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If you are at Cannes. Step out to this one. Get outside of your where you think you should be. Hear from leaders how Culture Drives Brands. Know who to go to in the Culture. #BlackCultureLeaders #Authenticity #Knowyourconsumer

To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we spoke with Sam White, director of Romeo and Juliet, about her experience in theatre, her sources of inspiration and the continued dialogue theatre must have to ensure diversity in the industry continues to grow. ✨ What inspires you creatively when making theatre? I'm not really interested in perfection as much as I am interested in work that is authentic and impactful. If you prepare and rehearse and show up, a show will be good. I'm more interested in how theatre makes people feel: from what they see to what they hear to what resonates in their heart space. I'm inspired by what hasn't been done more than what has been done before. I'm also inspired by new ways of doing things. The pandemic cleared my creative palate in many ways for new ideas, new energy, new techniques—new, new, new—while also honouring the past. I'm inspired by the idea of finding the balance between the two. ✨ As a Black artist working in theatre, what do you think of the current state of the industry/audience experience and how would you like to see it evolve? It's okay. I'll give it a strong C-. It's better than the D+ pre-pandemic. But I still don't see enough Black directors working at a high-level. And it would be awesome to see more Black artists and melanized people behind-the-scenes. I think the conversations have become whispers since 2020. But I am happy to continue shouting from the rooftops: More, more, more! ✨ Why is Black History Month important to celebrate within the community at large? It's important to remind people about the contributions Black folx have made to our collective history in North America. From infrastructure to creative spaces, we have made history and we're still here. A dedicated month is a cool way to continue to acknowledge what was and is. 📸: Ted Belton.

For decades, Black visionaries have been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape — often unnoticed. In this conversation with Rep Matters, Collide Capital founders examine their unique journeys of storytelling and community building that have helped bring these contributions to light. Watch the full video here [ https://buff.ly/3OiDMbq ] Aaron Samuels sheds light on the origins of BLAVITY and AFROTECH and the transformative impact of narratives, underlining its role in building powerful communities. Brian Hollins delves into the genesis of BLCK VC, stressing the significance of diverse voices in investment decisions. Through these very communities, the Collide Capital duo emerged with a vision to bridge gaps in funding and foster a shift in community and representation in venture capital. “…at the intersection of all the different things we had built, we felt there was a unique arbitrage for us to start to deploy capital into those ecosystems.” Dive into the conversation as we explore these pillars of change: 1️⃣ Nurture Black Talent 2️⃣ Shift Narratives 3️⃣ Build Communities 4️⃣ Provide Capital

Here are endless precious links to explore: Black History Month was created to draw attention. And many create ongoing ways to actively engage, expand and deepen awareness and connection that can transform a family, community, workspace, even a country. It can take 5 minutes a day, or no time at all; just by adjusting how we study, listen and engage. Deepening Diversity-From Our Voices serves as a simple & easy personal, group, family, community, business and school Study Circle Guide and playlist. For Black History Month... You can find everything from Black Made That (by Schoolhouse Rap), to Historic Black Excellence, Black Historians, to Educomedy, Historic terrors, Accomplishments, Academia, Black Silent Film, Excellence, Finance, Dance, Housing, Kids, School, General History, etc. Just click cntrl F on the Deepening Diversity page, and search for whatever subject you like. Hope your month, and your year, are enriching and full! https://lnkd.in/d6qKrex

🚀 Exciting News! BlackAT, in collaboration with Workbox, Eventnoire, and P33, is thrilled to announce an upcoming series of dynamic panel discussions on March 28th. We're diving deep into crucial topics—bridging the tech gap, empowering Black founders, and fostering Black creativity. 🌐✨ Our aim? Tackling disparities, exploring effective strategies, and catalyzing actionable change! Join us in illuminating challenges, spotlighting initiatives, and fostering collaborative efforts to create more inclusive and equitable ecosystems. 🌟 We cordially invite you to be a part of the discussion, focusing on three pivotal themes: 1. Bridging the Gap in Tech 🌐💡 2. Empowering Black Founders 💼🚀 3. Fostering Black Creativity 🎨✨ Your insights and expertise will contribute to an enriching dialogue that drives positive change. Let's come together to inspire, innovate, and create a more inclusive future for all participants. Save the date and join us for an engaging exchange of ideas! 🤝 Register here: https://lnkd.in/guigzt6k #InclusionInTech #BlackInnovation #EmpowerCreativity    

