"Digitizing Black Realities: How Immersive Media Empowers Black Creatives to Shape the XR World"
In a world where technology and storytelling collide, the rise of immersive media has opened up a realm of possibilities for Black creatives. From augmented reality (AR) to virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), these mediums of immersive storytelling are revolutionizing the way we experience narratives. In this blog post, we'll explore the promise and opportunities provided by this new tech and highlight three of our unique experiences to illustrate how the hand of Black storytellers are essential to take the industry to the next level.
Let’s be honest and clear - the XR world wouldn't be the same without the fresh ‘it’ factor Black creatives bring to the table. Our diverse perspectives and ideas inject a new energy into the tech industry by pushing boundaries and challenging norms through storytelling.
This topic was delved into on the “Black History Year” podcast by PushBlack, the nation’s largest nonprofit media organization for Black Americans. GRX Founder and Storyteller Alton Glass was a guest on an episode titled “ Digitizing Black Realities,” where the impact of Black voices in the immersive tech world was explored through conversation.
Commenting on the existing presence of Black creatives within this industry, Glass acknowledges that growth has slowly but steadily increased over the last 7-8 years, bringing to light the opportune promise XR holds for Black media entrepreneurs looking to innovate and tell their stories. “The interesting thing about immersive media is you have to have some form of creative entrepreneurship because you’re creating and carving out lanes that don’t necessarily exist. You’re finding ways to make the tech useful and impactful...and creating opportunities to use it in spaces we may not have thought of. So I think that’s the beauty of it – creating those riches in the niches.”
Let’s highlight a couple GRX-produced projects illuminating immersive storytelling for the culture.
POV: Points of View – A Virtual Reality Science Fiction Series & Installation
POV is a hyper-digital sci-fi virtual reality series immersed in a near-future Los Angeles where personal data is the new currency and weaponized A.I. Police drones enforce the law.
POV was developed to create an experiential observation of the systemic threat of bias in Artificial Intelligence (also known as AI). Our goal with POV is to raise awareness of these emerging technologies so we use it to affect real change before it’s too late.
In partnership with Oculus, GRX embarks on an HBCU tour leading virtual reality bootcamps!
Our 2019 VR Bootcamps hit the road on a gratifying HBCU tour including Howard University, Hampton University, Florida A&M University, and Prairie View A&M. Our workshops were formed to educate and showcase how XR can be leveraged in creative entrepreneurship across many different fields for young Black professionals.
March Through Time - Presented by TIME in Fortnite.
In 2020, TIME and Executive Producer Viola Davis launched a groundbreaking immersive exhibit that recreates one of the most iconic moments in American history, the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The March has now been developed in new innovative formats with experiences on Fortnite, in person, or online.
The presence of Black creatives in the tech industry not only encourages diversity but also brings an authentic and relatable experience to immersive media. By amplifying Black stories and perspectives, we can inspire the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, storytellers, and tech enthusiasts to make their mark in this ever-evolving industry.
Immersive media presents a world of possibilities for Black creatives, storytellers, and entrepreneurs. By embracing this technology and amplifying diverse perspectives, we can revolutionize the XR world. Let's celebrate the promise and opportunities provided by immersive media and work together to ensure that Black voices are heard and represented in the tech industry. 🗣️✊🏾
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
Are you a Black creative or tech enthusiast interested in immersive media? Share your story, insights, experiences, or what you’d like to accomplish.
Join GRX in the movement to shape the emerging tech industry and showcase the power of diverse perspectives. Learn more about GRX’s production, talent-building, and immersive education programs to start designing the future today.
