© 2019 TRUE BLERD, LLC

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    PHOTO: © 2019 VERY LOCAL NEW ORLEANS

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    WHAT IS A BLERD?

    There has been exponential growth in the popularity and influence of “Nerd” culture in recent years—a culture defined by its passionate pursuit of unique interests in geekdom, the arts, and academia.

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    Mostly, that culture excludes the Black experience. We, as Black Nerds,

    or “Blerds,” are trying to change that.

    BLERDFEST!, NOLA’s first-ever Black Nerd Festival, is about representation, education, and inclusion.

     

    We are dedicated to creating a safe space for all people of color to geek out about nerd culture, to promoting the pursuit of science, math, and the arts to our community’s youth, to showcasing Black entrepreneurs in tech, gaming, and entertainment, and to creating panels and workshops that entertain, educate, encourage, and support all the members of our community.

    ABOUT BLERDFEST!

    “Let’s get sponsorship together and make this as big as

    Comic Con New Orleans! I’ll be more than happy to help.”

    HANNAH BEACHLER, OSCAR WINNING PRODUCTION DESIGNER

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    “The programming, vendors, and especially the panelists were top notch.

    I want to see this grow into the powerhouse the Gulf Coast needs.”

    ALEX JENNINGS, AUTHOR

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    “This event has the potential to grow exponentially into a staple event

    in its niche market, and in the New Orleans community.”

    CHENESE LEWIS, ACTOR

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    “An AMAZING experience that I will cherish as long as I live!

    Can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us! Truly a blessing!”

    LIVE ACTION ANIMATION, HOST

    WHAT OUR PRESENTERS SAY

    PHOTO: © 2019 VERY LOCAL NEW ORLEANS

    “Traveled from Mississippi to experience the very first BLERDFEST

    in NOLA. I hope it grows because this is what we need!”

    MILA_ROSE88, INSTAGRAM

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    “@BLERDFESTNOLA

    Okay, this event was pretty dope. I got to hold an Oscar.”

    GROOVYEXEGGUTOR

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    “Had an amazing time at #BLERDFEST! Thank you!

    So happy I was able to bring a little San Antonio to NOLA!”

    SMILEJOYLUV, TWITTER

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    “This was my first con here in my home state and I’m ready to

    attend more and I can’t wait to go to #BLERDFEST2020!”

    SMSCOTT, INSTAGRAM

    WHAT OUR ATTENDEES SAY

    PRESS

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    +OVER 1K SHARES & LIKES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

    ABOUT US

    TRUE
    CEO

    TRUE is an internationally recognized artist with a 30+ year career in the arts. He produces cultural events in NOLA and NYC.
    Hannah Beachler
    Creative Director

    Hannah is the first Black Woman to be nominated and to win an Oscar for Production Design (for Black Panther). (PHOTO: © 2019 Kevork Djansezian/Getty)
    Alaina Dunn
    COO

    Alaina is a native Louisianan with a BA from LSU and an MA from Rutgers. She has a background in acting, and is now working to build up her company DuckButterfly Productions.
    Valencia Pleasant
    General Manager

    Val is a native Mississipian who now calls NOLA home. When she isn’t teaching musical theory to kids, she is singing with OperaCréole and New Orleans Opera.
    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