Meetup Groups Are Where It’s At: Atlanta’s ONYX Boast 10 Marriages and Counting!

 Leona_LoveQuest

 I am sorry about Leona-LoveQuest. Marcella has needed to scale back some due to personal issues but she IS revamping and trying to decide what direction she wants to take going forward. I also want to ask you if you travel to Atlanta frequntly? We DO accept out of state members but they must either visit Atlanta frequently or commit to attending at least 2 ONYX events a year. They must also be active on our group discussion board. If you meet those requirements, I a approve your memership so you can "check us out" :) Let me know! Would love to have you as a member. 

 SonyaMenssen I don't travel to Atlanta frequently. I just settled in Baltimore last year and I work mostly in the DC area. I lived in Valdosta, GA for four years, but I didn't meet anyone until I decided to quit that job and move to Virginia.

I'll have to do some research for matchmaking services in my area once I'm in a more stable position financially. I know I can't afford Paul Carrick Brunson's fee now that he's friends with Oprah. LOL!  Lovetown, USA is also in GA. Maybe I should reconsider moving back!

 GoneInternational

 Hi GoneInternational:) The age range is 35 to 57. Our "youngest" couple is 35 and 37 respectively and our "mature" couple is 48 and 57 respectively:)

 swirlypirouette

 Swirlypirouette, I'm so glad you enjoyed the event! Which event did you attend? Please make sure you find me at the Carnival Pool Party on 8/25 if you're going. Would love to meet you:) Happy Swirling Lady of ONYX:)

 SonyaMenssen  I went to last year's pool party (whew, what an amazing 1st event to attend). I went to Shout on Friday. I am on the fence about Saturday's event, I'm in the military reserves and that is my drill weekend. I am so bummed. I have to get up at 5am Sunday.

 swirlypirouette

 NOW I know EXACTLY who you are! LOL! JR called me Saturday to give me an overview of the Shout event and your name WAS mentioned more than a few times:) Judging by the pictures, I can tell you guys had a GREAT time! I hope you can make it to this years Pool Party. That's always our "end of Summer blowout" event and it  IS a "Carnival" theme. This year we've opened it up to other dating/singles groups (IR and non IR) plus advertised it pubilcly. We have over 100 confirmed RSVP's so try and make it if you can. I would hate for you to miss out on the fun but don't get in trouble lol! If you can attend please make sure we meet before the end of the night. Most of the time we are greeting everyone so I'll be easy to find. Just look for the tallest couple around:) Jason is 6'5 and I'm 6 foot even so we're pretty easy to spot.

 SonyaMenssen I hope I can make it! I will try really hard because I know it will be a GOOD TIME! I will be sure to say hello!  

 PaigeinPhilly

 To quote a familiar phrase "Aint that the TRUTH" lol! What is even more sad is that we have women who think it's "wrong" that other BW date men outside of their race. These are the women who will willingly "share" a Black man or date/marry a "down low" Black man when their "gaydar" is pinging off the charts! I want to ask them "Is your self esteem so low that you are willing to settle for THAT instead of having a man that is all YOURS, straight/hetero and desires to have a healthy, loving, monogamous marriage/relationship just because he is of a different race or comes from a different culture?" What message does that send to our daughters and younger BW? It is sad that so many BW do not recognize their self worth and KNOW that they deserve the BEST no matter what. That's one message I am determined to get across to my fellow "sisters" no matter what:) 

 MayaM Agreed.

These ladies here are doing just that.  More Weddings!!!

http://www.blackfemaleinterracialmarriage.com/

 Leona_LoveQuest  o/ <3

 Leona_LoveQuest Let us know how that goes!! :)

 friendswmimi You know I will! I'm needing some new material to write about anyway!

 Leona_LoveQuest Hey, there's actually a Baltimore IR group on meetup. But sadly, it's closing down. I'm  not sure why. I've never been to any of the meetups because the group is mostly women and most of the few men that did attend were overweight or not in my age group. Maybe you could try to bring it back and diversify the group? (if you have time). Just a suggestion. Or if any Baltimore IR person here wants to save the group, I think the position is still open.

 Mel_woman I know there was one in DC. I went to the first one, but it was difficult to get there during the rest of their events. I found the same situation, mostly women and unattractive men in the wrong age group. I don't know how ONYX  attracts their guys, but all the Meetups I've been to, for IRR or not, the women way outnumber the men, and the men are generally un-dateable.

