June 30, 2022 (Global News Distribution) -

A tech hub for Black trailblazers, tech innovators, industry experts and the next generation of STEM leaders

By: Black Girls Rock! BGR!FEST

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2022 – BONDVISION Media, and BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ CEO Beverly Bond, introduces THE BLACK CLOUD^® TECH SUMMIT; at BGR!FEST™, an immersive multi-day live experience curated to celebrate the cultural contributions of Black artists, thought leaders, and creatives. The festival, spanning four days, will take place during Independence Day weekend, June 30- July 3 across multiple venues in the District of Columbia.

THE BLACK CLOUD^®TECH SUMMIT, is free to the public,  and will be located at The Beverly Salon at the Eaton Hotel on Thursday, June 30, and Friday, July 1, featuring innovative STEM leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries. For the inaugural summit, speakers included Jameka Pankey (Amazon); Aerospace Engineer, Aprille J. Erickson, Dr. Knatokie Ford, PhD; Tech Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, 19 Keys;  Cyber Security Researcher, Cimone Wright-Hamor, PhD; blackcomputeHER CEO, Jamika Burge, PhD and others will join THE BLACK CLOUD^®TECH SUMMIT to discuss Blockchain, AI, inclusion in technology, web 3, cybersecurity, bridging the digital divide and more.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! BGR! FEST,” said Jameka Pankey, Head of Global Change Management/Operations and Strategic Events for AWS ID&E. “The decision to partner on the inaugural BLACK CLOUD® TECH SUMMIT was a no brainer for us as we continue to lean into opportunities as a brand to shine a spotlight on Black tech innovators and industry experts, while also playing a role in inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. We are looking forward to all that this week has to offer and are hoping that attendees walk away not only inspired by but motivated by the conversations that will happen as part of this tech summit.”

Founder and CEO Beverly Bond said, “We are excited to be supported by Jameka Pankey and AWS to launch the inauguralTHE BLACK CLOUD^®TECH SUMMIT.It’s my vision to build a robust tech hub that gives Black innovators a true seat at the table in the tech revolution” Bond continued, “The partnership with AWS elevates our efforts to cultivate, empower and propel the next generation of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, executives, creators, and investors in technology.”

Free registration at www.blackgirlsrock.com.

SCHEDULE OF ALL BGR! FEST EVENTS:

THURSDAY JUNE 30:

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
BLACK CLOUD^® TECH SUMMIT A tech hub for Black trailblazers

THE BEVERLY SALON AT THE EATON HOTEL

BLACK CLOUD^® TECH SUMMIT a tech hub for Black trailblazers, will gather top STEM leaders, tech innovators, business advisors, recruiters, and industry experts to discuss career opportunities, forecast digital technologies, and offer insights for transforming the tech industry for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs of color.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
BLACK GIRLS ROCK!^® CONCERT SERIES – INDIA.ARIE x NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

KENNEDY CENTER

Multi-GRAMMY Award^®–winning R&B icon India.Arie will headline this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK!FEST™ (BGR!FEST) as it makes its highly anticipated return—collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for the very first time. This must-see event will feature multi award-winning conductor and arranger Dr. Henry Panion III, most known for his work with superstar Stevie Wonder. Dr. Panion will lead India.Arie and the NSO in lush orchestrations of her music.

11:00 PM
BGR! AFTER DARK

VIP AFTER-PARTY (PRIVATE EVENT)

FRIDAY, JULY 1:

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
BLACK CLOUD^® TECH SUMMIT DAY 2

THE BEVERLY SALON AT THE EATON HOTEL

BLACK CLOUD^® TECH SUMMIT a tech hub for Black trailblazers, will gather top STEM leaders, tech innovators, business advisors, recruiters, and industry experts to discuss career opportunities, forecast digital technologies, and offer insights for transforming the tech industry for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs of color.

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
BLACK GIRLS ROCK!^® CONCERT SERIES – INDIA.ARIE x NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – DAY 2

THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Multi-GRAMMY Award^®–winning R&B icon India.Arie will headline this year’s BLACK GIRLS ROCK!FEST™ (BGR!FEST) as it makes its highly anticipated return—collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for the very first time. This must-see event will feature multi award-winning conductor and arranger Dr. Henry Panion III, most known for his work with superstar Stevie Wonder. Dr. Panion will lead India.Arie and the NSO in lush orchestrations of her music.

8:30 PM DOORS OPEN

BLACK MEN ROCK!

9:30 CLUB

BGR!FEST presents the launch of BLACK MEN ROCK! a concert + celebration featuring a diverse representation of dynamic Black male music artists. BLACK MEN ROCK! 2022 will take place at The 930 Club  with JAY ELECTRONICA, RAHEEM DEVAUGHN, BAZAAR ROYALE, GREG BANKS, M-1 OF DEAD PREZ  and more.

SATURDAY, JULY 2:

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AND MUMU FRESH PRESENTS “HEART SONG” WRITING WORKSHOP

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! teams up with GRAMMY Nominated Rapper, Singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker, Mumu Fresh for a 2 hour long therapeutic songwriting workshop entitled Heart Song.

Line Hotel DC Community Center (basement level)

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

BGR! FILM FEST

An exhibition of Black women filmmakers and Black women-centered content.

The Kennedy Center Family Theater – 2:00 PM-6:00 PM

8:00 PM
THE BGR! SHOT CALLER DINNER (PRIVATE EVENT)  Featuring ALICE SMITH

An exclusive VIP gathering celebrating the 2022 expansion of BGR!FEST to DC attendees will include distinguished guests, performers, artists and tastemakers from across the DMV area.

11:00 PM
BGR! AFTER DARK

VIP AFTER-PARTY (PRIVATE EVENT)

SUNDAY, JULY 3:

10:00 PM – 6:00 PM
BGR! FILM FEST – DAY 2

An exhibition of Black women filmmakers and Black women-centered content.

The Eaton Cinema – 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

The Angelika Pop-up – 2:00 PM-6:00 PM

11:00 PM
BGR! AFTER DARK

VIP AFTER-PARTY (PRIVATE EVENT)

ABOUT BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
BLACK GIRLS ROCK^® is a multifaceted media, entertainment, philanthropic, and lifestyle brand that  encompasses numerous experiential live events, media content, merchandise, and programs including the internationally acclaimed televised BLACK GIRLS ROCK!^® Awards,  The BGR!FEST and BLACK GIRLS ROCK!^® Inc., a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit.

ABOUT BGR!FEST™
BGR!FEST™ is an immersive live experience that celebrates, empowers, and elevates Black culture, arts, tech, and innovation. Curated by CEO and founder Beverly Bond, BGR!FEST™ extends the popular BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ platform to audiences, providing a larger platform to showcase musicians, singers, cultural curators, social entrepreneurs, and other creative innovators. Open to all ages, each edition of the BGR!FEST™ includes a mix of concerts, a speaker series, panels/workshops, sponsor activations, and community events. visit www.blackgirlsrock.com.

BGR!FEST MEDIA CONTACTS:

Thomasina Perkins:
Capitol Public Relations
thomasina@capitolpublicrelations.com
202.486.0698

Jennifer Valentin
Shore Fire Media
jvalentin@shorefire.com
617.417.8387

Media Contact
Capitol Public Relations
Thomasina Perkins-Washington
media@capitolpublicrelations.com
2024860698