We all know the lyrics, “I’m every woman, it’s all in me!”
That will never be truer than at Pitch Black: The Future is Female, the Shark Tank style entrepreneurship competition sponsored by MVMT50 at the 2018 SXSW Interactive Festival.
The ten Pitch Black finalists are brand-making, fertilizer-shaking, low self-esteem-taking, popcorn popping, inspirational healing black women, all vying for recognition and cash prizes. And they are exactly what MVMT50 is looking for.
coalition of Black thought leaders
MVMT50 prides itself on disrupting the traditionally exclusive culture of innovation. Believing that people from diverse backgrounds have unique and valuable contributions to make in the business and tech sectors, it aims to provide the launch pad and support necessary for viable ideas, with an emphasis on Black creators.
A self-described “coalition of Black thought leaders”, MVMT50 insists on inclusion of diverse voices and elevating black leadership, and has become an important arm of the 21st Century civil rights movement. The think tank gathers annually during SXSW to provide programming and information that leaders from communities from around the globe can take home and use to make real progress.
At this year’s SXSW, MVMT50 is hosting a full weekend of events highlighting and celebrating Black creativity, cooperation and elevated thinking. Check out the calendar, get you a badge or day pass and take full advantage!
Friday, 3/9/18- 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM: Opening Reception
Carver Museum
Featuring a fireside chat with Marlon Nichols, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cross Culture Ventures. MVMT50 named Mr. Nichols “Innovator of the Year” for his innovative work that promises to drive minority economic growth.
No badge required – RSVP
Saturday, 3/10/18- Noon: 6:00PM– HUE Social Affair
Carver Museum
A celebration of beauty and natural hair innovations, featuring product demonstrations and special offers. The HUE Affair is being sponsored by Mielle Organics.
No badge required – Purchase a ticket
Saturday, 3/10/18- 3:00PM – 6:00PM– A Great Day in Wakanda: The Photoshoot
Freedom Plaza at Carver Museum
Reminiscent of the 1958 Great Day in Harlem photo shoot that forever memorialized the moment in time when all of the NYC jazz greats gathered – we are looking to do the same to capture the euphoria surrounding Black Panther!
Free and no badge required – RSVP
Saturday, 3/10/18- 5:00PM – 7:00PM – HBCU Battle of the Brains Finals
JW Marriott
Colleges and universities from around the country will present their business solutions in the areas of Business, Communications, Engineering, Mathematics, Marketing, Public Policy, Science and Technology to vie for the Battle of The Brains Championship title.
Sunday, 3/11/18- 2:00PM- 3:00PM: HBCU Meetup
JW Marriott- 4th Floor in Salon 3
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black people have representation in companies and industries all over the globe. What brings them together again at SXSW? We do! Join us for the SXSW HBCU Official Meet Up!
Sunday, 3/11/18- 4:00PM- 6:00PM: Pitch Black: The Future is Female
JW Marriott, 4th Floor in Salon 3
Ten black female finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in four minutes or less as they compete for recognition and cash prizes. The business ideas are brilliant and diverse, as are their creators.
Pitch Black: The Future is Female, is a SXSW Diversity partner event, with funding from Backstage Capital, an African American female-led venture capital fund that invests in new companies led by women, people of color and LGBTQ founders.
So, from young college co-eds at the Battle of the Brains to our seasoned thinkers at the other weekend events, MVMT50 is here to capture all the magic! There is something for all of us. Come and be inspired.
Visit the MVMT50 website for the full schedule of activities planned for SXSW this year.
