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The world doesn’t move without creativity. And when creatives find spaces that pour into them, their passions gain momentum. Since 2014, Blavity has served as a hub for Black creatives. What began as a conversation among college friends in a cafeteria has grown into Blavity Inc., a media and technology company committed to Black culture and innovation.

On May 31, Blavity Fest made its Atlanta debut with a two-day experience featuring notable figures such as Karen Civil, the team from LVRN, David Quarles IV, Ronne Brown, Keith Lee, Marsai Martin, and more. Performances included sets by Akeem Ali, 2 Chainz and Kirk Franklin.

Attendees weren’t just treated to panel discussions; they were invited to connect and could also shop with Black-owned vendors. On June 1, the Creator Meetup offered a chance to put networking skills into action and build community. Day Two was about more than panels and keynotes. It opened with a yoga session led by Johnny Venus of EarthGang and offered curated wellness experiences including a nail salon by 10 City Spa and a braid bar by Swella. These self-care elements helped the event stand out, offering a refreshing break from the usual industry focus on craft alone.

Sheen caught up with Dr. Eanah of Counsel Club to talk about the connection between community and mental well-being.

“Community in general is important. We want to feel supported when we are going through hard times,” said Eanah. “It is the responsibility of the practitioners and the people doing this work to bridge that gap. We need to show people that we can be trusted.”

Wellness and creativity go hand in hand, especially in today’s climate. Viral food critic Keith Lee spoke candidly about his early struggles with social anxiety and how attending events like Blavity Fest has helped him grow beyond those limits.

“Being around family and doing things like this, where I am talking in public and having conversations, I use this as practice,” said Lee. “Anytime I get to have a conversation, I try to take that advantage.”

Actress and producer Marsai Martin also took the stage to reflect on growing up in the spotlight. A familiar face since the age of 9 on ABC’s Black-ish, Martin shared what it’s been like to turn a childhood passion into a full-fledged career.

“I think, at the time, it was just me having fun. Acting was just a hobby that really turned into something bigger and more than that,” said Martin. “I think the obstacles that I had to face when I was younger were coming to shoot, discipline, and finding my passion, acting accordingly.”

In true Blavity fashion, Blavity Fest closed on a high note. Kirk Franklin took  the crowd to church with a set that included “Melodies from Heaven,” “Smile,” and other hits.

For those looking to experience Blavity Fest in 2026, early bird tickets are already available at https://posh.vip/e/blavity-fest-2026.