Elevating Black Voices, Creating Opportunities, Leading Change

Founded in 2020, The State of Black Design was created in response to a world that demanded our attention and our action. It was born out of a need to create space—real, intentional space—for Black designers and those who support them.
  • We remain committed to:
    • Exploring the intersection of race and design practice
    • Introducing aspiring creatives to accomplished Black designers
    • Providing professional development and networking opportunities
    • Holding space for honest conversations about the challenges and possibilities in our field
Our conferences, both virtual and in-person, have drawn over 10,000 participants to date. The SoBD network has grown into a dynamic community of leading Black designers, educators and students. 

We invite you to be part of this community of visionaries, changemakers, and industry leaders as we challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and create tangible career opportunities for Black designers worldwide.

Looking Ahead

The State of Black Design aims to host symposiums and conferences on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and in cities with high Black populations that are often overlooked by corporate recruiters and design conference organizers. We will focus on communities in cities such as St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Nashville, Memphis, Prairie View, and beyond.

We invite you to join us, support us, and be present at our upcoming events as we continue building a more equitable, inclusive, and empowering design industry.