Kevin Mines Book Release x Icon City: Spotlighting Black Queer Storytelling Through Nightlife & Narrative

A Case Study in Event Production, Literary Engagement, and Community-Based Media

🧠 The Moment

In the heart of Philadelphia’s Black LGBTQ+ scene, Level Up Nightclub (a now-closed Black-owned LGBTQ+ establishment) represented more than just nightlife — it was a cultural institution. When independent adult author Kevin Mines self-published his latest work,

Icon City Entertainment stepped up to celebrate that achievement with a bold and intentional event that fused nightlife, literature, and dialogue.

The event featured live interviews, community engagement, and a guest appearance by J.L. King, author of On the Down Low. It was hosted and moderated by Aigner "Anye Elite" Ellis, who brought both journalistic focus and cultural authenticity to the evening.

🎯 Event Objectives

• Uplift independent Black queer authorship through a celebratory, affirming event

• Bridge generations by creating a dialogue between literary voices from different eras

• Demonstrate the power of nightlife as a platform for intellectual and cultural engagement

🛠 Icon City’s Role

🎤 Event Production & Moderation

• Sole producer of the event, with all production costs absorbed by Icon City Entertainment as a show of support for independent Black creatives

• Hosted and moderated a live interview with Kevin Mines, focusing on queer adult fiction and self-publishing

• Conducted a joint conversation with J.L. King, tying Mines’ work to a broader history of Black queer literature and representation

📣 Media & Promotion

• Marketed the event through Icon City’s Philadelphia network and LGBTQ+ media channels

• Framed the gathering as part of a broader cultural thesis: our stories deserve platforms — even in nightlife

• Captured media assets for future visibility and legacy archiving

📊 Results & Impact

• High-energy crowd filled the venue, validating both the author’s work and the concept of nightlife-based intellectual events

• Sparked intergenerational literary discussion among attendees

• Reinforced Icon City’s role as a cultural producer committed to visibility and infrastructure for Black queer creatives

💡 Why It Matters

“Not every book launch needs a bookstore — some need a mic, a stage, and a room full of our people.”

By absorbing costs, facilitating meaningful conversation, and choosing a culturally resonant space, Icon City affirmed its belief that Black LGBTQ+ creativity deserves to be seen, funded, and celebrated — on our own terms.

🔗 Let’s Launch Your Story

Whether you're an author, podcaster, or creator with something to say — Icon City is here to help amplify your voice, your way.

📩 Partner With Icon City

📚 Discover more events that uplift Black LGBTQ+ authors at IconCityNews.com💥

Support queer literary storytelling via Icons Rising