Blavity brought its annual conference, Blavity Fest, to Atlanta for the first time this weekend at Lee+White in the Historic West End.
The event spotlighted key discussions around Black-owned community building, financial literacy, mental health, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
Among the pivotal moments were conversations featuring Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon from The Village Market.
Mayor Dickens addressed the city’s commitment to supporting minority businesses at a time when the federal government appears to be cutting back on programs like the Minority Business Development Administration (MBDA).
He emphasized Atlanta’s dedication to minority-owned enterprises, citing a minimum contract allocation of 35% and a goal to reach 40%.
“[Mayor] Maynard Jackson said 25% of every contract that the city of Atlanta does has to go to a minority-owned business,” Dickens said.
“Back in 1974, this man said that, and now we’re above 35% as our minimum, and we keep growing to 40% as my goal, even as the federal government threatens to take away these programs.”
Dr. Hallmon, who is also a board member of Invest Atlanta, spoke about the organization’s goal of enhancing Atlanta’s competitiveness by fostering a robust economy and vibrant communities.
She stressed the need for a supportive environment that provides resources and opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
“It takes will. Fill your cup, fill your hearts, and fill your spirit with people of like minds who can see you during days in which you look in the mirror and you cannot even recognize the person you see,” Hallmon said.
She added, “You need some friends to hold a mirror up and affirm you, girl or dude, remember what you’ve already done. Remember that you are given a vision that nobody else was given.”
The conference also featured Teri Ijeoma, who shared her insights on trading strategies.
She emphasized the significance of choosing the right brokers, companies, and implementing stop losses to safeguard investments.
“When you open up your brokerage account, instead of selecting a cash account, select the margin account,” Ijeoma explained.
She acknowledged that while a margin account carries more risk, it also increases buying power and enables faster trading.
“Another thing a margin account lets you do is it lets you trade faster,” Ijeoma added.
“With a cash account, you have to wait three business days for the money to come back after selling your stocks. But in a margin account, the money is available to you the very next day.”
Ijeoma’s company, Trade and Travel, has successfully educated 40,000 individuals on active investment strategies and provided guidance on passive investing and savings account setups.
Blavity has committed to returning to Atlanta in 2026, further cementing its dedication to fostering community and culture.
The event this year featured influential personalities such as Keith Lee, actress Marsai Martin, and multi-hyphenate creative David Quarles IV.
The closing performances included music by 2 Chainz and Kirk Franklin, enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the festival.
More than 30 vendors showcased their offerings at Lee+White, contributing to the vibrant community spirit of the event.
Morgan DeBaun, CEO and Founder of Blavity, expressed the rationale behind selecting Atlanta as the host city.
“Atlanta is a mecca of the intersection of culture, politics, creatives, and entertainment,” DeBaun explained.
She highlighted the city’s connectivity, noting that many in the community have ties to Atlanta through family or educational institutions like Spelman or Morehouse.
DeBaun also underscored that Atlanta is a highly desirable destination, particularly in the spring season, offering numerous activities and opportunities for attendees.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Hallmon advised participants to value the connections made throughout the event.
She stated, “If the only connections you make are the people that’s sitting on the stage, you miss the gift of being in a room and sitting left and right to people who can be stewards of the very thing that you are trying to pivot from right now.”
Hallmon encouraged attendees to recognize their worth and the potential impact of relationships fostered during the conference, emphasizing, “Look around this room and see the people, and also sit in your seat and know that you are deserving.”
Blavity Fest offered not only professional development but also a rich cultural celebration, reaffirming its significance in the Black community.
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