I got off because I couldn't make any of the meet-ups! grrrr...Imma do better lol

 Christelyn

 LOL! Thanks Christelyn. Just to clarify; the group DID start in 2010 but we had our 1st marriage in December 2011

 SonyaMenssen  Christelyn  I have a question that is a little off the subject.

I took a look at your website which as you know is wonderful.

My question is this would Onyx be something that you would think of franchising to other cities? I can think of a lot of cities much like Atlanta that would be great places to set up shop.

 Brenda55  Christelyn

 Hi Brenda! Thank you! And that is actually something Marcella and I have been discussing for a while now. The only issue is bringing together the right mix of people who have the right attitude. I'll give fair warning to all: It is NOT easy! Most people who join think that we have their mate "in the stock room" ready for them at a moment's notice lol! We had a lot of issues we had to deal with but seeing where we are now, it was well worth it:) If you'd like, we can definitely talk about it and will assist you (and others) with starting your own group or becoming a "sister" ONYX group. Please send me a friend request on Facebook (Sonya N. Menssen) so we can exchange email addresses and messages. Looking foward to speaking with you and helping out:) Thanks again!

 Christelyn

 Christelyn, don't kill me but I was in error and gave the wrong month. Our first ENGAGEMENT was in Dec 2010. Our first WEDDING was in JANUARY 2011, not December. All other information is correct! I sincerely apologize for my error!

 Christelyn Hurray!! Love it!

 SonyaMenssen Those group stats are a-freaking-mazing!! And boy, you sure do know how to make a gal feel welcome!

All, I just want to clarify something. Ming and Shane did not meet through ONYX. Shane was a member and an Assistant Organizer of ONYX when he joined Ming's meetup group, ColorBlind International. While Shane WAS a member/Assistant Organizer with ONYX, Ming was not and had her own meetup group, Color Blind International which is how they met. ONYX counts this wedding on behalf of Shane, not Ming but we love them both and wish them every happiness in their marriage:).

 R. Kamaria Wait...you've got a rainbeau?? Why wasn't I notified? lol

Christelyn

 lol. I don't talk alot about it. We're still friends. Getting to know one another and having fun. I met his parents the other day. Kinda interesting. His dad was impressed by my veggie tacos and was very nice. I actually briefly met his dad before for about 2 minutes. Anyway, his mom, didn't seem so open. I guess because I'm a shiksa. They're Jewish. But I'll charm them! He hasn't asked me to be monogamous so I'm still dating other people. But I really like him. In fact, I'd totally say yes, if he wanted to be in a one-on-one relationship - and we haven't even had sex yet. 

 R. Kamaria Yay! Congrats!

 R. Kamaria Oh, how exciting!  Congratulations! 

 R. Kamaria  Congrats!! and do tell about your veggie tacos

R. KamariaChristelyn

Congrats!

Wow the dating culture in America is so different from what I've used to. When ppl go out in my culture (and husbands) you're monogamous from the first date until you don't see each other any more. No need for words.

Pro-tip for girls who wants to date a Scandinavian man.

I take it he's seeing other girls as well?

 LionMama Yes. In America, we are encouraged to "duty" date - date several men until one asks for a commitment. I don't know why it's that way. It's silly. But it keeps you from spending all your time and energy on one person. I assume he goes on dates with other women. But he never talks about it. I told him about a date I went on a few weeks ago. But he hasn't mentioned another woman. But that doesn't mean he's not casually dating. Since we're not sexually active, then it probably isn't that big a deal. 

 blackpanthershay They are soooo yummy. I use Morningstar Farms veggie crumbles and saute onions and green and red peppers. I also use taco seasoning. I use the white corn taco shells and quesadilla cheese. Tasty!

 R. Kamaria  blackpanthershay That sounds DELICIOUS!

 R. Kamaria Yes I guess so.. but it also limits how much you get to know a person. I, myself likes to examin a man from all angles and be really focused on him to make sure he's right. But then again I don't trust easily. I think I would have a lot of trust issues with a man who dated several woman at the same time. like.. why is he not focused on ME. Acctually I would get very hurt.

If you don't mind me asking.. Do these 'casual' dates become sexual?  In general with the women in America? I've read that many do it on the first date in America (And here in scandinvia, not me though) so if a woman have several dudes at a time.. No I think I'm to conservative for that lol.

It's a bit weird with me seeing how I waited 6 month, veting the man, his family and finding out if he really liked me.