Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Black.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Queens, NY until I was 12 years old. My parents relocated to Lithonia, GA at the time and so Georgia became my new home. I attended Salem Middle School for 8th grade after arriving in Georgia. Shortly after I started at Lithonia High School, where I would go for only one year. Miller Grove High School was built directly across the street from the apartment complex my family was living in, therefore I was apart of the first graduating class of Miller Grove High School. I played varsity basketball and ran varsity cross-country during my years at Miller Grove; graduating with the highest male GPA in the school at the time.
Both of my parents are from Jamaica, which makes me a full blooded Jamaican lol. Ever since I was born my parents were known for putting together great parties at our house in NY. My dad had a huge record collection and always kept the music pumping. As I became of age, I started to curate my own events in Atlanta; starting with simple house parties that would grow beyond capacity and would be the talk of the town for weeks. During my late teens, there was a natural transition from throwing house parties to actually becoming a full fledge nightclub/lounge promoter; where I would really elevate my name with throwing events at places like Elleven 45, Aurum Lounge, Opium, Day Dreams ATL, Compound, etc…
My expertise in event planning and knowing how to manage large volumes of people also lead me down a path of hospitality where I would begin to manage different restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges as well. A restaurant that really stood out from the others was Kandi Burruss’ “Old Lady Gang” on Peter Street; which I managed during the pandemic back in 2020. Old Lady Gang was my first time managing an establishment owned by a superstar celebrity, and it most definitely stretched me with growth and knowledge of the industry. In the midst of managing their establishment, Kandi created a hit reality series surrounding the restaurant and a few of the employees called “Kandi & The Gang”; which aired on Bravo. As one of the main cast members, I gained a lot of recognition and opportunities from being featured on the show during that time.
Unfortunately the show only aired for one season. I ended up stepping away from the restaurant with new endeavors in mind. I wanted to continue to elevate my people skills and get back into events. I ended up partnering with a company called York Promotions, where I would go on to help curate some of the biggest festivals in Atlanta; RnB Soul Picnic, Soul & RnB On The Lake, Atlanta Mardi Gras, The Arts Atlanta, and many more. During my time with York Promotions, I developed my skills as a graphic designer and content creator which I now offer as an independent contractor as well. I still partner with York Promotions today.
Through out these years I was simultaneously apart of numerous organizations involved with giving back to the community. I became a Prince Hall Mason, a Noble of The Mystic Shrine, an OddFellow, and also the Board Director of Unity Network & Counseling Center. I received a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council officially making my birthday, August 29th, “Brandon Black Day” in Atlanta. I’ve assisted and helped with different political races as well; organizing and executing for politicians such as Mayor Andre Dickens, Andrea Boone (current City Council member), Dr. Steven Lee (former City Council member and Board of Education), and Keisha Waites (former City Council member and 3 term State Legislator)
Today, I’m an independent contractor providing event operations services, graphic design, and content creation. I am also the partnering manager for Penthouse Sixth (Top floor, penthouse event space located on Martin Luther King Jr Drive).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has most definitely NOT been a smooth one. Events within itself are always a hit or miss due to so many different factors; weather, competition, managing schedules, etc… One of the biggest struggles was time management, where sleep was not always factored into the equation. Spreading myself to thin in order to show up for the people was always a challenge, but I love what I do so the results are always worth it. Creating life long memories for individuals and seeing people enjoy themselves while in the company of their friends and loved ones was always a major win for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in planning, curating, and executing high volume events such as large night clubs, lounges, festivals, and community fairs. This includes graphic design and content creation.
I would say I’m most known for being a promoter and curating events but my time as a reality TV personality definitely pushed my name out there in that realm a little further than events ever did.
I’m most proud of my community work with the organizations that I am apart of. Truly helping those in need and paving the way for future generations will always hold a significant place in my heart.
What sets me apart from most people is my intense attention to detail and my very critical assessment of organization or being well organized.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, GOD, because without him, nothing else is possible.
Of course my mother and father, Vivia and Kenrick Black, for giving me life
My high school basketball and cross country coach, Sharman White, was a very major influential figure early on in my life. He was an astute analyst of the game but also of life in general. He definitely made me believe that I could achieve anything in life on and off the basketball court.
The late great Bishop Eddie L. Long was a pivotal figure in my life (who I was introduced to by Sharman White); during that time I was able to learn more about Christianity but also about becoming a business man with integrity.
My mentor, Dr. Steven Lee, definitely deserves credit for always giving me great advice and helping get out of situations that I couldn’t get myself out of. He has been like a father figure to me over the years.
Kandi Burruss also plays a major part in elevating my name in the city. After she allowed me to be on her reality series as a main cast member, I definitely received more opportunities because of it. I will always be grateful for her.
When I partnered with York Promotions, the owner and CEO, Ais York, definitely deserves credit for allowing me to learn and grow into an even more effecting event planner and operator. Ais is also like a mentor/big brother to me when it comes to the entertainment industry.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planblack/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonblack1230
