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.
- 00Days
- 00Hours
- 00Minutes
- 00Seconds
Event Agenda
Day 1 – June 18th
“Invest in the Next” will kick off the 2025 Black Creative Economy Summit with a building-wide takeover designed to open the perspective on career paths for the next generation. High school juniors will have the opportunity to engage in intimate, hands-on sessions with industry professionals, exploring career paths in entertainment, film production assistance in lighting and sound to the business side of the industry, including budgeting, marketing, and distribution.
Fine Art Reception – TBA
Day 2 – June 19th
Day of Black Voices: Spotlighting leaders in Black arts, media, and business, concluding with Keynote speaker Felicia Hatcher (Black Ambition, Genius Jam).
Featured Panels:
- A Call to Action: Preserving Our Legacy: Revitalizing Newark’s Lincoln Park through arts and culture.
- The Business of Black Beauty: Celebrating and reclaiming ownership in the Black beauty industry.
- Control the Frame: Exploring Black ownership in NJ’s growing film and production scene.
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.
Featured Panels: TBA
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!
Day 3 – June 20th
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.
