San Diego Comic-Con: Black Panel

This panel was just too short. It featured: Reggie Hudlin (president, BET), RZA (Wu Tang Clan), Jeffery Wright (CEO, Urban Ministries), Denys Cowan (senior VP, BET Animation), Mike Davis and Mark Davis (Blokhedz), John Dokes( Marvel Comics) and Dwayne McDuffie (JLU, Static Shock). Moderator: Michael Davis.

One of the sparks at the panel was when a woman had a few questions/observations and she was basically told, well we [the men] just got here so wait. An answer she didn't appreciate. She also went on to say that she created years ago and that she wasn't a young girl, thus stating her age. To which, a few on the panel basically gave commentary of damnnn you look good for your age. In the end, the woman walked away disgusted and threw out a comment that that's why she never watches BET. To which Reggie responded to something along the lines of "I don't want you watching my network anyways!" Two guys in front of me, looks like they were creators, were put off by this too and went and checked in withg the woman in solidarity.

Also, the moderator seemed to shut people down albeit some were ramblers. He just seemed moe antagonistic as oppossed to other moderators who steered questioners to asking their actual questions.

It was those 2 things that brought the Black Panel down for me.

On the plus side, the panel did encourage folks to keep on keepin on in terms of creating. And I think it was RZA who summed it up best to say "If you're creating for money, then you probably won't get there. But if you create from your heart and soul, and you're willing to sacrifice for your art, then someone will notice."

As a whole, it was an exciting panel with sparks and recharged my batteries for the day.