HBO Max’s Scene in Black celebrates storytelling, music and culture this summer with events at The Chicory and the Ace Hotel in New Orleans from July 1 to July 3. The three-day weekend consists of custom experiences and content that feature HBO Max talent. The activation will also include conversations amongst thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and tastemakers.
“We are thrilled to have Scene in Black on the ground in New Orleans during the 4th of July weekend,” said Jackie Gagne, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, HBO Max and HBO. “Being here gives us the opportunity to engage directly with our community. Our activations will consist of previews to upcoming programming and conversations with talent and creatives that we hope will build connections and inspire current and future creatives.”
Scene In Black recognizes and celebrates Black creators and audiences alike, providing a haven to spotlight representation, elevate experiences and cultivate community while strengthening brand connection with Black audiences.
Scene in Black is a part of a larger portfolio of HBO Max’s initiatives including HBO Max Human By Orientation, and HBO Max Pa’lante!. These audience-first initiatives engage multicultural viewers through relatable storytelling and cultural programming at key moments and notable industry events throughout the year. Each initiative is centered in diversity and rich in collaboration, celebration and the elevation of ideas.
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A full overview for the weekend festivities can be found below:
FRIDAY, JULY 1
Welcome Mixer
As our kick-off event for the weekend, and to celebrate the upcoming HBO documentary, Katrina Babies, HBO Max will curate a mixer to celebrate and uplift the creative community of New Orleans. Working alongside Edwards Buckles Jr. (Director, Katrina Babies), this event will bring together creatives to network, celebrate one another and highlight the impact of the NoLa community.
Attending Talent: Edwards Buckles Jr. (Director, Katrina Babies)
SATURDAY, JULY 2
HBO Max POV Brunch & Panel Conversation
HBO Max POV will host a conversation over brunch highlighting behind the scenes talent, their personal stories and experiences, career trajectory and their respective roles on relevant HBO Max programming.
HBO Max POV (Power of Visibility) is an initiative that provides a platform for multicultural and behind-the-scenes talent within HBO and HBO Max programming.
Attending Talent: Syreeta Singleton (Showrunner and Executive Producer, HBO Max Rap Sh!t), Rikki Hughes (Showrunner and Executive Producer, HBO Max The Hype), Edward Buckles Jr. (Director, HBO Documentary Katrina Babies), and Joe Guidry (Director, HBO Max Sweet Life)
Curls + Convo ft: Felicia Leatherwood (Celebrity Hair Stylist and Hair Department Head, HBO Max Rap Sh!t) & Hannah Diop (Co-Founder, Sienna Naturals)
Felicia Leatherwood, Celebrity Hair Stylist and Head of the Hair Department of HBO Max’s Rap Sh!t and Hannah Diop, Founder and Creator of Sienna Naturals will conduct a live hair demo and discussion that celebrates black women, diverse hair textures, and hairstyles. The event will also feature giveaways from Sienna Naturals and Brush with the Best.
Attending Talent: Felicia Leatherwood (Celebrity Hair Stylist and Hair Department Head, HBO Max Rap Sh!t), Hannah Diop (Co-Founder, Sienna Naturals)
Rap Sh!t Screening and Panel Conversation
We’ll bring Issa Rae’s new comedy series, Rap Sh!t to New Orleans with an exclusive screening and conversation featuring the creators and stars of the series.
Attending Talent: ??Issa Rae (Creator/Executive Producer), Syreeta Singleton (Showrunner/Executive Producer), Sadé Clacken Joseph (Director), Aida Osman (Shawna), and KaMillion (Mia)
Rap Sh!t at The Ace Hotel
To close out the night, Scene in Black will bring the vibes of HBO Max’s Rap Sh!t to life with a takeover at the Ace Hotel, featuring a DJ set and surprise musical guest.
Attending Talent: ??Issa Rae (Creator/Executive Producer), Syreeta Singleton (Showrunner/Executive Producer), Aida Osman (Shawna), and KaMillion (Mia)
SUNDAY, JULY 3
Scene in Black x RNBHouseParty: Creator’s Brunch
Scene in Black, in partnership with RNBHouseParty, will host a creator’s brunch, bringing together influencers and tastemakers for a weekend close out celebration.
About Scene in Black
Scene In Black recognizes and celebrates Black creators and audiences alike, while providing a haven for our viewers to see themselves in HBO Max programming. We elevate Black cultural experiences and spotlight Black representation to cultivate a supportive community for our audience. We engage our audience all year round via social media profiles, experiential events and strategic partnerships that nurture our audience while strengthening our brand connection.
