LACCD x Icon City: Building Black Educational Belonging in the Digital Era

A Case Study in Event Production, Talent Booking, and Enrollment-Centered Cultural Strategy (2021-2022)

🧠 The Context

From 2021–2022, Icon City Entertainment, through the leadership of Aigner “Anye Elite” Ellis, partnered with the African American Outreach Initiative of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) — the nation’s largest community college system.

In the wake of pandemic disruptions, the district sought to re-engage and retain African American students through culturally resonant, hybrid events that went beyond recruitment to speak to identity, community, and pride.

🎯 Project Objectives

• Increase enrollment and retention of African American students across LACCD’s 9 colleges

• Infuse cultural affirmation into academic spaces, even when virtual

• Bridge entertainment and education to attract and retain Gen Z audiences

🛠 Icon City’s Scope of Work

🎤 Event Production & Hosting

• Produced multiple live and digital events, including:

  • Virtual Grad Celebration (2021)

  • Back to School Kickoff (2021)

  • Civic engagement and educational panels (2021–2022)

• Developed and executed full run-of-show programming for all events

• Provided A/V supervision, tech troubleshooting, and hybrid logistics

• Served as event host and panel moderator, tying together academic messaging with cultural fluency

✨ Talent Booking

Secured culturally relevant talent who reflect the excellence and diversity of Black student life:

• Amanda Seales (Comedian, Scholar, Host of Smart Funny & Black)

• AB of “Legally Hype” (Content Creator and Legal Analyst)

• Dr. Stephaun “Elite” Wallace (Researcher, Advocate, Educator)

• Kareem Grimes (Actor, All American, The CW)

📣 Strategic Marketing

• Aligned promotional materials with LACCD’s branding and outreach goals

• Activated Icon City’s Black student and creative networks across SoCal

• Ensured outreach campaigns were culturally competent and platform-appropriate

📊 Outcomes

• Reached hundreds of current and prospective students with affirming, engaging content

• Supported enrollment and retention efforts during critical post-COVID semesters

• Positioned LACCD as a Black-student-affirming educational space in both physical and virtual realms

• Strengthened institutional visibility within the broader LA Black cultural and educational ecosystem

💡 Why It Matters

“Black students don’t just need access — they need affirmation.”

By combining production, storytelling, and culturally resonant talent, Icon City helped LACCD meet students where they were — in spirit, in screen, and in identity.

🔗 Want Events That Educate and Empower?

From schools to nonprofits to civic institutions — if your mission includes reaching BIPOC communities, Icon City can help you design events that move people.

📩 Exploring Synergy with Icon City🎓 Learn more about our education-focused work at IconCityNews.com✊🏾 Support culturally conscious media through Icons Rising