“BLACKOUT” is a young adult anthology novel of black love stories spanning several intersections of identity that was written by a coalition of black women authors when they found themselves tired of using their talents to recreate the same trauma stories White America tries to convince us are a financial necessity.

When I discovered the book after BLACKOUT 1 last year, it was the last (shit only) time I been motivated to finish a book in years. It helped me finally understand why it was necessary to highlight not only my own experience identifying as an asexual artist in Chicago’s rap scene, but also the wide range of black storytellers around me, spanning different upbringings, sexualities, genders, and whatever ways they identify themselves.

In under a year since inception, BLACKOUT has already produced 3 events with triple digit turnouts (2 on weekdays) including its launch showcase at Bourbon On Division, festival at the Promontory, and concert at Schubas Tavern. This has also come with several community outreach events interspersed between them, such as the release of the “Long Walk” and “Love Letter To Love” playlists, an open aux at Sundrip Cafe, writing workshop at Urban Luxe Cafe, open stage at Bourbon on Division, and an open aux at studioSHAPES.

With BLACKOUT’s summer events already conceptualized, resourced, and scheduled, I (Khari “Ennui” Jackson) am asking for support in funding future gatherings.

As of now, the budget designated to booking venues, paying and feeding artists, paying media teams, and coordinating the Guerilla promotion’s art direction has come almost entirely out of my pocket, ticket sales, merch sales, or donations. Expenses added up to $4500 in March, for context.

As I step into this new chapter, I’m challenging myself broach new ground creatively and challenge new audiences to invest into this city’s black art scene.

If you want to be a part of supporting this mission, do whatever you feel.