Following the conclusion of the fourth annual NFT.NYC conference, attendees took the opportunity to reflect on a week of artistic inspiration, community networking, and developer innovation within the non-fungible token (NFT) space.
A sequel to last year’s popular debut, the event The Digital Diaspora on June 19 served as a dedicated exhibit, panel discussion, and fundraiser to amplify the voices and creative talents of artists of color in the NFT space.
The event was a collaboration between renowned skyscraper photographer DrifterShoots and rising young artist Diana Sinclair, in association with sponsors MetaMask and Samsung, and was held at the 837 Samsung Center in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, New York, on Day of the Father and the Juneteenth.
Hosted by MetaMask Community Manager Faith Love, panelists included Diana Sinclair, Emonee LaRussa, Andre O’Shea, Elise Swopes, Cory Van Lew, and a cameo on stage from DrifterShoots.
June 19, commonly known as Juneteenth, is one of the most culturally significant days in the American calendar, as it marks the historical moment when, in 1865, the last African-Americans were emancipated from slavery in Galveston, Texas.
Today, The federal holiday of Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder to consciously reflect on the atrocities of the past, but it is also an opportunity to expand the social narrative around cultural diversity and representation, as well as to celebrate the modern achievements of the people of the United States color.
The Digital Diaspora—with the term “diaspora” referring to the migration and global displacement of people of similar cultures or origins—was a celebration of black culture, with the aim of “raising awareness of the issues of racism and inequality, while highlighting the beauty of art born from these ever-present struggles,” according to the website.
This news is published and verified by the NFT News media team.