Black Creative Economy Summit

June 19: Day of Black Voices Panels & Programs: Spotlighting leaders in Black arts, media, and business, concluding with Keynote speaker Felicia Hatcher (Black Ambition, Genius Jam). Ticket Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36902/production/1236078 Think Tank Black- In Partnership with Newark Tech Week: an immersive and solutions-driven Tech Town Hall designed to amplify the voices of Black innovators, founders, and technologists. This groundbreaking experience will use technology driven activations to engage participants in real-time discussions, data collection, and ideation, culminating in an end document outlining the tangible needs of Black tech startups on Juneteenth. Panel Discussions: A Call to Action: Preserving Our Legacy: Revitalizing Newark’s Lincoln Park through arts and culture. Featured Panelists: Talia L. Young, Anthony Smith Control the Frame: Exploring Black ownership in NJ’s growing film and production scene. Featured Panelists: Nefertite Nguvu, John H. Wayman, Elizabeth Parchment Keynote, Felecia Hatcher: Black Ambition | Genius Jam Author | Top Requested Personal Transformation Speaker | White House Champion of Change Honoree | Featured in Forbes, INC. The Business of Black Beauty: Celebrating and reclaiming ownership in the Black beauty industry. Featured Panelists: Keyaira Boone, Felicia Walker, Kim Barker, Dr. Joni Jefferson Black Business Crawl: Join us for the Black Business Crawl—a guided walk down Broad Street & Halsey St celebrating Newark’s diverse Black-owned businesses. At each stop, guests will enjoy a featured beverage from a Black-owned liquor brand. The experience concludes on Halsey Street with a lively Juneteenth Party! NEW PROGRAM: BCE Investment Grant The Newark Symphony Hall is excited to announce our first BCE Investment Grant— an initiative that impacts more than just one business but strengthens an entire ecosystem by creating intentionality and alignment within the creative economy. On June 19, 2025, five high-potential businesses—each operating for 2 to 5 years— will pitch their visionary projects to a panel of industry leaders. Each selected business will have the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant, covering up to 50% of their proposed creative initiative. Through this grant, we’re not only funding projects, but we’re also fostering sustainability, collaboration, and innovation within the broader Black and Brown creative economy. Application Link- Black Creative Economy Investment Grant June 20: Classic Black: Featuring Revive Big Band & Lalah Hathaway, the week culminates with a soulful performance by the world-renowned Revive Big Band and Lalah Hathaway. This all black attire experience featuring the all-star ensemble boasts a musical catalog that touches every part of the African diaspora – curating an entertainment experience just as diverse and unique as the black creative economy. Ticket Link: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36902/production/1238206