TSU Hosts Build Power's Real Talk Town Hall with Kendrick Sampson called "Real Talk, Tech Talk: The Power of Black Story and Technology for Black History Month
Houston, TX – February 2, 2025 – Texas Southern University (TSU), in collaboration with BLD PWR and BAM (Black at Microsoft), presents "Real Talk: The Power of Black Storytelling and Tech", a thought-provoking town hall led by actor-activist Kendrick Sampson. This signature event is a cornerstone of TSU’s Black History Month theme: Reimagining the African Diaspora: The Intersection of Black Storytelling and Technology.
Taking place at McCoy Auditorium, this dynamic conversation will explore how technology is shaping the future of Black storytelling, while uplifting the creative brilliance and innovation of the African Diaspora.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Location: McCoy Auditorium, Texas Southern University
Parking: East Garage
Admission: Free with registration via Eventbrite
Program Highlights
➤ Real Talk: The Power of Black Storytelling and Innovation – Town Hall Led by Kendrick Sampson
Kendrick Sampson, actor, activist, and founder of BLD PWR, will lead an engaging and unscripted town hall conversation alongside Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director of BAJI (Black Alliance for Just Immigration), Dr. Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, TSU Professor of History, Holly Charles-Pearson, NAACP Image Award-nominated writer-director, and other industry thought leaders and cultural innovators:
Building power with story and tech
Blackness is… tech
Tech attacks and tactics
The benefits of generative AI for Black storytellers
Representation & responsibility in digital storytelling
Leveling up through lateral networking
The evolving future of Black storytelling
➤ Exclusive Screening: If They Took Us Back
NAACP Image Award-nominated writer-director Holly Charles-Pearson will present her critically acclaimed short film, If They Took Us Back. A visually stunning, alternate-history narrative, the film examines reparations, identity, and innovation—while leveraging AI-enhanced storytelling to push creative boundaries.
➤ Filmmaker Talkback with Holly Charles-Pearson
Following the screening, Holly Charles-Pearson will lead an interactive Q&A, exploring the role of AI in Black filmmaking, and how independent creatives can harness technology to tell their stories in new and innovative ways.
Why This Event Matters
"Black stories are the foundation of cultural movements, and in the digital age, we have the tools to amplify them on a global scale," said Kendrick Sampson, founder of BLD PWR. "This town hall is about celebrating our heritage while imagining a future where technology strengthens and protects our narratives."
"Technology is revolutionizing storytelling, but for Black creatives, it must be a tool for empowerment rather than erasure," added Holly Charles-Pearson. "This conversation bridges history, innovation, and the future of our stories."
About the Speakers & Organizers
Kendrick Sampson
Kendrick Sampson is an actor, storyteller, and producer who leverages his platform to shift culture for the greater good. Known for his roles in Insecure, Something from Tiffany's, and I Am a Virgo, Sampson uses his visibility to amplify grassroots efforts in mental health, sexual health, and abolition movements.
As co-founder of BLD PWR, Kendrick is committed to organizing both Hollywood and communities toward a more liberated future through storytelling, activism, and direct engagement.
Holly Charles-Pearson
An award-winning writer, director, and advocate for historical preservation through film, Holly Charles-Pearson’s work explores identity, the Black experience, and the power of reimagining history. Her short film If They Took Us Back has captivated audiences at national and international festivals and is nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
BLD PWR
BLD PWR is a leading and respected social impact and advocacy organization founded in 2018. As a content creator and production team, we partner with culture creators, artists, and community leaders to develop experiences that infuse both subtle and overt political and cultural education in accessible, innovative, and creative ways.
We build community at the intersection of radical grassroots movements, storytelling, and technology, challenging the entertainment industry to divest from harmful systems and stories, and instead, invest in healing justice—including mental health, sexual wellness, and abolition—as core aspects of workplace success.
Recognizing that stories and art are directly connected to the health of our communities, BLD PWR fights for access to art, filmmaking, archival, and documentary tools as a public good.
Black at Microsoft (BAM)
A global network within Microsoft, BAM champions Black professionals through mentorship, innovation, and community engagement.
For media inquiries, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Dorcey Kuti | BLD PWR | dorcey@gazellemediagroup.agency
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