From September 25-27, Newark, NJ will be the host of Khem Fest 2025, the 11th Annual Celebration of Black Excellence in Animation, Gaming & Comic Arts, the Ultimate Afrofuturism Experience. This event will take place over three venues in Newark, NJ; New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), The Temple of Hip Hop, and CityPlex-12.
From the press release provided by the folks at Khem Fest.
Khem Fest, the nation’s premier celebration of Black innovation in animation, gaming, comics, and entertainment technology, returns, transforming Newark into the epicenter of AfroFuturism. Under the banner, “Frame by Frame – Our Story Unfolds,” this three-day extravaganza will showcase the past, present, and limitless future of Black creativity through immersive experiences, masterclasses, and community-driven events designed to inspire people of all ages.
More Than a Festival: A Movement
Khem Fest uniquely leverages the power of comics, animation, gaming, and pop culture as dynamic tools for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education and creative expression. “We are not just entertaining; we’re empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators,” states Festival Director, Naseed Gifted, a 20+ year educator, and producer of comics and animation. He further states, “Khem Fest is where Afrofuturism comes alive – demonstrating that our narratives drive technological advancement and cultural evolution.“
A Three-Day Journey into the Future
THURSDAY, SEPT. 25: “THE GAME JAM: CODES OF THE ANCESTORS” @ NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Khem Fest ignites with a high-energy Game Jam for high school students, co-sponsored by Prudential Community Programs Grant, NJIT’s International Game Developer’s Association (IGDA) Club and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Students will collaborate under pressure to design and prototype video games inspired by Afrofuturist themes and principles, mentored by industry professionals. This day focuses on technology, engineering, and math as pathways to creation.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26: “THE WAKANDA BALL: A NIGHT OF COSMIC ELEGANCE” @ The Temple of Hip Hop (21+ Event), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Adults step into a realm of Afrofuturistic glamour at the exclusive Wakanda Ball. Highlights include:
- The Future is Black Fashion Show: Avant-garde designs merging African heritage with sci-fi aesthetics sponsored by Ancient African Formula
- Silent Art Auction: Featuring original works from celebrated Black visual artists sponsored by Source of Knowledge Book Store..
- Electrifying Performances: Sets by DJ Fauzi and a live performance by genre-bending band LMNOP.
- Cosmic Cocktails & Afrofuturist Ambiance.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27: “KHEM FEST GRAND EXPO & KAFF” @ CITYPLEX-12 NEWARK, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (All Ages)
The main event! A vibrant marketplace and non-stop activities:
- Khem Animation Film Festival (KAFF): Premiering cutting-edge animated shorts and features by Black creators.
- Creator Marketplace: 35+ vendors showcasing comics, art, games, and Afrofuturist crafts.
- STEAM Lab Interactive Zone: Hands-on learning: Make your own slime
- (Chemistry!), 3D printing demos (Engineering!), Creative Arts in AI workshops (Tech & Art!).
- Impactful Panels & Workshops:
- Black Women Level Up: Conquering the Gaming Industry
- Comic Book Writing Masterclass: Crafting Our Heroes’ Journeys
- Voice Over Workshop: Bringing Animated Characters to Life
- Creative Arts in AI: Ethical Tools for the Next Generation
Why Khem Fest Matters: “Representation isn’t just on the screen; it’s in the code, the storyboards, the engineering labs, and the director’s chair,” states Lead Programming Curator, JoJo Abenaavi Wright. “Khem Fest dismantles barriers by making S.T.E.A.M. accessible, exciting, and culturally relevant. We’re showing Black youth that their imaginations are the blueprint for the future.“
Partners: PBS STEAM, Prudential Community Grants Program, Black Star Creative Collective (BSCC), The Temple of Hip Hop, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), NJIT, International Game Developers Associate (IGDA), PBS STEAM, Operation: Grow, Abenaavi Arts, and the City of Newark.
About Khem Fest: Founded in 2015, Khem Fest produced by PBS STEAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and visions of Black creators in animation, gaming, comics, and emerging tech. Through year-round workshops, mentorship programs, and our annual festival, we foster literacy, technical skills, and creative expression using S.T.E.A.M. principles, ensuring the future of storytelling is diverse, inclusive, and boundless.
For more information on tickets to this upcoming event go to Khemfest.com
Follow them on their socials @KhemFest on Facebook, Instagram, and X, with the hashtags #KhemFest2025 #FrameByFrame #AfroFuturism #BlackExcellence #STEAM
