Afropunk - In Detail
.
"In 2003 Matthew Morgan produced 'Afro-Punk', the seminal cult classic documentary spotlighting Black Punks in America written and directed by James Spooner. The focus was giving a voice to thousands of multi-cultural kids fiercely identifying with a lifestyle path-less-traveled. Morgan, a music industry executive, instinctively understood that the indie rock/punk/hardcore scene had powerful appeal beyond the predictable Caucasian audience.
AFROPUNK has evolved into a touchstone of a cultural movement strongly reminiscent of the early days of Hip-Hop. Alternative urban kids across the across the globe who felt like outsiders discovered they were actually the core of a boldly innovative, fast-growing community.
The online community has been the driving force behind the exploding AFROPUNK movement, creating an authentic virtual home in www.afropunk.com and across AFROPUNK's social channels, nurturing music's best and brightest.
In 2005, first annual AFROPUNK Festival debuted to enthusiastic crowds at the iconic Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). It celebrated and unified the cultural cornerstones of AFROPUNK: music, film, skate, art and most importantly, the fiercely independent and influential individuals that are the lifeblood of the AFROPUNK community.
Described by the New York Times as “the most multicultural festival in the US,” the word AFROPUNK itself has become synonymous with open-minded, non-conforming and an unconventional community, placing the institution at the epicenter of urban culture inspired by alternative music. AFROPUNK is a web magazine dedicated to celebrating alternative culture and activism, reaching millions across its social networks, spearheaded by Editor-in-Chief Lou Constant-Desportes. Its ever-growing readership is key to the global growth of the online and offline community.
In 2015, AFROPUNK debuted in Atlanta and the first ever AFROPUNK Festival out of the United States took place in Paris. AFROPUNK is planning to bring the festival to other cities, both in the U.S. and internationally organized by Morgan and partner Jocelyn Cooper." (http://www.afropunk.com/page/the-movement)