“Blerd” is a time period used to suggest the metamorphosis of “Black Nerds,” referring to these involved in a digital universe layered with the complexities of the actual world. The New York Instances outlined the time period as “critics and creators, students and social influencers, artists and activists who’re shifting the tradition within the years following the election of Barack Obama.” They referred to Obama as America’s first Black and Blerd president.
8bitclosedfist founder, Ronell Crawford, wished to create an area the place the Blerd neighborhood might really feel at residence.
The Painted Girl Tattoo Store hosted “Ink x Anime,” inviting the collective neighborhood to take pleasure in video games, flash tattoos, anime trivia, and stand-up comedy.
“We simply wished to placed on this occasion to get along with quite a lot of our Black nerds, anime nerds, players– to satisfy up. I do know quite a lot of us really feel like this doesn’t exist,” Crawford defined.
He went on to interrupt down the necessity for a “dope” atmosphere for the Black nerd neighborhood to really feel accepted. The founding father of 8bitclosedfist continued, “We additionally simply need some dope gatherings for the neighborhood.”
8bitclosedfist host, Larney L. Johnson IV (L.J.), commented on the prospects of constructing an atmosphere for Black youth to be launched to a variety of popular culture.
“We don’t need to must go to Cons [themed conventions for pop culture] on a regular basis; the place it’s a must to pay for tickets—parking charges, simply to satisfy up with folks and funky conversations,” confirmed L.J., who added that they need to do much more occasions that cater to the collective neighborhood.
“That is necessary as a result of I believe quite a lot of us simply must let unfastened and luxuriate in no matter we take pleasure in.” Crawford mentioned. Subsequently, L.J. thought-about the results of socializing after COVID-19 swept the globe.
“Since COVID occurred, lots of people discovered anime, streaming, and stuff like that — so we took that and been in a position to collect. That’s an important factor. It’s about neighborhood. We need to make sure that we hold it collectively — it’s all about Black love.”
The evening was stuffed with the excitement of younger Black adults having fun with Jenga, Uno, and free tacos. The middle space was reworked to a comedy stage.
Up and coming expertise that carried out included O’mar Finley, Mikel Albagdadi, Keenan Baker, Herman Wrice, Brandon Broady, and Roxxy Haze. Tacos have been offered by The Final Meal Prep and music was curated by DJ and producer, Mathew.
Within the phrases of the New York Instances, “the Blerd second appears to have solely simply begun.”
(Courtesy of 8bitclosedfist/ picture by Rico Santana)
