This year will be my first time heading to SXSW. For those not familiar, SXSW is a festival that brings culture, education, film, music and tech together for a multi-day celebration in the city of Austin, TX. You can catch everything from professional development workshops and masterclasses, to comedy showcases and cookouts. It’s a lot of networking opportunities for entrepreneurs!
As I researched events for and by Black Women, it was kinda difficult finding a hub that highlighted what I was looking for, so in true “if you want to see it, you must create it” fashion, I created one. Here are 28 events for and by Black Women! Don't see your event? Send me a note so we can add it to the mix!
Friday: March 10, 2023
Diverse Creators Are Underpaid: How Do We Fix It?
Image via SXSW
About the event: This panel will take a deep dive into why BIPOC influencers are paid 29% less than white influencers, from the role of biased algorithms and tokenism, to the accountability that needs to happen in order to achieve equality. Featuring panelists Sai De Silva of Scout The City, Shannae Ingleton Smith of Kensington Grey Agency Inc, Tara Liggins of ShopStyle Collective and Monica Ravichandran of ShopStyle Collective.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Salon GH
Learn more about Diverse Creators Are Underpaid: How Do We Fix It?
How to Build the Damn Thing
About the event: Less than 1% of the $150 billion venture capital funding goes to Black founders. Kathryn Finney of Genius Guild is changing that by injecting capital into Black-led startups and working to increase Black wealth. In this featured session with Tessa Flippin of Capitalize VC, she shares her story as an entrepreneur, inclusion champion and investor to inspire Black and female founders to build their damn thing.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom EF
Learn more about How to Build the Damn Thing
Remaking an American City Using Arts and Culture
About the event: Rochelle Riley of The City of Detroit shares how their Blight to Beauty campaign is using beautification as a tool for commerce, population and growth progress to transform the city.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Salon 6
Learn more about Remaking an American City Using Arts and Culture
Unexpected Urban Foraging with @Blackforager
About the event: Forager and an outdoor educator, Alexis Nikole Nelson aka @Blackforager, talks edible plants and environmentally sustainable food choices while peeling back the historical layers of African American and Indigenous food traditions that have been repressed and forgotten.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Marriott Downtown, Waterloo Ballroom 3
Learn more about Unexpected Urban Foraging with @Blackforager
The 3 Cs of Responsible Marketing: Consistency, Conviction, and Candor
Image via Grammarly
About the event: Delve into responsible marketing, authenticity and brand voice with Kylia Combs of Grammarly and Anthem Award-Winning CMO Advisor and Inclusive Marketing Strategist Lola Bakare.
Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm CT
Venue: Central District Brewing
Designing Equity Through an Afrofuturist Lens
About the event: Designing Equity Through an Afrofuturist Lens is an interactive session featuring a panel of artists, designers, futurists and time travelers striving to create a more equitable and beautiful society. Learn with Christina Harrington of Inclusive Insights LLC, Ari Melenciano of Afrotectopia, Meme Styles of Measure, joined by Jonathan 'Chaka' Mahone of DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action) and gain framework to apply Afrofuturism to your work and life.
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT
Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon B
Learn more about Designing Equity Through an Afrofuturist Lens
Founders’ Dinner
About the event: If you’re looking for a spot to decompress and take a break from all the activity, join Black Women Talk Tech for an intimate gathering of Black women tech founders. This exclusive dinner also includes the opportunity to chat with Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs execs. Space is limited, so RSVP to ensure entry to the event.
Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm CT
Venue: Not specified
Learn more about Founders’ Dinner
Honorable Mention: Black Future House
Image via Black Future House
About the event: Organized by Lauren Washington, Victor AbiJaoudi II and Waziri Garuba, Black Future House is a two-day event featuring interactive panels, workshops and keynote speeches by culture shifters in business, entertainment, sports and technology. Their agenda includes Grammy-award winning artist Spinderella, Felecia Hatcher of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Prize, Kathryn Finney of venture fund Genius Guild, Lauren Washington of Fundr, creator of the Preferred Podcast Partner Network and The Big Tech Company’s Liberty Madison.
Learn more about Black Future House
Saturday: March 11, 2023
Black Barbie: A Documentary
Image via SXSW
This is a screening of Black Barbie: A Documentary by director Lagueria Davis, who also co-produced the film with Aaliyah Williams. In this film, they tell the story of the first Black Barbie, which started with Davis’ 83-year old aunt, Beulah Mae Mitchell, asking, “Why isn't there a doll that looks like me?”
