Chicago has always been known as an epicenter for Black creativity and business + we can’t wait to talk about what’s next for the Windy City.
Join us Tuesday, July 13th at 7pm CST for our #blkcreatives Twitter chat on “Building The Future: Black Business in Chicago” in partnership with Square and The Culture LP.
Square believes in a more inclusive future, and that Black businesses are not only crucial for that goal, they are also helping to pave the path. So, we’re working together to shine a light on some Black Chicago entrepreneurs who are working towards that future, and paying tribute to the importance and influence of Black entrepreneurs all over the country.
Our chats are digital conversations with some of the sharpest, smartest, and compassionate Black creatives on Twitter all with the goal of bettering ourselves and our communities.
Here are our special guests for the night:
The TRiiBE – Taking over our Twitter account as host for the night, The TRiiBE is an award winning digital media platform that is reshaping the narrative of Black Chicago and giving ownership back to the people created by Tiffany Walden And Morgan Elise Johnson. Their original works in journalism and documentary, alongside creative writing and video, capture the multifaceted essence of the Black experience in pursuit of truth and liberation. https://thetriibe.com/
Dometi Pongo {pronounced dō-muh-TEE} is the host of the hit MTV series True Life Crime and multiple MTV News video franchises including its flagship digital program, “Need to Know,” which provides award-winning analysis of trending news stories.
In addition to hosting after shows and red carpet activations for ViacomCBS’s tentpole events like the Video Music Awards, the Grammys, and MTV Movie & TV Awards, Dometi regularly joins senior leadership in moderating internal, company-wide discussions on equity in ViacomCBS’s “Courageous Conversations” series led by MTV Entertainment Group President Chris McCarthy. Dometi’s illuminating commentary on everything from entertainment news to politics and social justice can be heard in his roles as a contributor for ET Live, the Smithsonian Channel, and Sirius XM’s Karen Hunter Show. https://www.dometi.net/
Lisa Beasley is a creative director, comedian, and actor, known for her scene stealing work on Diallo Riddle’s South Side (2019), 3Peat (2019) and 3Peat Presents: The Blackening (2018), and her viral Margaret Thatcher impressions. Lisa was also the first Black woman at Second City (Chicago’s historic and the world’s premier comedy club, comedy theater, and school of improvisation) to perform on a resident stage throughout her entire pregnancy. lisabeasley.com
Adrian Octavius Walker is a mixed media artist/photographer who curates experiences based around art and speaking engagements IRL as well as online. He is a brand strategist and creative leader that can develop successful campaigns and programs that address challenging problems. He’s the most passionate about setting up individuals for success and driving cultural awareness where it’s due and he’s also a Senior Art Director at Getty Images. http://www.adrianowalker.com
Danielle Mullen of Semicolon open Semicolon in 2019 – Chicago’s only black-woman owned Bookstore & Gallery. Created, owned, and curated by an art and literature lover, Semicolon Bookstore merges literacy and community into an impactful experience for Chicago’s readers. https://semicolonbooks.square.site/
Black people are the heart and soul of this city — and of America. These Black-owned businesses like the one’s featured in Square’s ‘The Future Is Built’ campaign are making Chicago’s future bolder, brighter, and more beautiful for all. Learn more about it here and support the Black business ecosystem in Chicago.
This is the energy that we’re nurturing this month and we hope you can join us on Twitter!
First time joining our Twitter chat or need reminders on how a Twitter chat works? Check out our guide here.