From a one-off digital event to a global community platform, ‘Where Are The Black Designers?’ is redefining how the creative industries discuss and address inclusion. With their first festival in London set to take place this summer, we reflect on their journey so far.
When Where Are The Black Designers? (WATBD) launched in 2020, it was meant to be a single event. It was a one-time rallying cry for change during a time of global uncertainty and growing reflection on representation and opportunity.
Five years later, it has grown into something far bigger and more resilient: a global, volunteer-run nonprofit and community that inspires the creative industry to better recognise and support black talent. Now, as WATBD prepares to host its first in-person festival in London this August, co-founders Mitzi Okou and Roshannah Bagley are taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far.
“The fact that we still exist as an entity five years later is an incredible milestone in itself,” says Roshannah. “What started as a temporary, digital event has grown into a movement, and that’s a testament to the community we’ve built.”
The early days
From the outset, WATBD aimed to address the stark underrepresentation of black designers in the creative industries. According to the 2019 AIGA Design Census, only 3% of designers identified as black, a statistic that highlighted long-standing structural issues and barriers to entry in the field.
The organisation quickly made its mark through creative collaborations and digital initiatives. Early partnerships with brands like Baggu and Urban Outfitters helped to amplify WATBD’s mission, but it was the virtual exhibition built with Working Not Working that really set the tone for what was to come.
“We created a platform open to everyone, and one of our most memorable submissions came from a 12-year-old aspiring graphic designer,” recalls Roshannah. “Moments like that showed us the kind of meaningful, lasting difference we could make.”
Credit: Somerset House
Growing with the community
While WATBD began online, it didn’t stay there. Over the years, the initiative expanded into real-world programming, hosting meetups and events across cities in the United States and the UK. Their first London meetup – initially planned as an intimate gathering – quickly grew into something far bigger and more meaningful.
“There’s something really special about transitioning from digital to in-person,” says Mitzi. “Being able to create physical spaces where people feel seen, where they can connect authentically. That’s what drives us.”
One of the cornerstones of WATBD’s success has been its ability to adapt and grow organically. The Slack community, launched during their first event, was intended as a temporary chat room, but today, it boasts over 11,000 members worldwide.
“We thought people would leave after the conference,” Mitzi laughs. “But they stayed. And they kept building with us.”
Landmark moments
Over the years, WATBD has worked with a variety of partners, but some collaborations stand out for their lasting impact. The partnership with UsTwo, for instance, not only produced a series of events but also helped the digital agency rethink and strengthen its engagement with black creatives over the long term.
“They didn’t just support us for the duration of the partnership; they made changes that have lasted,” says Mitzi. “They’re still hosting events and opening their doors to new voices. That ripple effect is exactly what we hope to achieve with every collaboration.”
Another standout moment was the 2023 partnership with JCDecaux, which saw WATBD produce a digital out-of-home campaign showcasing work by black creatives. For many of the participants, it was their first time seeing their work displayed at that scale.
“One photographer told us it was a huge turning point for his career,” Roshannah shares. “Having that kind of visibility can be life-changing.”
The spaces between
Now, WATBD is preparing for its next big chapter: The Spaces Between, a two-day festival in London this August. Held at the iconic EartH venue in Hackney, the event promises to be a celebration of black creativity in all its forms, featuring talks, workshops, a makers’ market, live music, and even a club night.
Set against the backdrop of Notting Hill Carnival – one of London’s most significant cultural celebrations – The Spaces Between aims to build on that energy while carving out its own unique space.
“This festival is about community in its truest sense,” says Roshannah. “Not just a buzzword, but something that brings people together through real connection and shared experiences.”
Importantly, the event will also be open to younger audiences for the first time, with programming suitable for teens aged 14 and up. “It’s vital that young black creatives see that these spaces exist and that they are welcome and valued,” Mitzi adds.
Looking ahead
As for the future, both Mitzi and Roshannah have big ambitions. They hope to make the festival a regular event and expand it to new cities worldwide. They’re also focused on growing their team and, crucially, building financial sustainability to allow WATBD to operate full-time.
“At the moment, this is still passion work for us,” says Mitzi. “We’d love to get to a point where we can dedicate ourselves to this fully and create paid opportunities for others to join us on the journey.”
For that to happen, ongoing support from individuals, organisations, and investors will be key. “If you believe in fairness and opportunity, it’s not enough to talk about it – it takes real investment to create lasting change,” says Roshannah. “Supporting grassroots organisations like ours is essential if we want a creative industry that truly reflects the world we live in.”
A community built to last
Five years in, ‘Where Are The Black Designers?’ has proven that real change starts with community, and that community, when nurtured with care and intention, can reshape industries. Through platforms like their Slack group, virtual talks, and now The Spaces Between, they’ve created a space where black creatives can connect, grow, and be seen.
As they look to the future, one thing is clear: WATBD isn’t just building events or programming. They’re building a legacy – one grounded in creativity, connection, and purpose – and you can be part of that journey. To support their work and help fuel the next chapter, you can donate via their website.
Credit: Somerset House
