Inclusive Language Art Competition with $10,000 in Prizes

Submission Deadline Draws Near for Inclusive Language Art Competition with $10,000 in Prizes

San Diego, CA -- A family-friendly art competition encourages participants to explore inclusive language and ideas. The event launched during Biz Con 2024 by Afro Future Con and Afrofuturism Lounge will award $10,000 for the best art depictions of the theme.

Art can be submitted by completing this form and the deadline for entry is June 30, 2024.
Art styles can range from 2D to 3D visual art in any medium. The contest is offered by OriginOfAlphabet, Afrofuturism Lounge, and Afro Future Con. Winning entrees will be displayed online. Finalists will be announced at Afrofuturism Lounge, July 25, 2024 5 - 9 p.m. at the University Club at Symphony Towers, 750 B St., and winners will be awarded Labor Day Weekend (August 31st and September 1st) at the Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Oceanview Blvd. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity to be featured in an advertising campaign promoting inclusive language.

Inclusive language is about replacing clichés such as “blackmail,” “black list,” and “the dark side” with alternatives that don’t focus on color, because such clichés can too often lead to harmful stereotypes of people.

Afro Future Con and Afrofuturism Lounge are centered on providing a platform for visionary thought leaders and experts.

Dr. LaWana Richmond, presents “Afrofuturism as an Inclusive framework for Innovation as well as Social and Economic Progress.”

She agreed to spearhead the inclusive art contest after being approached by Jennifer Ball of OriginOfAlphabet and realizing that the themes of inclusion resonate and align with the values and ideals of Afrofuturism. The prize money is being provided by Jennifer Ball and OriginOfAlphabet.

“The prize money is meant to encourage more people to take language and the sentiments behind the language we use more seriously,” Dr. Richmond said. “Words have power. They have the power to uplift and the power to depress. Words matter and in this world so does money. It’s not a perfect analogy, but we hope this encourages more participation and more thoughtful submissions.”

Follow the hashtag #ChangeLanguageChangeMinds to view submissions.

Afro Future Con and Afrofuturism Lounge are offered by produced by Firyali, Inc. and benefit Grioneers, Inc. a San Diego-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization launched by Dr. Richmond, who also founded Afrofuturism Dream Tank and Afrofuturism Lounge, an annual event that coincides with San Diego Comic Con.

“GrioNeers supports, uplifts, and creates culturally responsive spaces for people of all ages and races locally, nationally, and globally to share and leverage their limitless collective talent to accelerate ideas, science, art, and other Afrofuturistic ventures,” Dr. Richmond said. “We’re making possible an intellectual and creative convergence of thought, skills, and resources that contribute to a more equitable and exciting future for everyone.”

Learn more about Grio’Neers events and the inclusive art competition at https://afrofuturismlounge.com.