Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, which coincides with The New York Public Library, kicks off their 5th annual Black Comic Book Festival in 2017. This New York City comic book festival which is held mark the it’s first time having it available for two days instead on just one.
The big change that sparked the additional day was last year’s record attendance of 7000 attendees. Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival celebrates the rich tradition of black comic creations featuring panel discussions, film screenings, cosplay, and exhibit tables with premiere black comic creators from across the country.
The annual Black Comic Fest can marked as New York’s Mecca and home for many Blerds (black nerds) in the city. It is always refreshing to see African Americans be showcased that we too are apart of Geek Culture and have always been as pioneers.
One of the founders of the festival, Deirdre Hollman, Director of Education and Exhibitions at the Schomburg, shared why the festival was created and how comic books help improve literacy in the community. “We decided to build the Black Comic Book Festival focusing on amplifying the voices of independent creators to convene the community around their art and efforts, and to feed an alternative market for culture and literacy,”
He continued to state how rounding up
“I believe the biggest influence has been fostering a space for creative community exchange by connecting a plethora of creators, storytellers, artists, and bookmakers with an intergenerational audience of readers. Creating this space at the Schomburg, in the heart of Harlem, where the community trusts the mission of promoting black history and culture, adds to the uniqueness of this event – it is by, of and for the people.”
The festival will take place January 14 to the 15th from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. located at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – 515 Malcolm X Blvd New York, NY 10037.
so tips would be to arrive early before the crowds
As always the event is free of charge but will have options to donate to the now national landmark, Schomburg Center. To be apart of the two day event be sure to visit here for full details.
I can’t wait to make my way to my first time at this historic and melanin embraced geek bonanza be sure to check in for GEEK GAME TYTE coverage on what’s DOPE !