From comic books to TV shows, mediums of creativity reflect the diversity present in the creative community, and through dedicated events, this diversity is highlighted and reflected in the Austin area.
Many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creators are a part of this community, but, according to artists from BIPOC PoP, they often struggle with having their voices heard. Although events like BIPOC PoP help them work together to uplift each other and make their voices heard, according to illustrator and cartoonist Eliamaria Madrid. Using their shared and personal experiences, they cultivate communities and spaces where their stories can be heard.
BIPOC PoP is an event that highlights BIPOC creators and provides an opportunity for them to share their art. The event is three days long, and it takes place at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The event is run by Fredrick Luis Aldama and UT Austin students. They bring in many different creators to set up stands, host workshops, and speak at panels about their works and perspectives.
Madrid attended the event and has created many different pieces of art and books. According to Madrid, BIPOC PoP has allowed her to share her work and experiences with many creators.
“I’ve met so many amazing people from this event,” Madrid said. “It’s made me feel not alone in the BIPOC space and really fuels me to not just uplift my own work, but everyone’s, so we can all show that BIPOC creatives are powerful.”
A comic book writer and creator who also attended BIPOC PoP, Rafael Flores Jr., sees a lot of support at this event for his and other creators’ work. He believes events like BIPOC PoP play a vital role in amplifying diverse voices and building a stronger community around storytelling.
“It’s a mix, and it’s a lot of fun just to talk to other comic book creators and get their feedback on your work,” Flores said. “And we always say, ‘Hey, your stuff is really cool,’ and we give each other compliments.”
Darius Yancy is an artist and comic book author who has created multiple books whose characters represent his life experiences and struggles. He explained that he loved being able to be on panels and talk with other creators about their artistic journey.
“My favorite part is between two,” Yancy said. “I will say being on a panel with people that I’ve sat and listened to on the panel before when I was in the opposite seats, so to now be joining them, that’s a huge thing that I’m forever grateful for. [Also,] walking around and asking everyone about their work, creating creators, the journey.”
Flores learned at BIPOC PoP the importance of events that celebrate diversity. He saw just how much events that advocate for diverse storytelling are needed to empower BIPOC creators who have had a difficult time getting their name and art out there.
“I just learned that we need more of these kinds of events,” Flores said. “It helps me build these connections. I just wish there was more of it.”
Yancy described the idea that BIPOC creators need spaces to be their own people without being compared to other, white, mainstream comic book artists. According to Flores, these spaces allow them to create their own stories and be their own people.
“I made all these characters and stories, and someone was like, ‘you’re the black Stan Lee’ and it was, even though it was funny, it was part of me was, ‘no,’” Yancy said. “Stan Lee has made it happen. Sorry, but I am also a creator, and yes, I’m black, and yes, I have created all these endeavors, not to be the next person, but to be another pioneer for others to also do this.”
According to Madrid, his event and many others provide a space to uplift BIPOC creators in times when it can be difficult to feel supported because of the controversies around diversity in the workplace. She expressed the need for these communities so BIPOC members get the attention they deserve in a world where they can be forced into the background of the art world.
“It feels like that part of our identity is just getting cast more and more into the background when we’re all at our highest in terms of talent and loudness of voice that’s being presented in our art,” Madrid said. “Our stories all matter, and while we hope one day to be on the same field as everyone else, we keep amplifying our voices in the BIPOC space to show why and what we’re making and how important it is.”
