Our signature event is an unparalleled fusion of ballroom and burlesque, celebrating Black femme, trans, and queer performers while honoring the art forms that have been revolutionary acts of resistance, survival, and joy. This event is a safe, affirming space where Black queer culture flourishes, featuring legendary ballroom figures, burlesque artists, spoken word poets, and musicians.

Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance’s Fire!! Magazine, Smoke & Verse!! is our digital and print zine dedicated to documenting the histories, narratives, and artistry of Black queer creatives. Featuring poetry, essays, visual art, and interviews, this project ensures that the voices of Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists are recorded and archived for future generations.

In partnership with Midtown Kava, we produce Tiny Shell Sessions, an intimate concert series inspired by Tiny Desk, showcasing the musical brilliance of and centering Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists. These sessions highlight the power of storytelling through song, giving artists a platform to share their work in safe, supportive spaces.

Embody the authentic spirit, style, and presence of Harlem’s diverse community, paying homage to the individuals who lived, thrived, and made Harlem legendary. This category is all about showcasing your ability to authentically portray the everyday elegance, charisma, and realness of Harlem’s people whether they were business executives, street legends, or young scholars on the rise.

In Memory of James Ashby

Honor the lives of LGBTQ+ artists and individuals with an original poem or spoken word piece. Let your words pay tribute to those like Langston Hughes who used their voice to capture the complexities of Black Queer life, to challenge injustices, and to inspire change. Through your words, create space for healing, raise awareness of mental health, and remind us all that our stories, our voices, and our lives matter.

This category is about celebrating beauty as both art and power, embodying the confidence, charm, and sophistication that Harlem’s icons exuded. Step forward with elegance and let your face tell the story of Harlem’s legendary style.

FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Moonlight Alain Mikli (Moon Brown) is the visionary founder of Moulin Noir Arts Collective, a movement dedicated to honoring and uplifting Black femme and LGBTQ+ voices. In the ballroom scene, Moon has attended and hosted balls across the nation, pushing boundaries. Moon works to create transformative spaces that center love, healing, and joy for Black artists and communities to thrive. Through Moulin Noir, Moon celebrates the artistry, resilience, and self-expression of Black Femme and LGTBQ+ communities, providing a powerful platform where their stories and talents can be celebrated and embraced.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR-BURLESQUE

Lola Lovelace (Lacey Nicole Knight) focuses on showcasing the historical elements of the Kansas City dance and burlesque scene. Knight advocates for women’s empowerment by challenging social norms and redefining conventional beauty standards. Over the past few years, she has dedicated herself to collaborating with fellow creatives who share her passion for redefining and promoting self-love among all women.