Film Screenings
Mar 11, 2023 at Alamo Lamar B from 11:00am—12:40pm CT
Mar 14, 2023 at Violet Crown Cinema 1 from 2:00pm—3:40pm CT
Mar 14, 2023 at Violet Crown Cinema 3 from 2:30pm—4:10pm CT
Mar 15, 2023 at Alamo Lamar C from 2:15pm—3:55pm CT
Learn more about Black Barbie: A Documentary
African Startups: A Platform for the Future Meet Up
Image via SXSW
About the event: Meet founders from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as investors, NGOs and other stakeholders in the African startup ecosystem. Hosted by Ukeme Essien and Sanyu Ntanda of The Beta Collective.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Room 408
Learn more about African Startups: A Platform for the Future Meet Up
Mentor: Kimberly Bryant (BlackGirlsCode/Ascend Ventures)
About the event: Join Kimberly Bryant, founder of nonprofit Black Girls CODE, for a mentor session. RSVP required.
Time: 4:00pm – 5:15pm CT
Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Room 400-402
Learn more about Mentor: Kimberly Bryant (BlackGirlsCode/Ascend Ventures)
Love To Love You, Donna Summer
Image via SXSW
This is a screening of Love To Love You, Donna Summer by directors Roger Ross Williams and Brooklyn Sudano, who is also a n executive producer for the film. Revealing exclusive, previously unseen artwork film, home video, photographs and even personal audio and other recordings, the film explores the vibrant life and career of the iconic Donna Summer.
Film Screenings
Mar 11, 2023 at Alamo Lamar A from 5:45pm—7:29pm CT
Mar 12, 2023 at Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema from 8:30pm—10:14pm CT
Mar 15, 2023 at Alamo Lamar C from 9:00pm—10:44pm CT
Learn more about Love To Love You, Donna Summer
Sunday: March 12, 2023
Honorable Mention: How to Open Doors for Your Diverse Business
About the event: This workshop by LaMecia Butler and Jason Trimiew of Meta will cover how to make your diverse business stand out. From supplier diversity industry standards and the corporate procurement process, to where to go to build relationships with other diverse businesses.
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Room 203-204
Learn more about How to Open Doors for Your Diverse Business
Honorable Mention: The Future of Food
About the event: Calibrate Wellness is hosting an invitation-only, intimate family-style brunch on Sunday. They’ll be showcasing their gourmet, vegan and gluten-free edibles, with sober versions available for guests who prefer not to imbibe. Join Janice Omadeke of the Mentor Method, trademark attorney Nik Sallie, as well as Chef Nic Yanes and Michael Warnock for this interactive experience.
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm CT
Venue: SXSW HQ Rooftop
Learn more about The Future of Food
Founders + Funders Mixer
Image via Black Women Talk Tech
About the event: Connect with tech investors, serial startup entrepreneurs and founders at this mixer. RSVP to addend and join speakers Esosa Ighodaro of Black Women Talk Tech and Brittany Davis of Backstage Capital.
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm CT
Venue: Group Black + Friends House
Learn more about Founders + Funders Mixer
Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions
About the event: Join author of “Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions,” Francesca Royster and journalist Taylor Crumpton for a conversation about the pleasures and possibilities of the genre. Book signing to follow.
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 10AB
Learn more about Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions
This Is What Leadership Looks Like: Black Female Creators on Building Media's Future
Image via @laurenwilliams
About the event: Lauren Williams of Capital B, Mary Annaïse Heglar of Hot Take podcast and Marsha Cooke of ESPN films discuss the roles and responsibilities of mainstream media as in a world where narratives are constantly shifting and changing.
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 18AB
Learn more about This Is What Leadership Looks Like: Black Female Creators on Building Media's Future
Founding In Color Fireside Chat
Image via Culture House
About the event: A conversation between moderator Aize Asowata, co-creator of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs series Founding in Color, and Rodney Williams of Solo Funds, who’s one of the entrepreneurs featured in the show..
Time: 3:00pm CT
Venue: Culture House
Learn more about Founding In Color Fireside Chat
Honorable Mention: Brand Activism - No More Business as Usual
About the event: This panel by Lyft shines a light on the decision-making that goes into corporate social responsibility initiatives that push beyond the traditional. Featuring LaTosha Brown of Black Voters Matter Fund and Tracy Sturdivant of The League, join this discussion on how brands are becoming bolder and brand activism as a necessity, not a luxury.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Salon GH
Learn more about Brand Activism - No More Business as Usual
Monday: March 13, 2023
Why Can't We Have Nice Things?
About the event: Speaker, author of NYT bestselling book The Sum of Us, and visionary Heather McGhee, gives us a road map on how to make a positive impact despite living in one of the most troubled periods of our time.
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 16AB
Learn more about Why Can't We Have Nice Things?
