14 Inspiring Black Sober Leaders to Watch This February

Author

Megan Swan
February 21, 2024

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s embark on a journey beyond the ordinary and delve into the inspiring world of sobriety with these 14 fabulous Black sober leaders. While Black History Month serves as a crucial reminder to honor and appreciate the remarkable contributions of the Black community, the call to broaden our multicultural community echoes beyond February. This list invites you to not only recognize but also amplify the voices of these extraordinary leaders who navigate the path of sobriety, resilience, and empowerment every day. Join us in embracing the spirit of unity and celebration as we spotlight these incredible individuals, not just this month, but throughout the entire year. 

Here’s to a vibrant, inclusive community! 

 #BlackSoberLeaders #BeyondBlackHistoryMonth

Khadi Oluwatoyin, the force behind the Sober Black Girls Club, whose credits include Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith!

Sober Black Girls Club is a movement that champions safe spaces for black women to connect, embrace sobriety, and embark on the journey to recovery. 

Embrace the power of SBGC, now officially recognized as a non-profit organization. They’re on a mission, and they need your support! Together, let’s fuel the flames of change and resilience!

Chris Marshall – The Captain of Good Vibes at Sans Bar 

With an impressive 16 years of sobriety under his belt, Chris Marshall has been turning Austin, Texas into a booze-free playground for almost 6  years. Chris was among the first to rock the zero proof bar scene! 

“People were showing up even when we were setting up shop outside because they got the vibe I was throwing down. It wasn’t just about the drinks – though they’re pretty awesome – but it’s the community that keeps the party going.” he said. 

If you find yourself in Austin, Texas, hit up Sans Bar for a good time. For all the deets on his events and even some behind-the-scenes action at the Sans Bar Academy, check out Chris’ Instagram. Because who said sobriety can’t be a blast? Cheers to Chris and the Sans Bar success!

POP Buchanan (NYC) of Sober is Dope 

Meet the one and only POP Buchanan – the wizard of words and the maestro behind the Sober is Dope Podcast! POP hit rock bottom before unleashing the magic of prayers, affirmations, and a truckload of relentless positive thinking on his journey to recovery. Now, 10 years deep into the sea of sobriety, he’s on a mission to help others conquer their own struggles with addiction. His co-host is  Rev. Caleb Buchanan t; heading up Catholic Mission and D.E.I.B. Initiatives at Cardinal Spellman High School. Double the Buchanan, double the awesome! Time for a Sunday sermon. 

Pauline Idogho of Mocktail Club 

The Mocktail Club is the brainchild of Pauline Idogho who was in search of thrilling non-alcoholic concoctions during pregnancy. These mocktails aren’t just alcohol-free – they’re flavor fiestas inspired by the wild ride of life and globetrotting adventures.

They’re not just shaking things up; they’re stirring up a storm of sustainability. They donate 1% of their sales to increase the world’s access to clean water. Sip and save the planet –if that’s not mutually beneficial, what is?!

Think global spices, from cardamom to chili peppers, dancing together in every bottle. It’s not just a drink; it’s a flavor-packed journey around the globe without the hangover. Cheers to Pauline and the Mocktail Club for making sobriety a tasteful adventure!

Nadine Mulvina, aka The Sober Butterfly 

Get ready to spread your wings because Nadine Mulvina, aka The Sober Butterfly, will dazzle your world! This funny, relatable, and irreverent butterfly is fluttering alongside other stars, creating a haven for the black recovery community.  Hop on over to her Instagram wonderland at The.SoberButterfly for a dose of the most spot-on drinking memes you never knew you needed. Trust us; your chuckle muscles will thank you later.  Nadine does more than memes – she also hosts a fabulous and raw podcast! Tune in to The Sober Butterfly Podcast for some unfiltered talk about sobriety, served up with a garnish of giggles…

The year is 2015, and Nzinga, a first-generation Caribbean-American, decides to throw a fiesta in honor of her culture. The secret weapon? Her dad’s legendary sorrel recipe, the liquid embodiment of home, celebration, and roots. This isn’t just any old beverage – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the rhythm of the islands and the taste of pure joy. Crafted with a sprinkle of magic and a whole lot of love, each bottle is a flavor trip that’ll transport you straight to the Caribbean.   So, buckle up for a sip that’s more than just a drink – it’s a journey into the heart and soul of the islands, courtesy of Nzinga Knight and Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel. Cheers to love, culture, and tradition!

Rhadell Green – Sober Bar Babe / Sober in New Orleans 

Another queen of sober fun – Rhadell Green, the mastermind behind Sober Bar Babe and Sober in New Orleans! This ain’t just another business; it’s a black-owned gem.

Scroll through her Insta kingdom, and you’ll hear Rhadell shout, “SBB isn’t just a place; it’s a vibe! We’re talking non-alcoholic goodness, delicious bites, and the hottest brands, Thursday through Sunday, 12-6 pm at Armstrong Park Arch (AA).“

Now you’ve got the GPS coordinates for this booze-free paradise but hold on – there’s more! Did you know Rhadell is also the genius behind the cutest and most functional ballerina Geaux flats?! Check out her website and prepare to be mind-blown by all the cool stuff this sober boss babe is creating! 

