Since the 1993 launch of the indie Black Age of Comics movement mainstream events and conventions such as Chicago's C2E2 benefits from a growing presence and participation of amazingly gifted Black creative folks.  Before 1993 that was not the case.

This is evidence of the impact and progress of the growing Black Age of Comics movement.
                                                
                                                     "Indie today: Black Age forever!"

 FACT: In Feb. 1993 ONLI STUDIOS produced the first ever full indie Black Age of Comics Convention at the National Treasure known as the South Side Community Art Center in the historic district of Bronzeville in Chicago.

This unique event featured panel discussions, vendors, exhibitions.  It was open sourced, open to the LGBTQ community, folks of color, folks of non-color, the disabled, while openly celebrating creators and concepts derived from the Black, Urban, African & Indie experience.
ONLI STUDIOS planned it  to support the launch of Milestone Media that same month.

"You do not have to be Black to get your Black Age on!"

The impact of this continuing event is the steady successful explosion of various indie comic cons around the USA featuring People of Color / LGBTQ and Alternatives..

Plus how "Black" or "Diverse" was this industry before this launch compared to after it hit?  

We thank all of the positive folks along the way who have attended, participated in, and supported our efforts to grow the Black Age of Comics genre into a positive welcoming force for creativity, culture & commerce.

The rise of MEECA CON, ECBACCC, Onyx-Con, MCBACC & Pocket Con and such  are examples of this living legacy.

BLACK AGE XXIII is coming soon:

Sept. 28th. 2019: Chicago IL at the Kenwood Academy 5021 South Blackstone Ave. 60615

We are excited to announce that our free-standing indie Black Age of Comics Convention/Chicago is returning September 28th, 2019 to the Kenwood Academy High School in the Hyde Park district of Chicago.

Its within walking distance from the prestigious University of Chicago, The Hyde Park Art Center and the personal home of former President Obama.

Above:  The Winners of our Cosplay Contest!

This neighborhood is also the birthplace of the Black Age genre as it was the longtime home of ONLI STUDIOS. Speaking of ONLI STUDIOS....aside from a serious case of studioitis we are actively making plans for this event.

Below are assorted scenes from BLACK AGE CHICAGO Conventions held in the past at the Kenwood Academy Location.

Kim is presenting her works and projects

 After completing  our eight year long arrangement with the DuSable Museum of African American History's outdoor annual Arts & Crafts Festival this is a natural positive progression.

When details related to programming, displays, vending opportunities and panel discussion are established we will post it year. Here Corey Green is leading an intense tutorial on Digital Coloring.

Below: Okorafor and Banks.

Scenes from former Black Age Chicago Cons:
 Here is a discussion with the brilliant author,
 Nnehdi Okorafor and the late, great writer, L. A Banks.