Successful Launch of Poetry, Blerds, and Jams Comic Con Attracts Over 200 Attendees

Co-organizer Khalisah Hameed emphasized the event's purpose as a safe space where Black individuals could freely express their interests in fandoms without stigma. She remarked, “It was really supposed to be a space where Black people were able to be free to nerd out and be really whimsical and imaginative.”

The gathering featured local poets LindoYes Jones and Enoch, who energized the event. Sponsored by Futurefull Stories and Row House Publishing, under the nonprofit WPP Little Readers Big Change Initiative, the event aimed to create an inclusive environment for marginalized voices in fandom.

Jones highlighted the isolation that often accompanies being a Black fan. He stated the need to protect Black joy within fandoms, saying, “When you’re a part of your fandom, it can feel isolating.”

Attendee AJ Cook echoed the need for community, noting the significance of diversifying interests and breaking stereotypes associated with Black culture.

The event challenged traditional notions of Comic Cons being limited to urban centers, with Jones advocating for hosting them in familiar community spaces.

An Artist Alley showcased brands and products from Black entrepreneurs, with Jones stating that organizing these vendors was vital for ensuring continued creativity and support for Black creators.

A gaming section and screenings of anime also featured during the event, alongside four speaker panels discussing topics like artist burnout and Afrofuturism. Jones pointed out the importance of these discussions in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering mutual support among attendees.

The day concluded with a spoken-word concert featuring artists Michael J. Ivory, Ciara Chantelle, and Eli Capella. This Comic Con was a continuation of community engagement efforts, including the Black Imagination Book Club at the Joseph E. Coleman Library.

Looking forward, organizers have already set a date for the next Comic Con on September 18, 2027, and are focused on securing resources to enhance future events. Hameed expressed that the initiative represents a larger cultural movement of Black creativity in the Greater Philadelphia area.