MOBIFest Live 2023 @ The Music Hall of Williamsburg

Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) featured their six MOBIFest (powered by Gilead Sciences), an annual interactive wellness festival focused on culture, community, and health while celebrating the voices of black gay and queer men of color in the arts, entertainment, and media industry from Monday, June 5th, 2023 – Sunday, June 11th, 2023. 

Photos by Laquann Dawson, @shotbymichaeldajour, @jelijah

MOBI was created in 2017 in response to a lack of spaces for Black gay men and queer communities of color to develop personally and professionally while creating a supportive community network. On the heels of the success of MOBI, MOBIFest was born to spotlight the many talents of black gay and queer people of color.

The highlight of MOBIFest 2023 was the inspiring, Saturday, June 10th, MOBIfest Live event, where the Music Hall of Williamsburg hosted exceptional performances by a lineup of all Black queer entertainers by Siaira Shawn, Rodney Chrome, Elijah Boothe, DAMEZ, Sedric Perry, Neverending Nina, Mylah Muse, Cakey Koutour, Chrystian Lehr, The Dragon Sisters, DJ DARJAR,  FunkyReggaeHouseParty, Diva’s Live Drag performance set featuring drag stars: Alisha Day, Cici Nicole, Pryncess Carter, Cookie D’Lite, Tina Twirler, Harmonica Sunbeam, Dev Doee, Milan Garçon, and Jus Jahlisa and ballroom segment produced by TENz featuring Divo Ebony, Nekia St. Laurent, Jayceon West, Omi Balenciga, Samantha 007, Cotton Juicy Couture and Karma. Hosted by Kenneth Kyrell and Maria Van Cartier.

“Wow, year six of this amazing journey! Each year, we strive to expand our goal of creating intentional, loving, and safe spaces for our LGBTQ+ community,” says Julian J. Walker, Deputy Director for MOBI. “Earlier this year, we had an open submission call for featured MOBIfest 2023 performers and dancers; and I must say some of the most talented, driven, and fearless musicians submitted. I’m so thankful they lended their time and energy. We’re excited to be back at Music Hall of Williamsburg for this free festival experience, celebrating the beauty and joy of the Black LGBTQ+ community! In the midst of so much hate around us, we must stay encouraged and never doubt our greatness nor individuality, which is our superpower!”

MOBIfest has become a cornerstone event in celebrating the voices of Black, queer folks. The festival is just one part of the organization’s mission to fill the gaps and create spaces that prioritize wellness for the community. Through a range of programming, MOBI aims to bring together different service providers, promote proactive engagement, and foster a deeper understanding of health and wellness beyond traditional approaches.