2025 Black Creative Economy Summit: Stronger Together
The Black Creative Economy Summit (BCE), a gathering of Black and Brown creatives is back for a third year ready to amplify voices and prioritize collaboration in our community. This year we’re expanding our reach and bringing together tech creatives, entertainment executives, and economic development gurus—to explore how these sectors drive opportunities for artists. Yes… #StrongerTogether is the focus! BCE is designed to build partnerships and create space for meaningful connections.
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Event Agenda
June 19th
Think Tank Black- In Partnership with Newark Tech Week – An immersive Tech Town Hall addressing the barriers faced by Black innovators, driving actionable solutions for equity in the industry.
Power of Black Voices Panel Day – A morning of impactful panels featuring leading voices in Black arts, media, and business, culminating in a keynote address from an esteemed industry leader.
- Black Tech Business Spotlight– Featuring a leading Black tech entrepreneur who is breaking barriers in the industry.
- Panel 1: The Black Side of Broad Street
- A powerful panel highlighting two major cultural projects: the transformation of NSH and the revitalization of the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.
- Together, these developments are set to reshape the Lincoln Park Arts & Education District and redefine the southern gateway into downtown Newark. This conversation will explore how arts, culture, and community-driven planning can spark real change.
- Panel 2: The Business of Black Beauty
- From haircare to skincare, cosmetics to culture—Black beauty has always been the blueprint. But too often, our brilliance is ‘borrowed’ while our ownership lags behind. This conversation flips the script and brings together a powerhouse panel of trailblazers, brand architects, and behind-the-scenes decision-makers who are not just in the beauty business, they are the beauty business.
- Together, we’ll dive into the glow-up and the grind: navigating entrepreneurship, honoring cultural roots without compromise, and building Black-owned brands that don’t chase trends—they create them.
- Panel 3: Control the Frame…Ownership in Film & Production
- New Jersey’s film industry is booming, fueled by generous state tax incentives and a sharp rise in studio development and independent productions.
- As more major projects film across the state, a new question emerges: Who controls the frame—and the future—of filmmaking here? This panel brings together studio developers, producers, and film studio executives to explore the next phase of ownership in the film and entertainment industry.
- Keynote Speaker: Felicia Hatcher
- Black Ambition | Genius Jam Author | Top Requested Personal Transformation Speaker| White House Champion of Change Honoree | Featured in Forbes, INC,
- The Black Business Crawl
- Join us for the Black Business Crawl—a guided walk down Broad Street 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 Block Party!
June 20th
Classic Black Celebration & Concert – 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.
