BlerdCon 23’ Spotlight: Jason Richardson
Joseph Watkins: Da Watcher
At BlerdCon, guests have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders in pop culture, offering opportunities to engage with prominent figures in the anime, gaming, and convention-making space. While the setting might resemble panel discussions at times, there are some interactions that are notably more accessible, allowing guests to learn from and draw inspiration from these established individuals. During a panel discussion of “Blerd and Powerful”, I was able to connect with the owner of the “longest running Black owned anime convention”, Jason Richardson.
For Jason, his love of anime inspired him to create his production company, J-1 Studios in 2006. His company focuses on not just pop culture, they also create original stories (games, comics, etc.) as well. But it doesn’t stop there. J-1 Studios was destined to grow and with Jason using his savings to pursue his dream, he created J-1 Con, America’s first Black owned anime convention. His love of pop culture inspired him to “create a space for Black and Brown individuals to exist in the [pop culture] industry”. Working with Cartoon Network, and Marvel, his influence was also a necessity for Blerdcon as he was one of the “first sponsors and a mentee” for the event.
Jason Richardson’s influence within the Blerd diaspora is commendable as he has made a valuable contribution to the pop culture space by being one of its OG’s. His knowledge, creativity, innovation, and engagement with the community reflect being a true visionary. By pioneering a platform that highlights diversity and celebrates fandom, Richardson has added a meaningful layer to the intricate tapestry of Blerd culture. His commitment to inclusivity goes beyond surface-level representation, contributing significantly to fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Furthermore, he plays a critical role in amplifying voices that might otherwise be marginalized or overlooked, ensuring that a wide spectrum of perspectives is heard and appreciated, especially within the convention making space.
Traditional conventions have frequently overlooked and undervalued the involvement of Black creators and fans. J-1 Con emerged as a pivotal point, a nexus; the initial catalyst that sparked a movement committed to transforming convention narratives. By creating a platform that recognized and celebrated the diverse interests, talents, and contributions of Black creators and fans, Jason’s dream continues to motivate others to this day.
Additionally, his commitment to mentorship has motivated a new generation of Blerd visionaries, ensuring that the movement he ignited continues to thrive, evolve and inspire.
Jason Richardson: Innovator, Pioneer, Legend.
Respect.
