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Category: Black Culture and Community Events

  • Atlanta’s 404 Day: Celebrating Culture & Community

    Atlanta’s iconic area code, 404, is more than just a number – it’s a symbol of the city’s rich culture and vibrant community. For years, April 4th has been an unofficial inside joke among locals, marked by scattered events and business specials. But in recent times, this day has blossomed into an intentional, city-wide celebration, thanks to a powerful alliance of Black-led brands and cultural architects.

    From Inside Joke to Weekend Extravaganza

    What started as a single day of acknowledgment has transformed into an entire weekend dedicated to celebrating Atlanta’s unique spirit. The 404 Collective, a powerhouse group including Tory Edwards and Bem Joiner of Atlanta Influences Everything, Brandon Butler of Butter.ATL, William “Bam” Sparks of the Trap Music Museum, and Jah Rawlings of Finish First, envisioned a movement to unify culture, commerce, and community. They successfully expanded 404 Day into a multi-day event series, making the most of the date falling on a Friday in 2025.

    A Weekend Packed with Events

    The 2026 404 Day Weekend kicked off with a bang, featuring a variety of events designed to engage and uplift. It began with a kickoff event on April 1st, followed by the Annual 404 Fund Scholarship Gala on April 2nd. This gala brought together over 350 influential figures – change makers, community leaders, and creatives – all focused on investing in the next generation through scholarships.

    The festivities continued with a ‘From 404 With Love’ rooftop party on April 3rd. Then, on the main event, April 4th, the city came alive! The day started with the Run Atlanta 404Day! 5K at Underground Atlanta, followed by an impressive parade featuring over 70 organizations, marching bands, and dance teams. The celebration culminated in a family-friendly block party at Underground Atlanta, complete with vendors, food trucks, and a health fair.

    Economic and Community Impact

    The impact of 404 Day Weekend extends far beyond just a fun celebration. According to Discover Atlanta, the event has been a significant boost to the local economy. Since 2020, over 100,000 participants have contributed to generating nearly $3 million for Atlanta. Furthermore, the scholarship gala has awarded over $250,000 to students and local businesses, fostering growth and opportunity.

    It’s very important for Black entrepreneurs and businesses like the 404 Collective to collaborate, work together, and collectively use our brilliance and expertise to create and build a better product and bigger impact. We are all passionate and dedicated to a common goal: to serve our city (404). — Jah Rawlings, CEO of Finish First

    This collaborative spirit is key to the success of 404 Day. The collective’s dedication to serving Atlanta is evident in every aspect of the weekend’s events. For those looking to support this ongoing mission, donations for the scholarship fund are accepted year-round on www.404weekend.com.

    What are your favorite ways to celebrate Atlanta’s unique culture? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • San Fernando Valley Barbershop Earns Landmark Status

    A piece of Los Angeles history is now officially protected! StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon, recognized as the oldest Black-owned business in the San Fernando Valley, has been granted landmark status by the city. This designation celebrates the shop’s enduring legacy and its deep roots in the Pacoima community.

    A Historic Designation for a Community Staple

    Opened in 1957 by Freddie and Ollie Carter, StylesVille has been a cornerstone of the San Fernando Valley for decades. The barbershop, located on Van Nuys Boulevard, was officially designated a historic cultural monument, ensuring its preservation and celebrating its rightful place in history. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, representing Pacoima, proudly announced the proclamation.

    “We are marking and permanently protecting Stylesville and documenting its rightful place in history as the oldest Black-owned business in the city of Los Angeles,” Rodriguez stated. “I’m incredibly proud to be here to help celebrate this moment with the entire family, and with our proud community that wants to continue to uplift these voices each and every day.”

    Generations of Service and Stories

    Nella Carter, the 75-year-old daughter of the founders, shared that the shop moved to its current location in 1977. Before becoming StylesVille, the building housed a jukebox joint called the Dew Drop Inn. The Carters transformed it into a beauty salon, later expanding next door to open the barbershop. Nella noted that only one other business from that era remains in the vicinity, highlighting StylesVille’s remarkable longevity.

    Today, Ollie Carter, alongside her grandson Gregory Faucett, who serves as head barber, continues to run the beloved establishment. Faucett shared the shop’s deep connection to the community, saying, “Everybody knows about StylesVille. We’ve been here too long. And it’s been a good thing; it has not been a bad thing. Everything about StylesVille is good.” He likened the untold stories within the shop’s walls to those shared with a therapist, emphasizing the trust and confidentiality it holds.

    StylesVille Barbershop’s landmark status is a testament to its rich history and community impact. What are your favorite local businesses that hold historical significance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Black Women Shine at NYC Comic Con 2025

    New York City’s Comic Con 2025 was a vibrant celebration of fandom, imagination, and incredible cosplay. Among the thousands of attendees bringing their favorite characters to life, Black women stood out, showcasing remarkable creativity, style, and a commanding presence. From intricate replicas to bold interpretations, their participation highlighted the growing and dynamic presence of Black women within the ‘Blerd’ (Black nerd) community.

    A Showcase of Creativity and Fandom

    The convention floor buzzed with energy as fans transformed into iconic characters. This year’s event featured everything from a towering 15-foot Galactus to intricate cosplays of characters like “Silent Hill” nurses, Starfire, and Bayonetta. Cassius editor Bernard Smalls was on the scene, capturing the impressive talent and dedication of Black cosplayers. According to Smalls, the number of Black women attending the convention “increases every year,” a testament to the expanding community and shared passion.