Brittany Charnley – The Cool Hip Mom 

She’s not a regular mom, she’s The Cool Hip Mom! Meet Brittany Charnley; a rockstar who declared independence from alcohol on 10/05/2020. She’s the Laguna Beach minimalist mom who thrives in a 600 sqft. space, navigating the chaos of parenting with intentional living. She lives a low waste lifestyle, buying most things secondhand – because saving the planet is pretty cool too!

Brittany is your go-to Disney mom with a full-time job, proving that you can juggle the magic with the mundane. Follow her on Instagram for a daily dose of cool, where she shares her journey of intentional living, secondhand gems, and the adventure of being a mom!

Dr. David J. Wallace is a leader in education and the visionary behind Awakening Minds. (www.awakeningminds.org), a powerhouse on a mission for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assessments and strategic initiatives. Dr. Wallace is also the creative genius behind the Dream House Lounge: a Mental & Spiritual Wellness Lounge! Picture this: an Oxygen Bar to breathe in positivity, a Conscious Cocktail Lounge for some mind-enlightening sips, and an Elevated Social Experience that’s basically a soul party. This is not just a destination; it’s a Soul-care Oasis located right on the map of awesomeness (& also New Orleans).  He once dazzled the education world as an elementary school teacher. Armed with a doctorate in education from St. Thomas University, his academic research dives deep into the realms of teacher self-efficacy and the experiences of male educators of color.

 Hanzi founded the Reprieve Party 

DJ Hanzi’s peers describe him as a light! He is one of my favorite sober DJs for sure. 

The Reprieve Party in Brooklyn, NY is a dance party & nightclub that is an inclusive space for the sober/sober-curious who are looking to celebrate, dance & live free. 

Their hashtags are #SpiritFREESprits #NOBoozeNODrugsJustDANCE #BlackCreators. Check out the vibe on the website, which features a list of their mantras, including:

  • “Lead with Love”

  • “Ubuntu: “I Am Because We Are”

  • “No Booze. No drugs. Just dance.”

  • “Face The World, Not The DJ”

  • “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain”

Arielle Clark: Owner & Founder, Sis Got Tea 

Arielle Clark founded Sis Got Tea in Louisville, KY, Serving up delicious tea and ‘the tea’ that is Black Brewed AND Queer Approved.  

She shared that her inspiration is the amazing supporters of Sis Got Tea! The community serves as daily fuel for her entrepreneurial dreams. The love, enthusiasm, and visions of setting up a physical spot add that extra kick to her motivation. When the community talks, Sis Got Tea doesn’t just hear; they listen, and let me tell you, the community’s love keeps them percolating and thriving!

Meet Dr. Kojo Sarfo, a dynamo of laughter and mental health wisdom based in Los Angeles. With 3.5 million followers and 20 million monthly views on social media, he’s not just a comedian, actor, and content creator – he’s the mental health support you didn’t know you needed.

A psychotherapist and mental health nurse practitioner with a background in inpatient forensic psychiatry and clinical ADHD specialization, Dr. Kojo brings the laughs and the expertise. Utilizing his medical know-how and personal experiences, he drops skits, songs, and videos to smash stigma and spread mental health awareness.

Dive into his Instagram reels series, “Life of Muo,” educating teens about ADHD, or binge-watch “Everybody Loves Dr. Kojo” on YouTube, a sitcom-style series tackling mental health topics. Catch him on ABC7’s “Mental Health Mondays,” educating Los Angeles about mental health, and at “Dr. Kojo & Friends,” a monthly comedy show in Hollywood.

Robert Björn Taylor is a Beverage Consultant & Alchemist with 20 years of liquid adventures and hospitality savvy tucked under his belt! With over four years of sobriety, his liquid knowledge, whether it’s NA or not, is  a bubbling cauldron of magnificence, matched only by the enthusiasm he sprinkles all around.

His latest quest is to enlighten bar and restaurant royalty on the wonders of carrying Ready-to-Drink Non-Alcoholic cocktails. Why wouldn’t they, you ask? He can’t fathom it, and neither can we! But don’t you worry, he’s got a plan brewing to flip the script and make it happen. Cheers to changing the beverage game, one sober sip at a time! 

Deana Barnes is a beauty & wellness expert who shares her insight on achieving long term sobriety while facing the reality of racism and other hindrances on the Black and Sober IG, her blog, podcast and via her journal/workbook available on Amazon. She is passionate about keeping her community motivated about their wellness and focused on living a full and clear life every day. Share her podcast with family and friends in need of sober motivation.

Or grab her Being Black and Sober Workbook today. 

Sources and other resources of Black Cultural Inspiration & Leadership: 

sober curator newsletter
SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

follow the sober curator on facebook

Reply

or to participate.