Dream Con
February 8, 2024
February has always been the signal to kick off Black History Month. Twenty-eight days of recognition for Black individuals whose contributions to society have proven invaluable to the present day. From the traffic signal to the folding chair, we have never stopped to take a seat to provide and ensure safe spaces for Black communities.
One social media movement we love during Black History Month is 28 Days of Black Cosplay created by Chaka Cumberbatch in 2015 to acknowledge and praise Black cosplayers. The hashtag #28DaysofBlackCosplay serves as an identifier on social media for showcasing creativity and appreciation for pop culture in its various forms. A movement to provide a space for those in geek culture to express themselves as Black creatives in the fashion of cosplay without the need to ask for external acceptance.
Whereas February is usually a month to recognize the past accomplishments of Black success, it has now provided the stage for inclusivity and diversity for those who have felt ignored or forgotten. Dream Con is the venue for such an occurrence as an entertainment convention bringing together like-minded individuals from all over the world to enjoy and celebrate anime, gaming, cosplay, sports, film, and music. Scheduled cosplay meet-ups allow Black cosplayers to resonate with others who share the same interests as themselves and to network and build meaningful connections.
This best thing about Black History Month for 2024, we get one more day to be whoever we choose to be.