This one is for all the digital creatives out there! The third annual Black Web Fest occurred last weekend beginning at Dumbo Loft in Brooklyn and ending at The National Black Theatre in Harlem. What set this festival apart was not only the thought provoking panel discussions–we finally understand block chain!–but the targeted focus on bettering black creatives holding tight to the entrepreneurial roller coaster ride.
This year Black Web Fest creator Victoria Coker shone a light on a pretty heavy topic in the black community: prioritizing our own health and wellness. Day 1 included a film screenings, a free health and wellness exhibit, and panels featuring counselors, yoga instructors and other black owned brands catering to black fitness and health.
Day 2 of the festival provided an informative conversation on innovative tactics to expand access to media, branding and design, as well as collaborating across art forms the right way. Panelist Vincent Brathwaite discussed the importance of digital brand design, in the ever changing race that is social media. Is your website more distracting that functional? Is your social media brand polished but unrepresentative of you as a person?
*pause and thinks*
And most importantly, how are we creating new ways to control distribution of our content? Sounds complicated (and it kind of is) but Founder of Coin Gamma Fritz Charles lead a discussion that helped break it down for the lames in the room (me):
While the festival is only in its third year, it’s becoming a staple amongst veteran and newbie black creatives alike. Along with the tremendous opportunity for networking with other like minded game changers, Black Web Fest provided a safe space for all of us just trying to figure it out while keeping our passions first. We’re excited to see where the festival goes next year! Check our IG story for our event recap!