Malaika Collective is on fire this year, igniting a movement that's centered on elevating Black creatives and creators across the diaspora. ✊🏾 The overwhelming success of our event last Juneteenth and our sold-out workshop in January was just a warm-up. And it's clear from our 100% ticket sell out rates - our community is looking for more meaningful connections, more empowering workshops, more platforms and more third spaces where our voices can be heard and celebrated. The Malaika Co. team (myself, along with these incredibly talented Black women Ayala M., Jade A. Williams, Rochelle Brock) are gearing up for a series of community-focused events and initiatives that promise to knit us closer and broadcast our stories louder than ever before. But to transform these plans from dreams to reality, we're on the lookout for sponsors and partners who are about more than just talk. We're inviting allies who want to be part of a movement that's not just noticed but felt. Are you part of a company or organization that's itching to make an impact? Ready to put your support behind initiatives that not only nurture the growth of Black creators but also showcase the kind of tangible outcomes that make everyone sit up and take notice? We need you. Partnering with Malaika Collective means more than just support; it's about actively circulating dollars and resources back into the community. Our events don't just talk; they deliver. Last year, one of our local small business partners in Brooklyn witnessed a staggering 54% increase in sales post-event. And that's the kind of tangible, communal impact we're talking about. That's the kind of community-driven success you could be part of. That's the power of our community. That's the power of strategic partnership with Malaika Collective. To those holding the reins to Marketing and DEI budgets and looking for an authentic, impactful investment, consider this our rallying cry. Join us to help circulate resources, knowledge, and opportunities back into our creative community.

Need some ideas for celebrating and learning about Black History in a professional/corporate setting? I wrote this article that's for Inc. Magazine that might help: Celebrate Black History Month in Your Business https://lnkd.in/g4iRi6Rz #blackhistorymonth #blackownedbusiness #entrepreneur

What does "Reclaiming Narratives" mean to you? #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK The proverb, "Until the lion tells its story, the tale glorifies the hunter," perfectly encapsulates the essence of "Reclaiming Narratives" for me. It reminds us that history, perspectives, and cultural heritage are often told from the viewpoint of those who hold power. For far too long, Black stories have been told through the lens of others—sometimes distorting the truth, sometimes omitting the full picture. Reclaiming these narratives means that Black voices take their rightful place in every room where decisions are made, where stories are told, and where histories are written. It means shining a light on the unsung heroes and everyday individuals who have shaped our communities but have remained in the shadows. These voices need to be heard not just in niche spaces, but across mainstream platforms—especially in the fields of technology, leadership, and innovation. In a world increasingly defined by data and information, it's vital that Black individuals lead the charge in defining their own stories, leveraging technology and AI to amplify their voices and ensure their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. When we are in the right rooms, we can begin to undo the glorification of the "hunter" and finally hear the lion’s roar—loud, proud, and unfiltered.

✨ share this post with a contenting hottie who needs to hear it. 💅🏾✨ 6 creator insights you should know—as told by Black creatives 👇🏾 1️⃣“build, not hustle.” - Brandon Smithwrick 🧠 when growing a brand, it’s easy to think that you have to hustle and constantly go after what’s hot in your industry, which can confuse your audience. the reality is that working towards building a sustainable business ensures that you have longevity. 2️⃣ “understand your market.” - Imani Bashir knowing what resources you’ll need to grow your brand is one thing, but knowing how to go about getting those resources is another. before reaching out to investors or going after grants, have an understanding of how your brand can either stand out or solve a unique problem in your industry. 3️⃣ “the u.s. doesn’t have to dominate the conversation.” - Joy Ofodu often, when partnering with Black creators, brands tend to take a u.s.-centric lens and miss opportunities to collaborate with Black talent in other parts of the world. as you’re building out your campaigns, consider working with creators in africa, the caribbean, and beyond. 4️⃣ “hire Black people internally.” - Amber Kai brands who want to collaborate with Black creators sometimes miss the mark because they’re not privy to the cultural nuances of the Black experience. that can be avoided by hiring individuals internally who represent the communities you want to tap into. 5️⃣“your content is your digital legacy.” - Kheyra Horton the content we create online will live long after we’re gone. as you put your content out into the world, think about the impact your creativity can have and what it is that you want to do with it. 6️⃣ “innovation lies in being able to reinvent yourself.” - Kadeem Fletcher many creatives have a variety of passions and interests, and it's okay to lean into that. there’s something very powerful about being able to use your creativity to reinvent yourself, reimagine your world, and redefine what entrepreneurship looks like for you. #sponsored

It's about that feeling – knowing someone else gets it, has overcome the challenges you're facing, and can show you the way. Seeing someone who looks like you achieve success, making you believe you can too. In 2024, it's disheartening that this is still needed, but the beauty lies in coming together despite it all.⁠ ⁠ 'Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.'⁠ ⁠ Connecting with fellow Black professionals should feel like grabbing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with new friends. Sharing stories, creating opportunities, and overcoming challenges together. ⁠ ⁠ Because, in unity, there's strength, understanding, and the power to rewrite the narrative. Let's continue to come together, make a difference, and thrive despite the odds!⁠ Our Motto: “We have become the change we want to be” #NSBWEP #BlackWeddingProfessionals #BlackEventProfessionals #weddingassociation #eventassociation