Insights, Inspiration, and a Call to Action: Where are the Black Designers Conference
Work by Hector R. Agramonte
On Saturday, June 27, 2020 we virtually attended the first ever Where are the Black Designers event. We walked away feeling seen, affirmed, and validated while also being moved to take more action through our studio and in the New Orleans design community. Each presenter brought their own unique experiences to the table while offering up solutions, new ways of thinking, and planting seeds for change. To say this event was put together in a month and had 10,000+ attendees is a testament to the impact we Black designers have. Now give us our due credit!
For too long majority white-owned and operated companies have done the bare minimum (if any effort at all) in terms of diversity and inclusion. In fact, the terms diversity and inclusion should be thrown out. These ideas still center whiteness as it generally looks like placing one to three Black, Indigenous, and people of color into white spaces. Thus meaning the culture of the industry never changes. This is what we are calling for - a complete overhaul of the old ways. What would a tech or media company look like with 40% BIPOC - and not just employees, but executives and decision makers?
Please read this excerpt on the history of the event via the WATBD website:
“From Cheryl D. Miller’s 1987 PRINT Magazine article, “Black Designers Missing in Action,” to today, there is an entire legacy and lineage of Black designers searching for answers which cannot and should not be ignored.
Where are the Black Designers takes Cheryl's work, as well as Maurice Cherry's 2015 SXSW presentation, and builds upon them to provide solutions to this rhetorical question. This year there is a sense of urgency and attention around the lack of representation in the design industry — this is so important. As we push forward together we must be mindful of the past and strategic about the future. Make no mistake: this is a movement, not a moment.”
Here are a few takeaways from the event:
Design needs to be decolonized. For too long the old vanguard has been predominantly white men
Design has a lack of intentionality and inclusion
Design as a tool or lens for the empowerment of radical imagination in the Black community
Design in the past, present, and future has/is/will be harmful to Black communities
“All Black people are designers because we have to design solutions to systemic racism everyday.” - Vanessa Newman, Head of Brand Experience at Ethel’s Club - the first social and wellness platform designed to celebrate people of color
Why are white people afraid to give up power?
Does it take Black people dying in the streets for white industries to start to dismantle the systems?
Fortunately, for you the event was recorded and can be viewed and shared here. You can find the speakers list and full agenda here.
The movement has been set in motion and more action steps are coming. Please follow along and support Where are the Black Designers.
For white designers now is the time to reflect and take action in your own studios, businesses, etc. What does investing in BIPOC designers look like? How can you change the culture?
Hire us! Listen to us! Put us in charge!
