Founded in 2016 by Joseph Cuillier and Shani Peters, bell hooks’s emphasis on self-determination has been an essential inspiration in the creation and growth of The Black School. She said, “Love is profoundly political. Our deepest revolution will come when we understand this truth.” This festival not only showcases Black artistic talent but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity, highlighting many participating Black women musicians, visual artists, and entrepreneurs in our community, while demonstrating TBS’s principles of Black love, self-determination, healing, Black feminism, and more.

This year’s BLF stage will be graced by local musical artists Anjelika Jelly Joseph, DJ Legatron Prime, Jaime Woods, Sha'condria "iCon" Sibley, Charm Taylor, and more. Featured visual artists will offer exciting experiences, including a brand-new interactive community art installation entitled “Home is Where the ＿＿, Is.”

The Black School is also proud to welcome back internationally recognized photographer Tiffany Smith to activate her Black Love Portraits station. Smith has joined BLF in all five of its iterations, from NYC to Houston to New Orleans. This year’s festival will also feature a network of Black, women-owned businesses consisting of makers, youth artists, and local restaurants, including Babybangz LLC, Freedom Monkey NOLA, Breathe Enlight, and Bludahlia. Their farmers market will also host local Black growers, guided by community garden manager Bailey Hutchison.

All proceeds from the festival will go toward funding The Black School’s mission and programming, including completing construction of The Black Schoolhouse, a community arts center in the 7th Ward. If you can’t make it to the festival, you can support their vital work by becoming a monthly giver to the We Fund Us sustainability fund. This ensures that generations of New Orleans residents and beyond will continue to have access to community-centered programming, fresh produce, and a model for the future rooted in healing and love.

For more information about Black Love Fest and to buy your tickets, visit www.blacklovefest.org. Sign up for We Fund Us by heading to www.theblack.school/donate today!