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AnDre McGowan Jr
SPOTLIGHT: Quanna of CareFreeBlackGirl on Community, Culture, and a Decade of Curation
Artist, curator, ballroom commentator, and founder of the CareFreeBlackGirl movement — Quanna has spent over ten years building one of the most recognizable Black woman centered cultural platforms in the country. What began as house parties in her neighborhood has since evolved into an ever-evolving international touring experience that blends art, music, beauty, storytelling, and community. In this exclusive spotlight, she talks to Eventnoire about how she got her start, the inspiration behind her work, and what’s next for the CareFreeBlackGirl brand.
Getting Her Start in Events
Long before she knew curating would become her career, she was the go-to organizer for her community.
“I used to throw house parties growing up, and everyone called me Quanna MC because I’d get on the mic, hype the crowd, and keep the energy going,”
That natural love for bringing people together followed her into adulthood and ultimately shaped her path. After moving to New York, she continued building her name through music, hosting, and producing intimate shows. Those early experiences laid the foundation for what would become the CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut—a touring cultural celebration now marking its 10th year.
The Inspiration Behind Her Work
For Q, curating events is more than production; it’s a purpose. “I create the spaces I wish existed when I was coming up,” she explains. “Places where Black femmes, queer folks, and creatives can celebrate themselves without restriction.”
She finds constant inspiration in the community itself—the people who show up, the stories they carry, and the joy that emerges when art, culture, music, and intention come together.
“It’s healing,” she says. “For me and for so many who attend.”
How She Continues Raising the Bar
With each new tour stop, she pushes the CareFreeBlackGirl experience to evolve.
“I’m always looking at how we can expand—not just in size, but in impact,” she says. That includes collaborating with local businesses, spotlighting emerging artists, incorporating ballroom culture, and improving the experience for guests from the moment they buy a ticket on Eventnoire to the moment they leave the event.
“We treat every city like its own world, Nothing is copy-and-paste.”
Industry Trends She’s Watching
As the events landscape shifts, Quanna is especially tuned into how brands are redefining engagement. She notes a move toward community-rooted experiences, the rise of digital and hybrid activations, and Gen Z’s demand for authenticity and niche communities.
“People want culture, not campaigns”
She’s also paying close attention to ongoing conversations around safety and accessibility, particularly for femme-centered and queer-centered spaces — she’s always tapped into the movements and innovations that keep culture pulsing.
What Makes Her Space Unique
CareFreeBlackGirl stands apart because it’s more than an event series—it’s a decade-long cultural movement born organically online through community and culture.
“What makes us unique is that the community helped build this from the ground up,” she explains. The platform grew from a viral hashtag into a lifestyle, generating years of real-world and online data about what Black femmes relate to and desire. “My events stand out because they’re built from lived experience and measurable impact, not trends,” she says. “Everything is rooted in real community.”
What’s Next for CareFreeBlackGirl
Looking ahead, the brand is entering a new era of expansion. Expect more cities, international stops, and a stronger digital presence. Quanna is also investing deeper into ballroom culture, developing multiple podcasts, and building consulting offerings for brands and creators looking to authentically connect with Black femme audiences.
But the focus for this year is intentionality. “With fewer venues and resources available for events created by and for people of color, it’s more important than ever to honor our core audience,” she says. Attendees can expect bigger moments, deeper storytelling, and spaces where Black femmes shine loudly, safely, and without compromise.
“I’m always open to working with brands and organizations that genuinely support Black femme creativity and community,” Quanna says.
How to Connect
Follow @CareFreeBlackGirlInc_ and @cfbgpod across all platforms to stay connected, and find upcoming events on Eventnoire.
“Eventnoire is built for us — they understand the cultural nuances behind events like the CookOut. It feels like a true partnership, not just a service.”
To stay connected or learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, visit www.eventnoire.com or follow @EventnoireHQ