Name: When We See Us: The Power of Representation & Black Storytelling
Start: 2026-07-17T13:00:00-0700
End: 2026-07-17T14:00:00-0700

When We See Us: The Power of Representation & Black Storytelling

Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

BreakBox Thought Collective

When We See Us: The Power of Representation & Black Storytelling invites you to an exploration of the complexities of Black film and representation, examining how Black stars and Black cinema shape culture both positively and negatively.

Through soundtracks, visuals, iconic storylines, and public influence our curators question the responsibilities of actors within the entertainment industry and highlight the role of independent and diasporic filmmakers in creating avenues to control narratives and portray African American and the Diaspora lived experiences. All while noting that Black stars increasingly put themselves in positions to produce Black cinema and urging that to see more positive representation, creators must make their own films, while also prompting a discussion about how to define “Black cinema” versus “Black star power.”

Exhibitors

Hope Garcia

Hope Garcia is a professional musician and the lead vocalist of The Box Band in California’s Central Valley. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she draws deep inspiration from her Louisianan and Native American roots. A full-time artist, disruptor, and community activist, Hope also... Read More →

Yusuf Oliver

With a voice full of spirit and a magnetic presence, Yusuf Ibn Hasan Oliver channels his New Orleans ancestry and family stories into performances that are part confession, part celebration. A percussionist, bassist, DJ, and member of his wife Jamillah’s band, Tribal Behavior, Yusuf... Read More →

Joshua Slack

Joshua Slack is an actor, writer, photographer and director and is the Cultural Organizer for Pan Valley Institute. He serves as a vessel to bring life to his community by telling stories and depicting images of those from marginalized backgrounds at the forefront. He has studied... Read More →

Jamiela Williams

Jamiela Williams has worked on a number of shows from community to professional theatre. She is a graduate of CSU Fullerton with a BA in Theatre Arts (emphasis in Stage Management) and a minor in African American Studies.

Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
BreakBox Thought Collective 1721 Van Ness Ave Fresno, Ca 93721

Tickets

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Power to the Pen

Hope Garcia

Yusuf Oliver

Joshua Slack

Jamiela Williams

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Success you have shared X tickets.

Power to the Pen

Hope Garcia

Yusuf Oliver

Joshua Slack

Jamiela Williams

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