By George Morris, The Advocate
Black Out Loud Conference held in BR
The inaugural Black Out Loud Conference celebrated black visibility in the arts, media and activism on Aug. 10-12 in Baton Rouge.
Local poet, activist and teaching artist Donney Rose hosted the conference, which was sponsored by the Urban Congress on African American Males in Baton Rouge, Design Baton Rouge, The Bluest Ink and Healthcare Gallery & Wellness Spa.
TMZ senior producer and Baton Rouge native Van Lathan was keynote speaker. Also speaking was Michael “Quess” Moore, co-founder of Take Em Down NOLA, the movement that encouraged the removal of Confederate statues in New Orleans.
The conference development team included Ronaldo Hardy, sponsorship and development; Lynette Pierce, volunteer coordinator/logistics manager; Marcel Williams, talent coordinator; and Leslie D. Rose, publicity.
Photo Caption: Black Out Loud Conference–At the inaugural Black Out Loud Conference Aug. 10-12 are, from left, Dialogue on Race-Louisiana CEO Maxine Crump, Southern University Vice President of External Affairs Robyn Merrick, Black Out Loud Conference Director Donney Rose, Sherreta Harrison of Urban Congress on African American Males in Baton Rouge and Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks.