Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Mya Kai Creative Agency, the full-service digital marketing agency dedicated to recreating brands’ images and building their future through its unique approach to design experiences that connect today’s brands to tomorrow’s culture, presents A Taste of Melanin.

This groundbreaking event series taking place throughout February 2024 (Black History Month), immerses attendees in the rich, vibrant and multifaceted world of black culture through experiences, interactive exhibits, live performances and educational workshops.

“As a black-owned agency in the valley, we want to be instrumental in creating some true events for Black History Month and in helping to educate the public on black culture and how it has transformed over the years,” says Michael Jackson, founder of Mya Kai, Phoenix’s only black-owned agency. “We developed this series with a mission to create inclusive spaces where people can learn about and acknowledge the profound influence of black people on American culture. Through education, art and entertainment, we aim to promote understanding, compassion and respect for the many contributions that black people have made to our society. We believe that by sharing these stories, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.”

A Taste of Melanin event schedule is as follows:

Silent Disco

ASU Art Museum

Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 | 8 p.m.

This 18-and-over event kicks off the George Floyd Art Exhibit. Guests are invited to discover the transformative impact of black culture on contemporary music and to deepen their understanding of protest music.

Movie in the Gallery

Phoenix Art Museum

Saturday, Feb. 10 | 5 p.m.

This all-ages film event features “Black Panther” and a special panel discussion. Guests are invited to listen as the Taste of Melanin panel provides an exclusive inside look into the experiences of black filmmakers and writers in today’s world.

Trap Karaoke

Crescent Ballroom

Saturday, Feb. 17 | 10:30 p.m.

This 21-and-over event invites guests to unveil the profound influence of the spoken word and poetry on the evolution of modern-day hip-hop. Attendees will embark on a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness between these expressive art forms in shaping the vibrant landscape of hip-hop today.

Black Excellence Night

ASU 365 Building

Saturday, Feb. 24 | 5 p.m.

Taking place throughout two floors of ASU Stadium at ASU 365, guests are invited to experience an unforgettable evening filled with an endless array of activations including engaging games, a vibrant market with more than 25 vendors, complimentary haircuts, speakers, enlightening workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions focused on empowering our community in areas such as finance, home-buying and beyond. This all-ages event is sponsored by BPI.

From Friday, Feb. 8 through Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, a Taste of Melanin Restaurant Week takes place over eight days at restaurants throughout the valley. During this event, more than 15 black-owned restaurants will be participating in an impressive display of culinary prowess, including special dishes and menus, a scavenger hunt for fun prizes and more.

A Taste of Melanin is an educational program of The Zay Project, which is currently working to obtain its nonprofit status. Meanwhile, A Taste of Melanin has teamed up with local nonprofit ARG Cultivators Community, which will serve as the event’s fiscal agent. For more about A Taste of Melanin, visit atasteofmelanin.org.

The Zay Project was developed to promote social justice through art and culture. The organization strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society by harnessing the power of creative expression and fostering dialogue on important social issues. For more: thezayproject.org.

Mya Kai offers a wide array of services including brand strategy and identity, digital design creation, website and content development, video and event production and social media management. To learn more about Mya Kai, visit myakai.com.