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