I am very excited!
Last year, I registered to go to the Blogging While Brown conference in Chicago, but was unable to attend because I had a personal emergency situation spring up right before the event. I was so disappointed when I saw all of the pictures and feedback from the conference because I wanted to be there and learn tips on how to help my blog grow. I wanted to network and use the opportunity to meet other African American bloggers.
This year, make no mistake! I am officially registered and will be in D.C. to take part in Blogging While Brown! The conference is June 18 through 19th.
I have been asked a few times why I want to attend Blogging While Brown. The answer is simple. At many of the Blogging events that I have either been to or heard of, there are very few minority bloggers in attendance. It is as if we do not exist. At Blogging While Brown, our presence will be highly represented. And while I feel a camaraderie with all bloggers regardless of color, I cannot pretend that I do not long to communicate and network with bloggers that look like me.
During my ‘A Sweet Affair’ luncheon this past weekend, my great friend @Tojosan recognized that there is not much of a presence of African American bloggers at various events, tweet-ups, and conferences that he has attended. He used his blog to discuss my event and speak out about the lack of an African American presence at such events HERE.
I think Blogging While Brown is a wonderful opportunity, and this year, I will be there!
According to the Blogging While Brown website:
The purpose of the conference is to facilitate conversations that lead to collaboration and innovation among bloggers of color, African American bloggers in particular. Emphasis is placed on stimulating interaction between the attendees. All conference activities and events are aimed at fostering a shared experience which forms the basis of new relationships or strengthens relationships already in existence. Those relationships then form the basis of collaborations. Technology is important. The relationship between the attendees is more important.
Are you attending Blogging While Brown? What do you think about the presence or lack thereof of minority bloggers in the blogoshere? Sound off!
Do you know about http://www.blogaliciousweekend.com/ ???? Also, make sure you watch @mombloggersclub and @reneejross (I've met both of them IRL and they are fabulous ladies – not in STL though)
Yes, I follow them both and I also plan to go to Blogalicious in Miami in October! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Hmm…I might have to check this out. Thanks for the info
Your reasons are pretty much my reasons.. Since I entered Blogging from the Internet Marketing side. I didn't see much diversity.. I still do not but I know that there are more of us out there blogging.. I have stalked the BWB site for months.. I swear I may have been one of the first 5 to sign up.
It is easy to get lost out there in this huge internet world. It is invaluable to surround yourself with Like Minded People… I know living in Atlanta is a little different because Atlanta by nature is pretty diverse but that is not the norm.. So… I am so glad there is a Blogging While Brown
Blogalicious is in my list also for October..
Danyelle,
You already know your reasons are my same reasons for attending Blogging While Brown and I know we will have a great time there and be able to network with others like "us"
I think blogging while brown is such a great concept. I will attend one day, but I do hope you have fun and meet lots of great blogging buddies.
Im going to the Harlem Book Fair and Blogalicious. I think I'm going to add BWB to that list. I will let you know.