we’re snatching edges again next year.
And until then? Keep showing up for yourself and your community. If you wanna keep the vibe going, hit me up or slide into the DMs at @IconCityOrg. This movement? It’s not just for the weekend, boo. It’s forever.
Catch ya at the top,😘
Anye
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