Paul Bashea Williams
Paul Bashea Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), author, and one of the most sought-after voices in Black marriage enrichment. With years of clinical experience working with couples navigating intimacy, communication, and long-term partnership, Paul brings both professional expertise and personal authenticity to every room he enters.
His work sits at the intersection of mental health and marriage — helping couples move beyond surface-level connection into genuine vulnerability, restored intimacy, and deeper partnership. Paul is not a keynote you listen to. He is a facilitator you experience.
His presence at the Thrive in Love Retreat is not incidental — he is a co-architect of the programming. In Barbados, Paul leads the all-couples session "You're reacting to something I didn't even say" — Managing Triggers Before They Manage Your Marriage, and a men's breakout session, "I'm good." — The Hidden Cost of Carrying Everything Alone. Two different rooms. Both necessary.
Most conflict in marriage isn't about what just happened — it's about what happened years ago. In this session Paul walks couples through the neuroscience and emotional history behind triggers, and gives them practical tools to interrupt the pattern before it hijacks the moment. Expect honesty, humor, and a room that feels seen.
A separate session for the men. No partners in the room. Paul creates space for the conversations that don't usually happen — about weight, about silence, about what it costs to always be the one who's fine.
Nai Shobowale
In 2020, Nai started Black Marriage Club (BMC), which has pioneered significant strides in uniting and supporting couples across nations. Under her visionary leadership, BMC has grown into a thriving hub, boasting eight vibrant chapters, twelve regional areas, and a digital presence that captivates over 400,000 people across various platforms.
Nai's innovative approach to fostering community includes comprehensive coaching, couples meetups, a marriage resource directory, and orchestrating the acclaimed international Thrive in Love Couples Retreat — now in its 5th year.
Beyond BMC, Shobowale is the founder of Hazel's Dream, Inc., a scholarship fund dedicated to children with incarcerated parents. Pivoting from her academic background in cybercrime and digital forensics, she has carved a niche where technology intersects with community building.
Nai's journey showcases her skillful ability to galvanize relationships through shared experiences and collective growth — a testament to how professional acumen can be repurposed to weave the social fabric of communities with threads of mentorship, support, and enduring unity.
As your social circles shift after marriage, how do you build and maintain friendships that actually support your relationship? Nai leads a candid, practical session on navigating friendship after the ring — and building the community your marriage deserves.
The lineup is being
curated with intention.
Speakers are added as they are secured. Every announcement is worth the wait. Check back — or join the list to be first to know.
Are you a voice that belongs in this room?
We welcome thought leaders, therapists, relationship coaches, and experts who serve intentional couples. Reach out to be considered for a future event.
admin@blackmarriageclub.comDon't just hear them.
Be in the room.
These conversations happen once. Barbados, July 2027. Reserve your spot before rooms fill.
July 8–12, 2027 · Sandals Royal Barbados · Barbados
Reserve Your Room Now