The Black Network

The Black Network / Day Party - Post Cannes Cool Down @ Soho House Please RSVP to attend - https://lnkd.in/e8APZNQc Spaces are limited so please RSVP to secure a place Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity / #BlackOut2024 /

With over 1,000 applications to go through, we have now contacted everyone about your application to go with us to Cannes, please check your spam/junk mail and we look forward to seeing you all at the pre Cannes Party + other events we’ll be doing. A Message from Cephas Williams - “As many of you know, we received over 1,000 applications which was both overwhelming and inspiring, each showcasing remarkable achievements and aspirations. After many days and hours of review, we have come to a decision on the 50 people going. This has been a very difficult decision to make and please remember this is bigger than Cannes. The presence of the 50 that will go to the festival with us represents a much bigger idea and community. This decision was incredibly difficult due to the overwhelming number of great applications we received. It’s also deeply disheartening when we consider how deserving everyone was alongside the fact that I’ve had to do this with minimal support from the industry. However, the change I’m driving is greater than the resistance I’m facing. I questioned how much I give myself to this work when I heard my son cry real deep tears the other day because I wasn’t able to spend more time with him that evening, I reflect and think perhaps I’ve given too much of myself to this cause, but I remember what I wrote in Letter to Zion and how far away we are from the world I described to him in that letter. Across the last 3 years I have put over £90,000 of my own money into this work, I will now have taken over 100 Black people to the festival and supported their career growth in various ways. I’ve committed this money to not only see more Black people at the festival, but to see our people better connected across the industry. Last night I sent a further £35,000 from my savings to make this trip happen. I explain this not to be thanked but to be understood, when you see me in Cannes, understand what I stand for. My presence there carries a much greater meaning, my interest in seeing this change comes from a real place, because I care, because like many other leaders, I said I would commit to the change. This is why I put my money where my mouth is, this is not a competition for me neither is it a flex. This is a real message to the industry and its leaders. That message is simple, if you really turn over millions in profit, if you really have decision making power and if you really want to see the experience and trajectory of Black people change across the industry, don't just watch me, back me. Can we turn this 50 to 500? If I could take more people I would. But I can only afford to take just under 5% of those who applied. As much as we can only take 50, this is far from a competition, this is about a much bigger message to the industry and I seriously value everyone who has applied themselves to the work I do and this process. It’s not about individual success, it’s about collective growth and systemic change.” --- Together We Are Stronger

Black Out 2024 is a callout to organisations connected to the marketing and creative industries to ensure the presence of Black talent at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Building on the momentum of previous years, Cephas Williams and The Black Network will once again facilitate the presence of new and outstanding Black people in the creative, marketing, and communications industries at the world-renowned event in Cannes, France. As part of the longstanding partnership between The Black Network & Cannes Lions, Lions will again provide 50 Festival passes in support of the Black Out mission. Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “Cannes Lions is committed to actively combatting underrepresentation and we’re delighted to build on our relationship with Cephas and The Black Network for a third year, to make Cannes Lions a more inclusive space. The Black Network’s ongoing commitment to showcasing and fostering Black talent within the global creative community has successfully opened doors and provided unparalleled opportunities for the cohort it brings together. We’re grateful to be able to work alongside them and to provide more opportunities and access to the Festival.” Cephas Williams, Founder of The Black Network, added: “We are looking forward to embarking on the third year of this important proposition, a journey that began with a noticeable absence of Black individuals at the Cannes Lions Festival. Since then we’ve seen an increase in visibility across the beach, however, it’s clear that visibility is just the starting point. It’s vital for our presence to embody purpose and direction, ensuring effective alignment within the industry and our peers. This concept is derived from a term I coined at the inception of Black Out, ‘Purposeful Proximity.’ Each year, we witness the tangible impact of providing a platform for Black talent at Cannes Lions. Our community gains invaluable exposure and connections but also brings fresh perspectives that are vital to the evolution of the creative industry.” Press release - https://lnkd.in/eSWxC92U The Black Network / Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity / Cephas Williams #BlackOut2024 / #CannesLionsFestival / #CannesLions / #CannesLions2024 / #TheBlackNetwork

Black Out 2024 is a callout to organisations connected to the marketing and creative industries to ensure the presence of Black talent at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Building on the momentum of previous years, Cephas Williams and The Black Network will once again facilitate the presence of new and outstanding Black people in the creative, marketing, and communications industries at the world-renowned event in Cannes, France. As part of the longstanding partnership between The Black Network & Cannes Lions, Lions will again provide 50 Festival passes in support of the Black Out mission. Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “Cannes Lions is committed to actively combatting underrepresentation and we’re delighted to build on our relationship with Cephas and The Black Network for a third year, to make Cannes Lions a more inclusive space. The Black Network’s ongoing commitment to showcasing and fostering Black talent within the global creative community has successfully opened doors and provided unparalleled opportunities for the cohort it brings together. We’re grateful to be able to work alongside them and to provide more opportunities and access to the Festival.” Cephas Williams, Founder of The Black Network, added: “We are looking forward to embarking on the third year of this important proposition, a journey that began with a noticeable absence of Black individuals at the Cannes Lions Festival. Since then we’ve seen an increase in visibility across the beach, however, it’s clear that visibility is just the starting point. It’s vital for our presence to embody purpose and direction, ensuring effective alignment within the industry and our peers. This concept is derived from a term I coined at the inception of Black Out, ‘Purposeful Proximity.’ Each year, we witness the tangible impact of providing a platform for Black talent at Cannes Lions. Our community gains invaluable exposure and connections but also brings fresh perspectives that are vital to the evolution of the creative industry.” The Black Network / Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity / Cephas Williams #BlackOut2024 / #CannesLionsFestival / #CannesLions / #CannesLions2024 / #TheBlackNetwork

Due to the high volume of applications received, we need additional time to thoroughly review each one. We will contact those selected for Stage 2 as soon as possible. In the meantime, please look out for our launch event where you’ll learn more about the festival and have the opportunity to connect with leaders across the industry, others in the network and all applicants. Thank you for your patience. #BlackOut2024 / Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity / Cephas Williams / #CannesLionsFestival / #CannesLions / #CannesLions2024

✨Year 3 let’s go!! Once again we’re calling out to all Black talent connected to the creative and media industry or those who would like to gain access to get involved in this incredible opportunity. 🏆 Each person will receive a fully funded trip, with full access to the Lions program, including exclusive events and meals with industry leaders, further increasing visibility and access across the industry. ✍🏾 The Black Out 2024 application form is now open and you can access it via this link https://lnkd.in/dafWmxdt 🫶🏽 We really want to know who is in the industry and put this in front of as many Black people as possible, so please drop a 🖤 or tag anyone in the comments who you think would love to join The Black Network for Black Out 2024 and also don’t forget to apply for yourself. Together We Are Stronger ✊🏾 Cephas Williams / Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity #BlackOut #BlackOut2024 #TheBlackNetwork #CephasWilliams #CannesLions