Blavity Fest’s dynamic Atlanta debut puts focus on Black culture, creativity
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
Blavity Fest made its Atlanta debut this weekend with a strong and timely message: Black culture is not just worthy of celebration — it’s a force for economic, artistic and political power.
From discussions on scaling businesses to calls for protecting Black history and mental health, the two-day gathering at Lee + White became a rallying space for progress, perseverance and community.
Among those who traveled to Atlanta for the event was Rosa Williams, president of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, who came from North Carolina to support and learn from fellow entrepreneurs and creatives.
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
“I support Black business, I support Black culture and I believe there’s so much I can learn here,” Williams said. “Atlanta is our Southern Mecca for diversity. It’s incredibly diverse and truly inspirational.”
Williams wasn’t alone, as hundreds gathered in Atlanta from across the country to attend Blavity Inc.’s annual Blavity Fest, held for the first time in the city.
The two-day festival held Saturday and Sunday celebrated Black empowerment across entrepreneurship, media, entertainment and music and featured panels, art galleries and live performances by Akeem Ali and 2 Chainz.
Every element — from the stage to the vendor booths — served as a platform to uplift and support Black creatives and entrepreneurs.
Among the many faces present at the festival was Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who joined Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of the Village Market, for a discussion on the importance of supporting local Black-owned businesses.
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
Dickens praised programs like Invest Atlanta, a city initiative launched in 2015 that focused on building a stronger, more equitable economic foundation.
“We really helped businesses get started. Now it’s time to help businesses scale,” Dickens said. “How can we make sure you’re not just starting, but how you’re able to scale to get to location No. 2, location No. 3. From employee No. 1 to employee No. 100.”
Many panels hosted at Blavity Fest emphasized the importance of mental health in the journey of Black entrepreneurship, with discussions on managing burnout, building sustainable businesses and creating supportive systems.
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
Sessions explored how emotional well-being, intentional rest and community care are essential components of long-term success for Black business owners and creatives.
Raquel Martin, who led a panel titled “High-Value Habits: The Routines That Make or Break Your Success,” explored how Black professionals can reduce stress and increase productivity by adopting what she calls “small, smart habits.”
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
Martin, a clinical psychologist, also spoke of the importance of addressing mental health in Black communities, especially for youth who may be struggling in silence.
She emphasized that it’s not just about encouraging them to speak up, but also about creating spaces where they feel seen and supported.
“One of the things that we can do — it’s not only on them, but it’s also on us — is to create environments that they can be seen,” Martin said. “One of the things I tell a lot of people to do is to create some form of agency around you, so that they’re able to not be disparaged. Everything doesn’t have to be a lesson.”
In addition to panels and performances, the festival spotlighted a wide range of Black artists in its curated gallery. Textile work, visual art and clothing inspired by traditional African culture offered attendees new ways to express their pride through creative expression.
One of those featured artist vendors at the event, Nia Lewis, discovered her passion for art as a child, using it as a therapeutic outlet. After stepping away from her craft, a return to her Christian faith helped her rediscover her creativity as a “gift from God” and inspired her to return to art with a deeper purpose.
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
She connected with Blavity through the Black Girl Art Show and showcased her work in the Black artist Pop-Up Gallery.
“The one thing I like about this fest is that it really showcases Black excellence,” Lewis said. “It’s really cool to connect with other Black entrepreneurs and other Black business owners who have the same goals in mind, because it helps us really to collaborate and also for us to level up in a way.”
Tasanee Durrett of Orlando, Florida, also made the journey to Atlanta to attend Blavity Fest.
She praised the event for creating a safe space to explore and elevate Black ideas and voices.
Credit: Zaire Breedlove
“There were so many conversations about progress, perseverance and resilience — despite what’s happening in society and the economy right now. I definitely feel empowered,” Durrett said.
She emphasized that government institutions on all levels have to truly support Black entrepreneurship, they have to listen to those within the industry and recognize the diversity of voices in Black business.
“They often cut funding, especially for arts and culture,” she said. “And now we’re seeing efforts to erase books and history — especially Black history. There needs to be a real reckoning with whitewashing and a willingness to confront the truth without being so sensitive to it.”
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About the Author
Zaire Breedlove is an intern for AJC's UATL and a journalism major at Kennesaw State University. In the past, he's written and managed The Sentinel, and served as a Reporter for Fresh Take Georgia at the Center for Sustainable Journalism, focusing on Immigration and statewide political coverage.
