Join the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office (EDIO) in a discussion exploring how COVID-19 and anti-Black Racism have uniquely impacted the lives of black folks in creative industries. The topics of the panel will focus on experiences with personal identities, navigating the various industries as a black creative, and lessons taken in advocacy. In addition to looking at diversity and representation, the event will focus on finding the tools to create spaces that contribute to disrupting the status quo and the importance of representation in creative fields and its effect on underrepresented populations, particularly Black communities.
Panelists:
- Dalton Higgins is a publicist/PR strategist, award-winning journalist, author, and co-host of the Black Tea podcast o, which examines pop culture. Higgins has contributed his unique brand of writing and pop culture commentary to many major North American news media across TV, radio, print and online media. As the sole proprietor of his own publicity company (Dalton Higgins PR), he has managed publicity campaigns for a wide range of national and international artists. IG – Daltonhiggins5
- Alicia Bee began her career as an art director in some pretty great agencies before making the switch to event production and talent management. Since then, she has developed close ties to Toronto’s music scene with goals of emphatically working to elevate and build its recognition globally. Currently, she is the co-founder of the concert series It’s OK*, the founder of the event production company Pollen, and art director at Virtue Worldwide. IG – o.d.bee
- Yvette Angela is an agency associate at Blue Crane Agency, a global independent booking agency seeking to prioritize women and artists of color in North America and abroad. Additionally, Yvette consults with various musicians regarding administration, public relations, and artist development, often using her experience to build with underrepresented artists and help them tell their story. IG – bluecraneagency
- Sydanie is an artist creating a diverse array of texturized and unique, synth-driven sounds, unapologetically carrying her neighbourhood of south side Jane with her everywhere she goes. The artist and founder of grassroots arts organization for mothers, The MOCHA Project, has liberated two projects, 999 and stillwater and is steadily working towards her newest project Eclectic Circus set to be released in the new year. IG- sydanieee
Panel moderated by:
Sommer Blackman is the Managing Attorney at Blackman Law, where she practices intellectual property and entertainment law. Sommer developed a series called ‘Creative Rights’, where intellectual property and entertainment lawyers impart their knowledge on the legal aspects of being a creative; and creatives share their experiences of working in the industry. IG – shineleighrae
All are welcome to attend! Please let us know of any accessibility accommodations a week before the event by emailing edio.utsc@utoronto.ca
