The Future is Black: Storytelling duo launches effort to inspire new generation of creatives, entrepreneurs

The future is Black and Dominic Davis wants Kansas City to know it, he said, announcing the launch of a new campaign aimed at better connecting and supporting entrepreneurs and creatives of color. 

“When one of us wins, we all win,” Davis said, detailing his decision to found The Future is Black (TFIB) — a storytelling initiative intended to inspire next generation Black and Brown creatives and entrepreneurs, born out of his time studying and working at the University of Central Missouri. 

“When I was growing up, everyone pushed STEM jobs or motivated me to become a lawyer because I was skilled in debate. It wasn’t until my second year of college [when] I completely fell in love with communicating as a profession,” he recalled, noting such a realization ultimately led him to a career in marketing and public relations — a story he’s certain other creatives of color can relate to. 

The initiative is co-led by Reggie Meade, creative director, and Ebony Davis, community manager. Together, the team plans to tell stories like those of Alesha Bowman, owner of plus-sized retailer unLESHED, and Jimmy Garcia, a rising local tattoo artist. 

“We can’t wait to share stories like these on our Youtube docuseries ‘Behind the Brand.’ … People have told me that you can’t make your dreams come true in our city. TFIB will be proof that Kansas City has all of the tools and resources we need to impact change,” Davis said. 

Click here to follow TFIB on social media — its primary source for sharing Black and Brown success stories or here to connect with the campaign’s website.

India Wells-Carter, Fresh Factory KC

TFIB is set to launch with an event Saturday at Fresh Factory KC, a Black-led, woman-led creative venture that opened in May at Northland-based Zona Rosa. 

“I was sold from the jump on the mission of the campaign and what TFIB sought to cultivate for creatives and entrepreneurs,” said India Wells-Carter, owner of Fresh Factory KC, the metro’s premier selfie-studio and proud partner in the campaign.

Click here to read more about the opening dream behind Fresh Factory KC.

“It was an instant yes, because I deeply believe in the value of community and creating a village for others to feel supported and celebrated,” she continued, noting the honor and responsibility that comes with the partnership. 

“My hope for TFIB is to light the fuel for Black and Brown creatives and entrepreneurs in Kansas City. Everyone experiences moments of doubt, defeat, and discouragement and I believe TFIB will build an ecosystem that encourages these individuals to stay inspired and keep moving forward collectively.”

“I see TFIB being that cheerleader on the sideline yelling, ‘Go, fight, win,” to all the local creatives and entrepreneurs.”

Click here to purchase a ticket to the event using code “TFIB” or here to learn more about Wells-Carter and her journey to realize the attraction — a limited-run opportunity which has seen widespread success.

As the campaign gets underway, Davis is hopeful TFIB will evolve into a larger, high-impact, community-focused effort, he told Startland News. 

“I eventually want TFIB to grow into a mentor program, connecting children who aspire to be creatives and entrepreneurs with people who have successfully navigated the journey they want to embark on,” he explained. 

“… It feels amazing to be a part of the amplification of Black and Brown stories.”

This story is possible thanks to support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful.

For more information, visit www.kauffman.org and connect at www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn