CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman is working to bridge racial divisions during Women's History Month, one conversation at a time. 

What You Need To Know

  •  A Charlotte pastor is hosting an open discussion event for women during Women's History Month 

  •   She aims to reconcile women of different racial backgrounds 

  •  The pastor says it will be a safe space for women to share their experiences and mend relationships with other racial groups 

Paula Dannielle wears many hats, including being a mother, professional communicator and pastor/preacher. 

For 25 years, she's been devoting her time to projects and efforts that helped to strengthen the communities she serves. This includes founding LIS'N, a movement that encourages people to listen to what others want them to hear so they can grow closer with their neighbors. 

Dannielle is now creating a safe space for women of different backgrounds to come together and talk candidly about issues, including race. 

On Saturday, Dannielle is hosting the first annual "Dear Sister: There's something Black women want you to know" event.  

Dear Sister will consist of Black and white women leading discussions about subject matters Dannielle says have been known to divide them. 

She says the event will offer Black women the place they need to share their experiences with white women, and women of other backgrounds, so they understand what they're going through. 

"A safe space to listen so we can be better sisters together," Dannielle said. "Build sisterhoods over topics that have historically torn us apart, like 'why can't I touch your hair?' Or 'do Black women really have as hard of a time in professional spaces as other women?'"

Dannielle says many of the topics being discussed during the event came from a survey, where almost 100 Black women shared their life experiences, and things they wanted other racial groups to know.  

She says it was important to bring their feedback and concerns to a space like Dear Sister, where their voices can be heard. 

She says based on her own experiences, open and honest conversations can help to strengthen relationships among different races. 

For six years, Dannielle has been friends with Ali Jones. They've shared many ups and downs together. 

Dannielle and Jones now call themselves sisters. 

Dannielle says what makes their bond stronger is how Jones, a white woman, takes time to understand what she experiences as a Black woman.

"Jones did [her] own work, and we could evolve together," Dannielle said. "We both matter to each other and we matter in this work." 

"My eyes were opened a little bit more to racial injustices and wanting to step into cultural conversations," Jones said. 

Dannielle says it's important for her to use the platform she has to bring more women together, so they can heal and build healthy friendships like the one she has with Jones. 

During Dear Sister, Dannielle says the conversations will also explore ways both racial groups can build and strengthen trust together. She says the goal is for everyone to apply what they learn during Dear Sister to their day-to-day lives.

"I hope they continue learning. This isn't one day. It's not a one-stop shop. Maybe this will encourage Black women to keep talking because they'll know there are other sisters in this community who need to hear their voices. I'm so excited to have it at The Exchange Church, where the [pastors] lead a congregation that's committed to the work of the community," Dannielle said. 

'Dear Sister: There's something Black women want you to know' kicks off Saturday, at 9:30 a.m., inside The Exchange Church in Charlotte. Attendees are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the event.