‘Black Art is Forever’ presented by Johnnie Walker and Blacktag

What happens when black artists come together to celebrate their works and the culture? One word: Greatness.

Last week Friday, we had the honor of kicking off our Juneteenth weekend by attending ‘Black Art is Forever’ presented by Johnnie Walker and Blacktag. The event was held in NYC’s midtown popular venue, The Pool. The night was dedicated to celebrating the new Netflix documentary “Civil” and black artistry’s impact on this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. The First Strides Studio Creator Grant Program with Blacktag under Johnnie Walker’s First Strides Initiative also highlighted their first five recipients of the program. The host of the night was producer, writer, actor and director Kenya Barris.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 17: Cocktails based with Johnnie Walker on display for ‘Black Art is forever’ presented Johnnie Walker and Blacktag on June 17th, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Angela Pham/Getty Images for Team Diageo)

The event was filled with a display of black excellence, great cocktails (curtesy of Johnnie Walker) and endless hors d’oeuvres. As soon as you entered the space, there were large screens displayed on the ceiling, showcasing black talent from the past. There were also glass quotes on the walls that spoke of storytelling and what artistry can look like. A photobooth was also available in order to capture beautiful moment.

Later in the night, the MC of the night, Ms. Jamila Mustafa took the stage and invited the audience into the celebration. Mr. Barris also spoke and took time to honor the Netflix documentary “Civil” along with Johnnie Walker and Blacktag’s grant program. The night continued with amazing performances by recording artists Gogo Morrow, Coi Leray and 6lack. To say the event was great would be an understatement. Check out the night’s recap reel here on our Instagram page.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 17: (L-R) 6lack, Gogo Morrow, Coi Leray and Kenya Barris for ‘Black Art is forever’ presented Johnnie Walker and Blacktag on June 17th, 2022 in New York City. (Getty Images for Team Diageo)