Black Future Festival

Brooklyn’s boldest celebration of Black imagination, invention, and joy, shaped by Black creators. 

Make art, learn dances, create music, and envision the future that celebrates Black culture and the African Diaspora. 

Presented with Kendra J. Ross and STooPS Art & Community.

SCHEDULE

Sparkle & Strength: Portraits Inspired by Mickalene Thomas

🕒 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

Learn about artist Mickalene Thomas’s bold pattern-filled portraits through a fun, hands-on collage activity. Participants will create their own expressive portraits using simple outlines, patterned papers, markers, and rhinestones to explore identity, color, and confidence. Led by Delaina Henry.

Hip Hop & House Dance Party

🕒 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

In this workshop, participants will learn party moves from Hip-Hop and House dance. These moves will be used throughout various exercises including a soul train line, a cypher, across the floor, and more. Participants will also learn a partner/group routine and perform at the end of the session. Led by Naomi Jones.

Wearable Art Creation

🕒 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

Create a piece of ‘Wearable Art’ as unique as you are! Create a beautiful necklace, bracelet, earrings or bookbag accessories with colorful beads and symbolic metal findings. Led by Monifa Edwards.

Let’s Dance Brooklyn: Past, Present, Future

🕒 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Celebrate the vibrant evolution of dance at this dynamic workshop. Through creative movement, participants will journey through Brooklyn’s cultural roots, embrace the present, and envision a powerful future—all while having fun and staying active! Led by Leslie Alston.

Terracotta Busts

🕒 All Days: 10:15 am – 12:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Create a clay bust of yourself inspired by the work of artist Augusta Savage. Use terracotta air-dry clay and sculpting tools to reflect your appearance, interests, and dreams in your self-portrait.

Rovin’ Round the Moon

🕒 All Days: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Learn why the moon has spots! Build your own moon rover using wood blocks and metal washers, then test its four-wheel drive. Will your rover successfully cross the surface of the moon?