A Great Day in Brooklyn Celebrates Black Joy for a Second Year

Attendees of A Great Day in Brooklyn 2023 | Photo creds: Tahneice Shields

On October 1, 2023, TRUTHIS Studios continued its mission to build sustainable Black futures with "A Great Day in Brooklyn." In its second year, the festival has gathered visionaries, creatives and thought leaders dedicated to building a sustainable and inclusive future for Black and Brown people in Brooklyn. It offered a unique blend of experiences like a healing circle led by spiritual counselor Lexis Priestess, and performances from local artists such as musical pioneer LeaF, singer and songwriter $AINT, and R&B singer Ania Hoo. Refreshments were served by Lips Cafe on a first-come, first-served basis as well as an electrifying panel discussion featuring industry heavy hitters, ranging from designers to cosmetic chemists.

Founder, Community Organizer and Lead Artist at TRUTHIS Studios, Kemi "TRUTHIS" Karim told FOCUS Magazine, “A Great Day in Brooklyn embodies a vibrant tapestry of culture, creativity and unity. It represents a collective celebration of diversity, a convergence of dreams and a showcase of the undeniable talent that thrives within our community. This event is a beacon of hope, a space where we come together to uplift one another, ignite conversations and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

Karim was deeply committed to creating a positive impact when planning the event. She believes in the transformative power of collective action, shaping a better community and supporting the talents around her.

The keynote conversation, Building Your OWN Table: Creating Your Foundation While Supporting Others Along the Way, moderated by TRUTHIS, aims to delve into the world of BIPOC artists in the creative industry and explore the journey of carving one's path, overcoming challenges and building a supportive ecosystem. Among the featured panelists were artist/creative A.C. Carey, cosmetic chemist and CEO of Only You Skincare Moriah Johnson, culture journalist Jajuan Malachi and DJ and Founder of No Negativity Levar.

What made this festival truly special were the attendees who came to support their friends and celebrate community. Medjine, an attendee, said, "I came to support my friend Cedric St. Louis and enjoy the space here." Jewel, another attendee, explained, "I came to support my friend Kemi because she puts her heart into everything." She added, "I wanted to be around beautiful Black people, and that's exactly what I got!"

The values behind "A Great Day in Brooklyn" resonated with organizations sharing a similar mission, showcasing how unity and creativity fuel progress.

The co-host of “A Great Day in Brooklyn,” Yasmin Madmoune, shared, "To me, AGDIB was a beautiful example of what it means for one person (TruthIs) to identify the intersection of their passions (music, art, photography, literature, love) and harness that power to pour into their community. I saw friends I haven’t seen in a minute, we all basked in the sun for the first time in what felt like forever and we experienced what true community and Black love is about. I brought my ten-year-old niece with me so that she was able to experience what it’s like to be surrounded by Black joy. She played, she danced, she met beautiful Black women who showed her that she could pursue anything she is passionate about. To me, events like A Great Day In Brooklyn serve as a reminder to be the change we wish to see. To create communities we wish we could have grown up in."

"A Great Day in Brooklyn" illuminated the power of community, creativity and collective action. TRUTHIS Studios and the dedicated team, alongside enthusiastic attendees and supportive partners, made this festival a beacon of inspiration. As we reflect on this memorable event, it serves as a reminder that positive change begins with passionate individuals and vibrant communities coming together and committing to shared values.

All photos below were captured by Tahneice Shields for FOCUS Magazine