LANGSTON HUGHES STAGE
2024 FESTIVAL PROGRAMS
FRI APRIL 26
11 AM | Graphic Black Histories and Comics in the Classroom
Guests: Tim Fielder, Walter Greason, John Jennings, Will Ellis, Kamau Ware, Reese Patillo, and Deirdre Hollman
Exciting new visual narratives have been created to aid students in imagining the past and engaging with historical events! Creatives from four dynamic projects share their works, including Kofi’s Fire (Historic Hudson Valley/Blue Telescope); Buffalo Sonnet (Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts/Kamau Studios); The Graphic History of Hip Hop (Dr. Walter Greason/Tim Fielder); and Queenie: Godmother of Harlem (John Jennings/Abrams Comic Arts-Megascope Books).
[Updated] 1PM | How to Draw Black Superheroes & Comics
Guests: Tim Fielder (Infinitum, DieselFunk Studios)
Join Tim Fielder (Infinitum, DieselFunk Studios) for a family-friendly master class on drawing comics. This program is open to all ages, but it is especially geared towards young people ages 5 and up.
Please Note: If you are a school/youth group interested in reserving seats for this program, please email schomcom@gmail.com.
3:30 PM | Say it Proud: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Comics
Guests: Michael Lamar Simeon, Greg A. Elysee, Jenn, Jason Michael Primrose, Riley Wilson, and TJ Sterling
Join us for a conversation on how comic creators are expanding and creating exciting spaces for LGBTQ voices in comics, novels, and multimedia.
5:30 PM | Black Comics Trivia Challenge
Guests: Alitha Martinez, Lateef Adé Williams, Christine Blanch, and George Carmona
Think you know Black Comics? The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community returns for another Black Comics Trivia Challenge to test that knowledge! Hosted by Christine Blanch, the Awkward Bronx Chick, trivia experts Alitha Martinez, Tatiana King, and Lateef Adé Williams will battle with the audience for the title of Top Blerd.
SAT APRIL 27
10:30 AM | The Little Heroes of Color Musical
Guests: David Heredia, Carlos Heredia, Analia Heredia, Ed Cardenas, George Escalante, and Brianna Contreras
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as the vibrant world of The Little Heroes of Color comes to life! The Little Heroes of Color is a joyous celebration, paying homage to the trailblazing men and women of color whose remarkable achievements reshaped our world. Join us for an unforgettable musical experience that's as entertaining as inspiring!
12:30 PM | “IYANU: Weaving West African Wonder into Animation” Presented by Lion Forge Entertainment
Guests: Roye Okupe, Kerri Grant, Dawud Anyabwile, and Karama Horne
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the highly anticipated animated series, IYANU coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max based on the popular West African fantasy graphic novel series "Iyanu: Child of Wonder" from YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. The team behind IYANU will share their journey of bringing the world of the graphic novel to the screen!
2:15 PM | Free Writing: Finding Liberation Through Literature
Guests: Fantastic Frankey, Michael Simeon, Greg Burnham, and Keisha Parks
Whether it's comics, animation or novels, fans and creatives are creating new worlds where identities and representation can be showcased that mirror authentic and cultural experiences. This conversation will include creatives and influencers who advocate for representation in novels, comics/graphic novels and manga while encouraging their communities to support marginalized creators.
4 PM | She's Out There Screaming: Women and the New Golden Age of Black Horror
Guests: Tracey Baptiste, Jazmine Joyner, Ashlee Blackwell, Zin E Rocklyn, Erika Hardison, and Isis Asare
Get ready for a captivating exploration of the dynamic role of women in shaping the resurgence of Black horror. Join us for a conversation delving into the nuanced themes, creative processes, and cultural significance behind their contributions to this flourishing genre. Engage with discussions that highlight the diverse voices and narratives driving the evolution of horror storytelling in contemporary media.
5:30 PM | A Very Black Cosplay Showcase
Guests: ChibiT Cosplay, Sir Julius Cosplay, DJ Gregory Wilson, and Kadiatou Tubman
Join us for A Very Black Cosplay Showcase. Participation is open to attendees of all ages and skill levels. Wanna join the show? Sign up at the Schomburg Center on Saturday, April 27 between 1 PM - 5 PM (slots are limited).
