Feb. 22nd - 28th 2021 "Black Age Sankofa" "Reaching back to experiences and knowledge, bringing them into the present in order to manifest positive practices and progress!" Virtual Black Age of Comics Convention Chicago IL. USA Featuring : 1. Historic Video Hub 2. Hype Slide Show 3. Tribute 4. Educational Supports 5. Market Place From the birthplace of the growing indie Black Age of Comics. The Black Age of Comics was launched in 1992 when Prof. Turtel Onli M.A.A.T., wrote the clairvoyant essay entitled "The Black Age of Comics". It featured a Rhythmistic illustration, by Onli, saying, "Watch Out Mutants, The Black Age is Coming!!!" Onli drew on his experience as a major market Illustrator, Fine Artist, Art Therapist & Arts Educator. Comics Journal published the essay in Feb. 1993 which is the same month that ONLI STUDIOS produced the world's first comic-convention that celebrated creators, concepts and characters derived from the Black, African, Urban and Indie experience. ( At the time "Comics Buyers Guide" was the most important publication covering the entire international comic book industry. The internet was not a thing yet! ) At the time Onli felt to term "indie' included independent life-styles, orientation, persuasions and trends. This event was given at the historic South Side Community Art Center in the Bronzeville District of Chicago. At the time the Executive Director of the SSCAC was the insightful Herbert Nipson, who was also the Executive Editor of EBONY Magazine. The theme was: "Collect Us. Respect US" "Too Strong / No Sell Out"! The programming featured Panel Discussions, Vendors, Exhibits, along with special promotional items and support generously supplied by the amazing startup. Milestone Media. (Special thanks to Dwayne McDuffie & Matt Wayne.) FACT: 1. Despite alternative facts, false claims, or confusing hype, this was the first comic convention of its type. 2. Onli always viewed this event as an open sourced template and welcomed the following emergence of annual events and conventions around the USA and abroad that featured similar themes and programming. 3. The terms, "Black Age of Comics" and "Rhythmism" were coined by Onli as creative manifestations of "Kujichagulia" or self-determination to expand the industry, practices and opportunities to positively respect, engage and appreciate the amazing work done in these areas. It was and is about "Place" more so than one's "Race"! These are genres, and movements in Creativity, Culture & Commerce. |