First Fridays Recap: How the Next Generation of Black Creatives Can Launch Their Careers
Caitlin Nelson / Event Producer at Working Not Working
On February 4th, First Fridays Host Elyn Kazarian linked up with Co-Host Christian Blackwell, Working Not Working’s Global Networking, Talent and Community Manager, to have a discussion about how Black creatives can launch their careers with guest Naadiya Mills, Working Not Working’s Creative Partnerships Coordinator and Art Director.
They discussed everything from the Black Identity to institutional biases to resources for Black creatives just starting out on their journey.
Here are a few key takeaways, and the full conversation below:
“The Black experience is, essentially, to be humanity's consciousness. It's a tough journey, but it's a journey that the world needs. We have obstacles, but we need to trust in our journey, trust in ourselves, and have that confidence to speak up.” (Naadiya Mills)
“A common theme in my journey was being resilient, not quitting, and always betting on myself. You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul. You’re the only one that’s really going to do it.” (Christian Blackwell)
“Build a strategy, have your end goal, and don't waver. Don't let anyone take you off of that angle. If you can't get it in the front door, what's another way that you can get in. Creativity is a promise that there's always a solution to the problem.” (Naadiya Mills)
“You gotta do your homework. You gotta do the research. In the Black and Brown community, there are certain resources that are not given to us. We know access is not there. That's not an excuse. You got to find a way and you got to do it.” (Christian Blackwell)
“No is an opinion. Yes is a damn good strategy. Creativity is a promise that you can do anything you put your mind to.” (Naadiya Mills)