Weathering the Storm of Black Maternal Mortality
Image via SXSW
About the event: Four women come together to discuss what needs to happen to tackle the health inequity of Black maternal mortality. Join Dania Alarcon, Ph.D. of Wunderman Thompson Health, Denise Bolds, MSW, Adv.CD (DONA), CLC, CBE of Bold Selah, LLC, Kecia Gaither, MD MPH MS MBA FACOG FAIUM of NYC Health+ Hospitals/Lincoln, Cornell Weill Medicine, and Yvette Perry, Ph.D. of The Good Listening Project.
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB
Learn more about Weathering the Storm of Black Maternal Mortality
Black Women Breaking Boardroom Barriers
About the event: Exceptional Black women who are changing the corporate landscape gather to share how they’re opening doors for the next generation and helping place Black women in positions of power. Join Merline Saintil of Black Women on Boards, Gina Loften of Gina Loften, LLC, Shannon Nash of Wing, and moderator Ruth Umoh of Fortune.
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Salon 5
Learn more about Black Women Breaking Boardroom Barriers
Black Influencer Power Pop-Up
Image via Black Girl Digital
About the event: Join Black Girl Digital and Black Menswear Experience for elevated conversations about Black influence in the creator economy and what it’s going to take to increase our revenue, rates and branded opportunities. Featuring Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily, Queyoun Makor, Zach Wilson of G&B, D’Anthony Jackson of Ogilvy, Mananya Komorowkski of Weber Shandwick, Kehinde Ade of TikTok, Alexa Pierre of LTK,
Courtney Brown of Vitavate, media personality Lady Jade, Neandre Broussard and Evan Marshall of Black Menswear, and LaToya Shambo of Black Girl Digital.
Time: 8:30am – 1:00pm CT
Venue: The Cathedral
Learn more about Black Influencer Power Pop-Up
Tuesday: March 14, 2023
Driving Diversity Forward with Data
About the event: Learn how to measure data in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and source your cultural and organizational feedback directly from your employees. This discussion will be led by Dr. Tana M. Session of TanaMSession.com.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: JW Marriott, Salon 2-4
Learn more about Driving Diversity Forward with Data
A Seat at the Table: WOC in Music Biz Meetup
Image via Labelcoin
About the event: Join a discussion on women in the music business with featured guest Janisha Jones of Fresh 'N Sassy Productions.
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm CT
Venue: Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden
Learn more about A Seat at the Table: WOC in Music Biz Meetup
Tana M. Session Book Signing
About the event: Dr. Tana M. Session, CEO & Founder of TanaMSession.com, will be signing copies of “Working While Black: A Woman's Guide to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret” at the SXSW bookstore.
Time: 1:00pm – 1:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 10C
Learn more about Tana M. Session Book Signing
Wednesday: March 15, 2023
ALL BLACK EVERYTHING Meet Up
About the event: Meet Black professionals from every industry to connect, find out about the activations, events and amazing panels taking place over the course of SXSW, and to just be unapologetically Black together. This meet-up is hosted by
Cora Taft of Poppee + Co. Marketing Agency and Camille Wright of Vrywvy Productions.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Room 408
Learn more about ALL BLACK EVERYTHING Meet Up
Wellness Shouldn’t Imply Whiteness
About the event: From cultural appropriation of spiritual traditions, to being excluded from conversations about wellness, lack of representation in the $3.3 billion wellness industry is problematic. Hear from Youmie Jean Francois of Flex-N-Fly, Malaika Jones of BROWN GIRL Jane and Shanae Jones of Flyest, on a panel moderated by me, Nikki Porcher of Buy From A Black Woman, on how they’re reclaiming wellness and creating inclusive spaces to allow others to do as well.
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm CT
Venue: Austin Convention Center, Room 9AB
Learn more about Wellness Shouldn’t Imply Whiteness
Friday: March 17, 2023
#CarefreeBlackGirl CookOut SXSW
Image via SXSW
About the event: #CareFreeBlackGirl is bringing together Black femmes from all over the country, including DJs, performers, vendors and more for this dope event. Expect a glam bar, beauty bar, giveaways and of course food. Free entry with a SXSW badge.
Time: 7:00pm — 12:00am
Venue: Revival Coffee
Learn more about #CarefreeBlackGirl Cookout SXSW
Events That I’ll Be Attending
If you’re attending SXSW 2023, let’s connect. You’re welcome to join me at the Wellness Shouldn’t Imply Whiteness panel that I’m moderating and we can talk afterwards. Or we can coordinate events, here’s my schedule I’m still working on my itinerary now that I have all these events to choose from, but I’ll be updating it as I go so let’s get together!