Tribeca Film Festival, Black Art is Forever, Kenya Barris and Black Tag
Tribeca Film Festival, Black Art is Forever, Kenya Barris and Black Tag
Closing out the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, last night Johnnie Walker, Blacktag, the first-of-its-kind global platform for Black creators, and powerhouse writer and producer Kenya Barris, joined forces to host Black Art is Forever – an epic party uplifting, supporting and recognizing Black creators for their contributions to culture.
The latest initiative under Johnnie Walker’s newly-established First Strides program, Black Art is Forever recognized and honored the first five recipients of the First Strides Studio Creator Grant Program – an ongoing grant under First Strides in partnership with Blacktag, offering mentorship by Barris – and announced Johnnie Walker’s commitment to continue supporting diverse creators through a new round of grant funding and mentorship. The five grant recipients – Chidozie Ekwensi, Amanda Gordon, Skylar Rochon, Lachelle Watson, and Juan Wood II – will develop and produce their next project alongside the Blacktag team with Kenya Barris, which will be released on the Blacktag app later this year.
The event was filled with a display of black excellence, great cocktails (curtesy of Johnnie Walker) and endless hors d’oeuvres. As soon as you entered the space, there were large screens displayed on the ceiling, showcasing black talent from the past. There were also glass quotes on the walls that spoke of storytelling and what artistry can look like. A photobooth was also available in order to capture beautiful moment.
Later in the night, the MC of the night, Ms. Jamila Mustafa took the stage and invited the audience into the celebration. Mr. Barris also spoke and took time to honor the Netflix documentary “Civil” along with Johnnie Walker and Blacktag’s grant program. The night continued with amazing performances by recording artists Gogo Morrow, Coi Leray and 6lack. To say the event was great would be an understatement.
