Today we’d like to introduce you to Anesia Saunders and Sivonyia Beckford.
Before the name Black Power Punk Girls (BPPG), Anesia and Sivonyia were very close friends bonding as black women artists and recognizing a much larger plight. They knew that they wanted to create something beyond themselves that could serve as a safe space for women. On a fateful day in the library in 2016 (whilst procrastinating studying), they began to brainstorm names that would encompass the feeling they wished to ignite. Before they knew it, Black Power Punk Girls was born!
The very first BPPG event was called ‘The Good Vibe Circle’, hosted on a quiet beach in South Florida. At this event, they had the opportunity to co-host with a yoga instructor. There were different activities with a diverse group of women attendees. This event was intimate and proved to be a prolific experience. Everyone discussed their future goals and set fire to fears holding them back. Before they knew it, what initially began as a feeling of love that felt inclined to be shared transformed into something much bigger than they had imagined. Following that, they began to host several similar events and received heartening feedback; comments of women expressing liberation, happiness, and encouragement. Although BPPG began in South Florida, the influence has been felt all over. There have been events held in North Florida, Georgia, and in New York City.
In 2018, BPPG decided to rebrand and get more specific. Representation in music and film became the focus. They have been able to use their blogging platforms to showcase black artists and inspiring works. Most recently, they have launched a Podcast and Video Channel to further get to display artists and their pieces. BPPG events now combine their focus on mental health, identity, and most importantly, black women artists using their works to express this.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Beginning the collective while students in University, while developing and transitioning as independent artists have made the juggling of several hats a bit overwhelming at times. It remains a balance game but luckily, being a team allows both Sivonyia and Anesia to encourage and help one another.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the BlackPowerPunkGirls story. Tell us more about the business.
Black Power Punk Girls (BPPG) is a platform dedicated to raising awareness of black women artists in the music and film industry. The goal is to create a safe space for the works of black women to become more visible as well as producing additional opportunities for black women artists.
We are most proud of the way we have been able to celebrate black women artists unapologetically. BPPG is unique in design because it is created by black women for black women. Also, the range of musicians and styles are intentionally eclectic to give room for those artists unconcerned with genres/labels when they select content and performers.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5-10 years, we see these industries shifting in major ways. There is this need for content to be inclusive in a substantial way, reflective of the times, and for the terms of these creations to be transparent. As for film specifically, we see black women being involved in all aspects of production. Now that we have seen the wonderful likes of Ava Duvernay, Lena Waithe, Issa Rae, to name a few, we have faith this is only the beginning for black women filmmakers to flourish. As for musicians, we also hope to see more artistic freedom for black women artists. The opportunity to flourish in multiple genres and defy them all. The sounds of Solange, FKA Twigs, and Janelle Monae are just a few that are emphasizing the traditional molds being broken.
Contact Info:
- Email: blackpowerpunkgirls@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpowerpunkgirls/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackpowerpunk?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiv3nTbxFWXGykK4eCxGqQw
Image Credit:
(In Yellow) Photographer: Tyler Novi @sustopramen_, Stylist: Beoncia Dunn @beonciadunn, Designer: @from6to7ny, (In Black) Dani Ramirez @danyfr, (Beach) Natalie Allgyer @nallgyer
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