New York’s 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival
Drey and I attended the 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival hosted by the Schomburg Center for Black Culture. The Schomburg Center for Black Culture is a space that curates, documents, and creates a setting for conversations surrounding the advancement of Black Culture. For events such as this, There are no better places culturally than in Harlem.
There were around 40 different vendors spread out throughout four areas (LANGSTON HUGES LOBBY, MAIN EXHIBITION HALL, AMERICAN NEGRO THEATER and MEDIA GALLERY). Ranging from Mangaka, Apparel Makers, and booksellers. Some local favorites like Gigi Murakami and AJ Ampadu (Earth Tone Kingdom and Otaku Noir and other familiar faces.
Thoughts on Black Comic Book Festival
One of the things I love about being in spaces like these is the camaraderie. It is the opportunity to mingle with all sorts of fans. Ranging from the historian to the casual reader. And you get to soak it all in. Spaces like these are slightly more intimate than bigger comic book and nerd theme events.
Allowing for more opportunities to have candid convos with the likes of Alitha Martinez and in the same breath meet a creator whom she has inspired. In a family-friendly atmosphere surrounded by people who walk and talk like you.
There is also something really special about being surrounded by Black History. While being a part of historical moments yourself. These creators are tastemakers and seeing them chase down their dreams fills my heart. It’s motivation and hopefully exactly what you need to chase down your goals.
Let’s talk about the Panels!
While at SchomCon we attended the Say it Proud: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Comics Panel. Hosted by TJ Sterling. Featuring guest panelists Michael Lamar Simeon (BlackGayComicGeek), Greg A. Elysee, Jenn, Jason Michael Primrose, and Riley Wilson. Participate in the Black Comic Trivia Challenge. Ya girl’s score was surprisingly not too shabby. I missed a few freebies but as far as comics go. I’m still pretty new in my nerdom but we live and learn. A few of the other panels Quite a few of the panels were live-streamed. So for those of you who are interested in any of the programming. I’ve post the links below.
Graphic Histories and Comics in the Classroom
How to Draw Black Superheroes & Comics with Tim Fielder IYANU: Weaving West African Wonder into Animation Free Writing: Finding Liberation Through Literature
She’s Out There Screaming: Women and the New Golden Age of Black Horror
Something that has become a tradition over the last few years. Is actively supporting independent comic arts or retailers at events such as these. This time around, I picked up a limited edition copy of Kimi Kosmic. Also graphic novel/ Omnibus version of issues 1 through five from Earthtone Kingdom. Drey picked up a novel YUMMY: The Last Days of Southside Shorty from another vendor.
All in all, the Black Comic Book Festival was a nice little vibe. Got a chance to see some cosplay, talk about things that I love, and see some familiar faces. Left this event re-energized. Hope to see you there next year!
Thank you for your support. If you would like to show love in other ways, here is how.
