Bronx Summit 2021: Connecting Local Creatives in NYC
Bronx Summit is returning for the third year in a row, aiming to bring together creative and entrepreneurial individuals in the Bronx. The summit, created by Jason Acosta and Kevin Brooks, who are also the hosts of the podcast Live From The Bronx, seeks to elevate the voices of creatives in the Bronx and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in their respective industries.
Acosta and Brooks emphasize the importance of connecting the Bronx community with the creative economy, especially for marginalized groups who may not have easy access to the creative scene. They highlight the need for diversity and inclusion in the creative economy, as less than 15% of individuals in this sector are people of color. By organizing the Bronx Summit, Acosta and Brooks aim to bridge this gap and create a platform where individuals from all backgrounds can come together to learn and collaborate.
The Bronx Summit will feature panels on various topics, networking opportunities, community building activities, performances by Bronx-based artists, and a business pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs. This year, the summit will also include a food vendor marketplace in addition to the Bronx vendor market, providing attendees with a diverse range of experiences.
Brooks and Acosta stress the importance of community engagement in different fields such as healthcare, technology, music, arts, and food. They believe that active involvement in the community is key to success, citing examples from the restaurant industry where community engagement has contributed to the success of many establishments. By sharing these insights, they hope to inspire and empower individuals to make meaningful connections in their industries and communities.
The Bronx Summit aims to bring together speakers from the Bronx community, particularly individuals of color, who have achieved success in their respective fields. Brooks hopes that attendees will be inspired by these speakers and realize that success is attainable for anyone, as long as they are willing to put in the work and make meaningful connections.
The third annual Bronx Summit is scheduled to take place on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at DREAM Charter High School on 20 Bruckner Blvd. Tickets for the event start at $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. Additionally, on Sept. 27, an invite-only community awards dinner will honor three Bronxites for their contributions to the community.
Overall, the Bronx Summit serves as a platform for creative individuals to come together, learn from each other, and build lasting connections that can help them succeed in their respective industries. By emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, Acosta and Brooks hope to empower individuals to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on their communities.