ONYXCON the event,

as of the year 2020 is now part of the ONYXCON FOUNDATION! ONYXCON the event was born in 2009, making it the largest convention in the Southeastern USA, celebrating diversity in the popular arts with focus on the impact, contributions, and presence of the African Diaspora in the fantastic!

So what exactly is ONYXCON (The event)?

ONXCON is a convention, festival, and celebration. 
We promote, showcase, educate, and entertain all fans of the Sequential Arts and related media.  We EDUTAIN!  We feature independent and legendary creators of comics, books, film, and other media with a focus on African Diaspora culture, concepts, interests, and general markets. Ultimately we represent diversity in these Arts and so we are open to representing all POPULAR ARTS  that are CONSCIOUSLY DIVERSE!  Our event is for everyone, and is a progressive and diverse networking event for professionals as well as enthusiasts who appreciate our showcase. Because comic books/comic strips have long stood as the foundation Art form of this type of convention, comics are a major feature. But ONYXCON IS NOT LIMITED TO COMIC BOOKS. Our events highlight other literary genres like speculative fiction, as well as video games, collectable toys and models, films/documentaries, and all other media related to the Popular Arts. 

ONYXCON FILM FESTIVAL

ONYXCON Film Festival is our focus on the development of films and showcasing of films that fit our mission statement. We have screenings, discussions, panels, workshops, and even classes in promoting the Art of film. Our focus is creating platforms of ethnic diversity in genres like science fiction, fantasy, action, thrillers, horror, adventure, specific documentaries, and more related!

ONYXCON: SANKOFA

Sankofa comes from an Asante, Ghanaian system of symbols and proverbs connected known as Adinkra symbols. Sankofa is one on many symbols in this ever evolving system. It means to ‘Go back and fetch it!” Go back and fetch the past/roots/history in order to move forward into your future with self awareness and pride in all you are and come from! That was our mission for many an event in February, and once March; an event celebrating the long history of The African Diaspora in the Popular Arts and fantastic genres. We now partner related events and offer year round historic events in the now, while also developing new popular arts for the future!

ONYXCON INSTITUTE

Our institute consist of any and all workshops, panels, presentations, and courses/classes offered by or in conjunction with ONYXCON/ The ONYXCON FOUNDATION !

Why? 

           Similar events that inspired ONYXCON continue to have success. Established festivals like Philadelphia’s East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) founded by Yumy Odom inspired this event.

            The original - The Black Age of Comics Convention founded in 1993 by Artist/Educator Mr. Turtel ONLI of Chicago, IL, was the 1st Black Age convention. Inspired ECBACC and many other conventions making ONLI the "Father of The Black Age of Comics"!  Others that added to the movement include The Motor City Black Age of Comics (Detroit, MI) founded by Andre Batts/Urban Style Comics, The Kids Comicon ( Bronx, NY ) founded by Alex Simmons.  These conventions, The National Black Arts Festival and numerous other ‘comic cons’ were inspirational catalyst for the creation of ONYXCON.
 

ONYX + CON = ONYXCON

The origin of the word Onyx is defined as meaning ‘ring’. Onyx is also associated with the stone of the same name which features many tones and variations. It is often prized for the variations that are Black. The good energy attributes associated with the stone, the term ‘Black’ as it associates with the culture and vision of the African Diaspora, and the symbolism of a ‘ring’ as a complete circle of networking, learning, and influence are the symbolisms associated with the ONYXCON’s mission. The other colors that can be present in Onyx represent all of the diverse ethnicities that support and love ONYXCON! We are one with the world of fans who love our purpose. CON means to convene, come together, unify for a purpose. Con is short for Convention.  = ONYXCON


ATLANTA

Atlanta is the capital of new growth and commerce in the south. Culturally and economically, Atlanta has a strong African American and International African Diaspora community. Many African Americans and other ethnicities/cultures that support these communities have a vested interest in products created for and by people of direct African decent. Atlanta is the film industry capital of the south and a global leader in box office impact from films made in Georgia. Our Film Festival celebrates and has vested interest in building more infrastructure and opportunity in the film industry. ONYXCON will create awareness, a new market base, and educational opportunities for consumers and industry professionals who produce unique Art and products for these supporters.

 

 

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Art of The Sankofa Family created by CHRIS MILLER for ONYXCON!

Art of The Sankofa Family created by CHRIS MILLER for ONYXCON!