Cadillac took center stage at this year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), weaving together culture, innovation, and electric energy in a series of memorable experiences. The festival-goers were treated to an array of captivating events that showcased Cadillac’s dedication to supporting Black culture while spotlighting their cutting-edge electric vehicles.
Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Cadillac, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for their involvement in the festival. “We’re thrilled to present cinematically inspired experiences at the festival,” Slappy said. “The Cadillac Lounge at ABFF will cultivate conversations with cultural thought leaders and innovators; feature two incredible live performances celebrating Black Music Month; host live podcast recordings; and showcase our electric vehicle lineup including LYRIQ test drives. These experiences will spotlight Cadillac’s authentic connection to culture and the innovative spirit of our electric vehicles.”
The Cadillac Lounge became a vibrant hub of activity, seamlessly blending the celebration of art, music, and technology. Attendees were treated to soulful performances by Lucky Daye and rising R&B star KIRBY, both celebrating Black Music Month. Lucky Daye’s song “Real Games,” featured in Cadillac’s LYRIQ campaign, set the tone, while KIRBY’s improvisational prowess shone through in her spontaneous creation of “It’s Iconic,” inspired by the Cadillac experience.
Nicole Friday of NICE CROWD emphasized the cultural richness of the lounge. “Cadillac’s lounge at ABFF was a vibrant hub where innovation met culture, showcasing their cutting-edge vehicles alongside a celebration of diverse artistic expressions,” Friday remarked.
The lounge also hosted engaging conversations with prominent art collectors like Sol Apante, Jennia Freirique Aponte, and Greenwood Standard founder Dawn Limerick. Lemon Andersen introduced these thought leaders who shared invaluable insights into the world of art collecting. Dawn Limerick offered sage advice for new collectors: “I think it’s important for new collectors not to buy primarily for investment because you have to really start loving art. And for you to do that, you have to really like what you get. So you have to understand what it is you like.”
Jennia Freirique Aponte added her perspective, emphasizing the importance of curating a collection. “The advice I would give to a new collector is to piggyback off what she said, but then to curate a collection… think about curating and collect because humans naturally want to collect something.”
The lounge was not just about art and music. Live podcast recordings of the popular “Ratchet & Respectable,” hosted by Demetria L. Lucas, offered festival-goers another layer of entertainment. Guests like Jessica Nabongo, Ingrid Best, Scott Evans, Nicco Annan, and Lamman Rucker provided industry insights, making the sessions informative and engaging.
Cadillac’s commitment to innovation was on full display with ride-and-drive experiences in the all-electric LYRIQ. Attendees had the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the future of driving firsthand. Static displays of the Escalade IQ and OPTIQ alongside the LYRIQ highlighted Cadillac’s diverse electric vehicle lineup, reinforcing their dedication to sustainability.
This multifaceted activation at ABFF solidified Cadillac’s role as a supporter of Black culture and a pioneer in automotive innovation. By blending artistic expression with technological advancement, Cadillac created an unforgettable experience that resonated with the festival’s diverse audience.
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