Black Women Disrupt the Web

Black Women Disrupt the Web (BWDW) and kweliTV, the on-demand and live video streaming network, have partnered for the July showcase of the BWDW web series competition. kweliTV is a network that offers high quality Black content, and this partnership will provide original content to its subscribers in multiple languages, representing the diversity of the African diaspora. Black Women Disrupt the Web and kweliTV are committed to sharing the stories of talented Black women writer-directors across the African diaspora.

“Collaborating with Black Women Disrupt the Web further deepens our commitment to amplify talented, up and coming black creatives globally. I’m elated to be working alongside this amazing organization,” said DeShuna Spencer, Founder & CEO of kweliTV.

This partnership is setting the example of how to unite and create synergies within our community to build networks of support across the diaspora. Black Women Disrupt the Web’s theme “Imagining Black Futures” supports the mission of kweliTV to fill the void for Black audiences by showcasing Black content that’s positive, educational and speaks to the culture and heritage. Through an accessible online showcase in several languages, kweliTV and Black Women Disrupt the Web will connect communities using their platforms to share stories, engage in dialogue and explore economic empowerment for Black women creatives.

“Partnering with kweliTV is in direct alignment with the goals of Black Women Disrupt to Inspire one another, challenge what exists, co-create with sister disruptors – innovators and entrepreneurs across borders and transform the societies in which we live. DeShuna and kweliTV are a disruptive force! We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this effort to shine a light on Black women writer-directors making web series in the African diaspora!” – Zakiya Carr Johnson, BWDW

 The partnership provides the perfect platform for the world premiere of the 45-minute showcase of the five original BWDW web series by the semifinalists. Launched in 2017, kweliTV has over 43,000 registered users and offers over 500 films and shorts from independent Black creators, including dramas and documentaries. Viewing will be available for free, over three days, from Friday, July 9 to Sunday, July 11, from anywhere in the world. kweliTV will also broadcast the announcement and a special presentation of the winner of the competition during a 90-minute live event on Saturday, July 10. All partners, sponsors, mentors, judges, special guests and select press will be invited to participate along with the BWDW team. Details on how to sign up for the 72-hour access to the showcase will be forthcoming.

“We are proud to partner with kweliTV for the inaugural showcase of Black Women Disrupt the Web. Together, we are providing a multiplicity of Black and African narratives in the streaming platform sector, taking up digital space in an important move for Black women content creators.” – Antoinette Engel, BWDW