The Black Zine Fair presents...

Imagining Black Cultural Consciousness: The Impact of Misogynoir on AI, IP, Public Domain, & Private Collections

This workshop will look at four case studies in how misogynoir has shaped private and public archiving practices and accessibility to the works of other Black creators and historical figures. We will look at Hogwarts Magical and Technical University, an imaginary extension of the Harry Potter universe created online by Black sorority and fraternity members from HBCUs nationwide. We will look at the case of content creators of viral dances on TikTok and discuss intellectual property (IP) theft and appropriation of Black song, dance and style, online and historically. We will discuss the acquisition of the Octavia Butler papers in California. A lecture by Kandis Williams will precede a Q&A and an image sharing potluck.

Meet the workshop facilitator

Kandis Williams is an artist, writer, editor, and publisher. Williams has received critical acclaim for her collage art, performance art, and publishing work. CASSANDRA PRESS is a 501 (c) (3) artist run publishing and educational platform producing lo-fi printed matter, classrooms, projects, artist books, and exhibitions. Our intention is to spread ideas, distribute new language, propagate dialogue centering ethics, aesthetics, and black scholars and activists.

Make a donation

The Black Zine Fair is free and open to the public, although donations are appreciated. We suggest a donation between $5-20 depending on your financial ability. We encourage established professionals and people with intergenerational wealth/savings to consider donating more or becoming sustaining members.

The fair is organized by Sojourners for Justice Press co-directors Neta Bomani and Mariame Kaba. We’re committed to creating a free platform for Black zine makers who otherwise wouldn’t have access to zine/art/book fairs and festivals. We rely primarily on individual donors to fund and sustain our work. Thank you for your support!

Accessibility information

Zoom, the online video conferencing platform where virtual workshops for the Black Zine Fair take place, will include live captioning and scheduled breaks.

Learn more

The Black Zine Fair is a celebration of all things Black and independent publishing in New York City! We invite Black exhibitors and educators to gather, trade or sell zines, and exchange knowledge surrounding zine-making, publishing, and do-it-yourself culture. The fair takes place virtually and in-person from April 13 to May 11. Visit our website and instagram to learn more.