The Problem
The people of Savannah do not have a centric hub that promotes diverse collaboration, interconnection, and experiences that help them thrive personally, professionally, or socially.
The Mission
The Culturist Union's mission is to be the quintessential epicenter for all things community. We aim to provide an inclusive and innovative safe space that unites a union of diverse people who are eager to be their best selves, live authentically, and thrive.
The Culturist Union’s mantra “Take Up Space” is a rallying cry for the marginalized person to make their presence known in the world by creating a space of their own both figuratively and literally through professional expansion and personal growth.
The Solution
A local coffeehouse & marketplace
The Culturist Union is a multifunctional coffeehouse, community gathering spot, marketplace and business incubator centered around the artistic and social empowerment of Black creatives, entrepreneurs and professionals. The coffeehouse features a minimal menu of local, fair-trade coffee and tea and locally sourced pastries while serving as a cultured space for hosting events, retail goods marketplace, used bookstore and private space rental.
The Culturist Union is still centered around the social, professional, and economic empowerment of Black artisans and will continue to be an incubator for the community through our events, discussions, and wellness programs.
What We Offer
Our Space
- Cafe that serves a fair-trade fair-trade coffee/tea and locally sourced pastries
- Open Lux seating for social distancing
- Marketplace where members can sell their product to the local community
- Membership services designed to empower you to be a boss
- Unique and empowering workshops, programming, and events across a variety of topics all meant to uplift, support, and broaden our members’ experience.
History behind the name:
The Culturist Union
A’LELIA BUNDLES/MADAM WALKER FAMILY ARCHIVES/COURTESY THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Culturist Union is coined after the esteemed Sarah Breedlove also known as Madam C.J. Walker’s Beauty Culturist League. Madam C.J. Walker became the first woman millionaire in America by creating and selling a successful line of hair care products. In 1917, Walker hosted her first Annual Convention called ‘The Madam C. J. Walker Hair Culturists Union of America’. She advocated for these women entrepreneurs to use their influence and financial independence to affect social and political change.
In Madam C.J. Walker’s community building spirit, The Culturist Union aspires to create a safe space where people of all merits can come together to create, cultivate, and collaborate with one another.
Our Past Events
Why TCU Needs Your Contribution
The Culturist Union is a growing hub for social connection and economic empowerment in the epicenter of southern culture: Savannah, Ga.
We have a heart for building a safe space for marginalized folx to be seen, heard, and celebrated. We are deeply committed to our community and know that when you invest in Black people’s well-being, EVERYONE benefits.
Our coffeehouse will be a haven for culture, care, celebration, and well-being. We believe in the power of community! By tapping into the hearts and minds of like-minded folx, together, we can ignite a chain of positive change for our world.
All funds raised through iFundwomen will be used to build out our coffeehouse space, hire employees, and create an epic-center for us all.
Meet our founder
A proud alumna of Howard University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, Elbi Elm discovered her passion for managing creative spaces, using self-expression as a change agent, and community-building. Elbi founded The Culturist Union to equip creators with the necessary support, awareness, and confidence to improve their craft and their community.
She brings over 15 years of leadership to the table, including nine years in the U.S. Air Force. She’s served as the diversity marketing advisor and board member for several nonprofits, and publicly speaks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Completing the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute fellowship positioned her as a strong advocate for creating positive policy change for Georgia’s women and girls. Elbi won best pitch of Savannah SCORE’s 2019 BizPitch competition, was selected for the American Express “100 for 100” program, and has been featured in several local and national publications.
