SJGC Fest — One Frequency, Infinite Voices

Join us for a special Q&A with acclaimed filmmaker Jas Summers as he discusses his latest film, “STAY.” Moderated by student Darnell Walker-Jones, this conversation will explore the creative process, the craft of storytelling, and the real-world journey of bringing a film from script to screen.

Experience and learn the story behind Episode 3, “A Desperate Place,” followed by a taped Q&A with the documentary series director and Nat Geo’s executive producer. Lunch will be provided for students who RSVP here.

Every creative has talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to build longevity. This seminar dives into what it truly means to move beyond being “just a creative” and step into the role of an operator, entrepreneur, and leader. We’ll break down the systems and strategies behind running a creative business. From pricing and branding to building teams, managing clients, and scaling your vision.

Attendees will learn how to turn their craft into a sustainable enterprise, gaining insight into balancing creativity with operations, and how to position themselves not just as artists but as business owners who can thrive in the long term.

Join us for a dynamic seminar and Q&A exploring the state of UX design and research in an era of unprecedented change. As UX/UI research and design field stands at pivotal crossroads, we will tackle the most pressing questions facing practitioners today.

We’ll also delve into the evolving role of the UX professional, debating the value of specialization versus generalization and discussing the ethical responsibilities that come with designing next-generation experiences. This session is your opportunity to engage with industry professionals, including several Googlers, and gain actionable insights into the future of user experience.

Join us for an engaging discussion with FAMU SJGC alumna Dontaira Terrell (Public Relations, ’08), a journalist, editor and media entrepreneur who, along with her sister, acquired The Buckeye Review, one of the nation’s longest-running, Black-owned newspapers. Learn about Terrell’s deep dive into media entrepreneurship, plus her extensive background in writing for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, in addition to news.

This engaging workshop is designed to equip SJGC students with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to succeed in today’s competitive communications and media industries.

Breakfast will be served in the Gallery at 8:30 a.m., prior to the workshop, for the first 100 students to arrive.

In a time when the country is arguably more divided than ever, how do you talk to someone you disagree with? Join us for a conversation that goes beyond the echo chamber to explore what it means to engage in civil discourse, with practical tools to navigate tough conversations and respectfully debate differing viewpoints.

*Join us immediately after Colloquium for the unveiling of new signage honoring the 20th anniversary of the SJGC Building. We will also celebrate the launch of our Walk of Fame Brick Campaign.

What happens when the story isn’t easy to tell? How do public information officers, government leaders and community communicators respond when trust is on the line and time is limited?

Join FAMU alumni working in public service and communications for an interactive panel and role-play experience where YOU step into the hot seat and put your skills to the test. You’ll learn how professionals in public service handle crisis response and have the opportunity to team up with mentors to craft a real-time communications strategy.

No matter the platform, journalists work to tell compelling and engaging stories. Whether it’s discovering strong angles in everyday events or crafting pitches to grab a producer’s or editor’s attention, this panel will explore how to uncover the narratives that matter and get them on air and published.

Life after graduation is full of challenges, surprises, and growth. Our alumni share what it’s really like to step into the design field and how those first steps can unlock bold opportunities and creative wins.

Some in the media have suggested that Artificial Intelligence will replace humans in the public relations field. Already, AI is writing press releases, drafting social posts, analyzing sentiments of key publics, and recommending channels to carry our messages to target audiences. However, public relations professionals are more likely to see AI as an opportunity, a tool that can be used to increase efficiency, save time and enhance communications campaigns. Our distinguished panel of public relations professionals will discuss how AI is impacting their jobs and how graduating practitioners can harness its power.

Landing that first job after graduation is a major milestone, but what comes next can be just as challenging. In this session, SJGC alums share insights on how to successfully navigate the first years of your career. From overcoming workplace challenges and finding your next opportunity to fitting in and building essential skills in a competitive market, this panel offers real talk and practical advice for thriving in your early professional life.

Get ready to launch your career! This session is custom-designed for seniors and covers career prep, job readiness, and networking tips to help you stand out, ace interviews, and build connections that open doors after graduation.