The inaugural festival takes place Nov. 11-12 at Sugar Land’s Crown Festival Park. Its creation—as outlined in the release—is an ode to Black expression through music, food and culture. But even further, it aims to address systemic inequalities and barriers faced by Black creators, Black-led organizations and Black-serving entities in hospitality, events and cultural industries.
The details
Two initiatives from Honeyland Festival’s multipronged Impact Program will benefit HISD students, according to the Oct. 25 release.
The Honey Crew is a culinary career pipeline program for under-resourced students at HISD and New York-based nonprofit Careers through Culinary Arts Program. Per the release, it will provide these competitively selected high school students with:
- Educational programming
- Healthy eating resources
- Access to industry professionals
Diving in deeper
Additionally, students from HISD Careers in Technical Education’s arts, audio/visual technology and communications programs will be invited to create and capture content at the festival.
These students will meet with professionals from photography company Cam Kirk Studios; media and marketing agency Obsidianworks; and talent agency Endeavor for further educational opportunities and feedback sessions following the event.
Notable quote
René Spellman, who serves as chief impact officer for Obsidianworks, said in a statement that despite history, the Honeyland Festival will honor creativity and joy in Sugar Land "where a bitter past once loomed on a sugar plantation.”
“Beyond music and culture, Honeyland Festival plants seeds of lasting change by addressing systemic inequities faced by Black creators. It fosters growth, cultivating opportunities for healing,” Spellman said in the release. “These impact initiatives ensure a legacy of inclusivity, empowerment and transformation."
