Diversifying SXSW Ancillary Events
The first time I attended SXSW was in 2018. I loved the energy and the excitement around the city let me know it was something special.
I loved the idea SXSW Houses. The Houses are unofficial events but many companies utilize this avenue to advertise and break new products.
The possibilities were endless. If Cheese could have a house, I probably could push for a house dedicated to my Alma Mater and elevate the Black Austin Experience simultaneously. Historically, SXSW is extremely expensive and inaccessible for Black & Brown folks.
The idea came out of no where. Let’s spin up a HBCU row, an entire street dedicated to raising awareness around Black colleges and higher education. Somewhere over in East Austin; I’d be free for everyone and we’d obviously start with my precious School.
At the time, I was a few months away from becoming President’s of the Austin FAMU NAA chapter. I pitched my ideas to the General Body, not only were they behind me but they became energized and ready to execute. We made it happen. The event attracted local and national leaders.
It looked like I had something!
New year, New Partnerships
FAMU House 2020 was scheduled for March but was pushed back due to the virus.
It was a somber moment because I was able to grow the event. The first year, we had a recruiting portion for incoming freshman, a networking happy hour and a Panel discussion that spotlighted prominent grads of FAMU.
In 2020, I organized a business pitch competition, two additional panel discussions with notable community groups and an interactive artist showcase.
We were also able to partner with Six Square, a local non profit that helps drive the minority culture here in Austin.
I had to pivot, needed to find a way for the show to go on. I’m happy to announce that we’re doing FAMU Week during the last week of September. Follow FAMU House on Instagram for more updates!
