Newark Symphony Hall Presents: The Black Creative Economy Summit
2024 SUMMIT OVERVIEW
Newark Symphony Hall’s flagship event is back for another year of impact. The Black Creative Economy (BCE) is an experiential vehicle that drives the conversation of equity and offers growth and investment opportunities for multi-discipline artists while celebrating the economic impact of New Jersey’s Black and Brown creatives.
As the largest Black Arts institution and venue, Newark Symphony Hall is committed to promoting and amplifying the power and impact of BCE. The BCE’s mission is to foster an environment that celebrates and uplifts Black creatives, shaping the future of industries through collaboration, innovation, and transformative partnerships.
With invaluable investment from our sponsors, impact investors, and art anchor institutions, we can collectively honor and empower Black creatives, paving the way for a future that redefines boundaries and unleashes the boundless potential of THE BLACK CREATIVE ECONOMY.
Summit’s 3-Day Agenda
June 24th Cocktails & Creativity
Host: Lauren Craig, Darryl Dwayne and Kitab Rollins
An exciting evening of culture hosted by Newark’s Anchoring Arts Institutions. Join us for live entertainment, supporting the iconic powerbrokers curating Newark’s art scene.
TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Newark Symphony Hall Alley
June 25th – Black Voices Panels
Host: Sylvia K. Alston, Momentum Risk Management, Managing Partner and CEO
Sylvia has over 23 years experience in risk management. She has worked for some of the largest national brokerage firms in the country to include; Hub International, Willis, Integro Insurance Brokerage and Risk Strategies Company in advisory and leadership roles and was formerly the Vice President, division manager and private client practice leader of Integro (Ventura) Insurance Brokerage, an entertainment specialty brokerage for over 10 years.
In March of 2023, she was the Women’s History Month speaker to over 300 students at Fox Business School discussing Risk Management for Temple University. Sylvia leads workshops and leadership trainings for entrepreneurship at NAAIA, Black Friday Agents Network, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and Business Impact Groups around the country. She is one of a few Black Owned and Woman Owned Insurance Brokerage Owners in the entire country. She co hosted and produced for a popular weekday evening drive show on Sirius XM UrbanView Channel 126 which focused on civic and social challenges in the African American community. Her popularity and success led to her hosting and executive producing a LIFESTYLE, LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP weekend show entitled NeXt Nation for 3 years on Sirius XM Urban View 126 and a popular podcast by the same name which can be found on Apple, Spotify and IHeart. She halted production in 2021 to devote her time to her family and her growing brokerage, consultancy and speaker opportunities.
Sylvia’s full bio can be found here: BIO FOR SKA
Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by United
EXPERIENCE: The United Networking Breakfast is designed to foster connections and start the day with one-on-one relationship building.
TIME: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
NSH Presents: The Power Behind Impact
PANEL: Focusing on the dynamic intersection of the Black Creative Economy, Newark Symphony Hall will discuss international industry leaders as they explore the transformative influence, economic empowerment, and cultural resonance driving innovation and change within this vibrant community.
TIME: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
PANELISTS: Talia L. Young & Carolyn Concepcion
Audible Presents: Embracing + Empowering the Creator
PANEL: TBA
TIME: 10:50 AM – 11:40 AM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
PANELISTS: TBD
The Art of Black Entrepreneurship
Newark Alliance Presents: The Art of Black Entrepreneurship
This panel discussion will explore the creation of Newark’s Arts and Education District as an important economic development strategy and the role that Newark’s Black entrepreneurs play in placemaking and the future of downtown Newark. We will explore the vision of the Arts and Education District, opportunities and challenges facing small business retailers and the importance of placemaking.
PANELISTS:
* Victoria Walker, Head of the Arts and Education District for the City of Newark under the administration of honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka
* Rashad Davis, Co-Founder, Plantivia Wellness
* Justis Pitt-Goodson, Co-Founder, Brown Mill Company
* Kwanele Mpanza, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Theo & Lotte
* Jazmin Norman, Founder, Neighborhood Scoops Ice Cream and Soup Bar and Proud 2 Be Me Neighborhood Learning Center
Moderator: Ashley Mays, Newark Alliance, Chief Real Estate and Marketing Officer
TIME: 11:50 AM – 12:35 PM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
Cannapreneur Festival
EXPERIENCE: Outside, March for Equity will host an interactive market with vendors, food, live music, vibes, ancillary cannabis companies, dispensaries and much more! We invite summit guests to learn the essentials about today’s cannabis industry.
TIME: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Black Newark Mural, Newark Symphony Hall Parking Lot
Amanda Seales, Keynote Speaker
KEYNOTE: Get ready to be inspired as Ms. Seales takes the stage as our keynote speaker! Known for her wit, wisdom, and fearless approach, Ms. Seales will captivate audiences with her unique blend of humor and intellect. From navigating societal issues to embracing personal empowerment, Ms. Seales keynote promises to ignite thought, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impact.
TIME: 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
KENYA GIPSON – IHeart Presents: The Power Move
PANEL: Building brand equity and moving from mediocre to monetization through innovation and insights from media and marketing Power Players.
TIME: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
PANELISTS: Kenya Gipson, Brandon Scoop B” Robinson, Moses Rivers, and Julia Hutchinson
New Jersey Arts & Culture Administrators of Color Cocktail Reception
EXPERIENCE: Join us for an engaging meet and greet hosted by the New Jersey Arts & Culture Administrators of Color Network. Explore the intersection of art, culture, and diversity with industry leaders, as we discuss innovative approaches to advancing equity and representation in the arts. Gain valuable insights and connect with fellow professionals passionate about driving positive change in our community.
TIME: 3:15 PM – 5:00 PM
June 26th Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series: North to Shore Edition
EXPERIENCE: Influenced by Amiri Baraka’s love of jazz, Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series introduces jazz infused live soul music to a new generation of music lovers.
TIME: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Terrace Ballroom
