The Black Network is now in its third consecutive year of championing change and inclusion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Building on the momentum of previous years, Cephas Williams and The Black Network will facilitate the presence of 50 new and outstanding Black professionals in the creative, marketing, and communications industries at the prestigious event in Cannes, France.
This addition brings the total number of Black professionals supported by the program to over 120, thanks to contributions from more than 20 industry companies and numerous leaders. Past partners include Soho House, Publicis Groupe, Spotify, Yahoo, Oliver, Lucky Generals, BBH, Tesco, Salesforce, Dentsu Creative, McCann, Clear Channel, M&C Saatchi, Mullen Lowe, IAA, Campaign, Meta, Google, and more.
In collaboration with Lions, the network remains dedicated to showcasing and fostering Black talent within the global creative community. By enabling motivated individuals to attend the festival, The Black Network not only highlights the extraordinary talents within the Black community but also ensures their voices are heard and their work is seen on an international stage.
The program invites applications from individuals at any career stage, including industry veterans and newcomers. Regardless of position or role, the Lions festival offers valuable experiences for all. Previous participants have spanned a broad spectrum of industries, including marketers, copywriters, CMOs, founders, tech enthusiasts, and social media experts.
This diversity enriches the experience for everyone involved. While the festival provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, the program also supports those who wish to explore the event independently, allowing participants to tailor their experience to meet personal and professional objectives. There will also be moments throughout the week where the group comes together.
Tatiana Osei, Senior Agency Lead at Yahoo, shared her experience: “Attending the Cannes Lions Festival as part of Black Out 2023 was a career highlight. Representing Yahoo, I interviewed Cephas Williams on stage and hosted a panel discussing how Black leaders navigate the industry. The experience was eye-opening, emphasizing the importance of ‘Purposeful Proximity.’ With support from Yahoo, I was able to build meaningful relationships and gain insights into leadership and business strategy.”
REELated:
In its third year, the program continues to select a diverse group of participants, each bringing unique perspectives and talents to the creative industry. The 50 individuals will have the opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate with some of the most influential figures in creativity.
Myles Manyonda, Strategy Director at Lucky Generals, described the impact of his experience: “Attending the Cannes Lions Festival as part of Black Out 2023 was life-changing. I was disillusioned with the industry, considering a career change. Seeing others who shared my struggles re-energized my determination. Being part of a group of 50 talented Black professionals changing the narrative at such a prestigious festival was empowering. Now, I’m committed to being an agent of change.”
The Black Network welcomes applications from anyone in the Black community seeking to make their mark in the creative industry. This year’s participants will be chosen based on their potential to benefit from the festival experience and their ability to contribute to the ongoing conversation about inclusion, creativity, and innovation.
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