    The commitment to detail and craftsmanship displayed by these cosplayers was truly movie-worthy, demonstrating not only their love for the characters but also their impressive engineering and artistic skills. The event served as a powerful platform for self-expression and community building within the fandom.

    Leveling Up for the 20th Anniversary

    For those who missed out or want to plan ahead, mark your calendars! Next year, New York Comic Con will celebrate its 20th anniversary from October 8-11, 2026. The brand has promised an even bigger event with “bigger surprises, bigger celebrations, bigger programming—twenty years in the making.” This milestone is expected to draw even more fans and creators, further highlighting the diverse and passionate community.

    The consistent message from attendees and observers alike is that Black women consistently elevate any space they inhabit, and Comic Con 2025 was no exception. Their creativity, style, and ability to command attention were on full display, making a memorable impact on the convention.

    Were you at NYC Comic Con 2025? Share your favorite cosplay moments, especially those featuring Black women, in the comments below!

  • Rep. Crockett Responds to Stephen A. Smith’s Critique

    Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett is making it known that she heard Stephen A. Smith’s recent commentary criticizing her outspokenness against President Donald Trump. While she hasn’t directly addressed Smith by name, her response strategy speaks volumes: she’s amplifying the voices of other prominent Black women who are defending her and pushing back against the sports analyst’s remarks.

    Rallying Support from Fellow Leaders

    Smith’s comments, made on his Sirius XM show ‘Straight Shooter With Stephen A.,’ questioned Crockett’s effectiveness, asking if her continuous criticism of Trump was helping her district or merely serving as an “impediment.” This sparked pushback from colleagues, fans, and voters who rallied around the Congresswoman. Crockett responded by reposting commentary from figures like social justice activist Tamika Mallory, suggesting a pattern of Smith targeting Black women.

    Mallory’s post, which Crockett shared, stated, “Stephen A. Smith’s actions are intentional. At what point will you lead the charge to TURN HIM OFF?!” This collective response frames Smith’s critique not as a difference of opinion, but as an intentional act against outspoken Black women in the public sphere.

    Critiques of Smith’s Commentary

    The pushback against Smith extended to other prominent voices. On the ‘Native Land Pod,’ hosts Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, and Tiffany Cross claimed Smith exhibits “little d*** energy” when criticizing Black women and suggested he needs to address his “Black woman issues,” even linking it to self-hate. Guest host Bakari Sellers noted that Smith rarely praises Black women in his commentary.

    Rapper Willie D also weighed in, reposting commentary that called Smith’s shots at Crockett “messy” and “weak.” He argued that Smith, with his significant platform, should be uplifting Black women like Crockett who are “out here putting in real work,” rather than tearing them down. This sentiment was also echoed by Crockett, who reposted Willie D’s comments with a praying hands emoji.

    Broader Context and Pushback

    Smith has faced criticism from various corners, not only for his political commentary but also for perceived “advice” given to athletes. Notably, Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, schooled Smith on staying in his lane regarding advice, drawing parallels to building billion-dollar companies versus giving unsolicited opinions. This context suggests a pattern of Smith engaging in commentary that draws significant backlash.

    Rep. Crockett’s strategy of reposting and amplifying the support she’s receiving highlights her solidarity with other Black women leaders and commentators who feel Smith’s critiques are misplaced and potentially harmful. Her silence on directly addressing Smith, coupled with the reposts, effectively communicates her stance and the broader message that she stands with those defending her approach.

    What are your thoughts on Stephen A. Smith’s critique of Rep. Jasmine Crockett? Do you agree with the pushback from other Black women leaders? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • David Banner to Speak at BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit

    Get ready, Orlando! The BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men is gearing up to be an impactful event, and they’ve just announced a powerful addition to their speaker lineup. Atlanta-based recording artist, entrepreneur, and activist David Banner is set to take the stage, promising to bring his signature blend of realness and direct communication to the conference.

    Banner’s Unapologetic Voice Comes to XCEL

    Known for his outspoken nature and unapologetic views on everything from politics and the hip-hop community to social issues, David Banner is no stranger to sparking conversation. His straightforward approach and willingness to share his opinions make him a fitting voice for an event focused on elevating and empowering Black men.

    Banner recently shared a glimpse into his business philosophy during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay.’ He revealed a principle he lives by: ‘I don’t do business with men who cheat on their wives.’ This kind of principled stance, delivered with his characteristic directness, is exactly what attendees can expect at the summit.

    A Summit Dedicated to Elevating Black Men

    The XCEL Summit for Men, scheduled for October 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, is described as the nation’s premier conference for Black men. Its mission is to celebrate excellence and provide attendees with the essential tools needed to thrive at all levels of leadership, from entry-level positions to the C-suite.

    Banner joins an impressive roster of esteemed speakers, including Ed Gordon, Dr. Philippe Douyon, Tim Cooper, Alfred Edmond Jr., and Earl G. Graves Jr. The summit will also feature XCEL honorees such as John Hope Bryant, Larry Fitzgerald, Dr. George Fraser, Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, Troy Taylor, and Robert F. Smith, all recognized for their significant achievements.

    Celebrating Excellence and Empowering Talent

    The XCEL Awards, a key component of the summit, will shine a light on top Black men excelling across various fields, including business, technology, sports, and the arts. The overarching goal is to underscore the value and necessity of Black men as a talent pool crucial for the success of companies, industries, communities, and the nation as a whole.

    Are you planning to attend the XCEL Summit for Men? What are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!