Afropunk 2016: Carnival of Consciousness

From the venue:

Afropunk has been a mainstay in the Brooklyn festival scene since its founding in 2005. Based on the 2003 documentary film which chronicles Bad Brains and Cipher’s experiences as primarily black bands in a primarily white punk scene, the festival champions DIY culture while spinning old-school identity politics. Each year, the festival’s eclectic lineup is dominated by people of color, including big names and underdogs alike from hip-hop, soul, punk, and alt-rock communities. After continued success in their hometown, Afropunk extended to Paris, London, and of course, the arguable hip-hop capital of the nation, Atlanta. Last year’s ATL debut was canceled when a hurricane creeping up the coast posed a threat to travelers — and headliner D’Angelo backed out. Earl Sweatshirt, SZA, Big Freedia, Kelela, Abra, and more take the stage for this year’s event. Diverging form Afropunk’s strictly music-focused flagship event, Carnival of Consciousness features lectures from social justice leaders Darnell Moore and Michaela Angela Davis and a Fancy Dress Ball celebrating ballroom culture. This is clearly a festival that’s not to be slept on.