Revolt World Shines in Atlanta with Empowerment and Entertainment for Black Community
ATLANTA — This past weekend, Atlanta was the proud host of Revolt World, a dynamic festival celebrating Black entertainment, entrepreneurship, and culture. Held from September 20 to 22 at the scenic Pullman Yards, the event welcomed thousands of attendees eager to connect, learn, and celebrate Black excellence.
This year marked a monumental shift for Revolt Media, which transitioned to becoming an employee-owned company in June 2024. The significance of this shift was palpable throughout the event. “This year is special because this is the first year that the team is doing this… as an employee-owned company,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of Revolt Media. “With the company switching to becoming employee-owned in June, that becomes a key milestone.”
The festival was more than just a celebration; it was a beacon of empowerment, focusing on critical issues such as mental health, entrepreneurship, and education for Black communities. “We’re on our Black Panther energy,” Samuels remarked, emphasizing Revolt’s mission to fill in societal gaps where the Black community has historically been underserved. “In the same way, the Panthers used to step in where society kind of faded and ignored Black people… Revolt is trying to step in and fill in those gaps.”
Over the weekend, attendees were treated to panels, workshops, and electrifying performances that not only entertained but also educated and inspired. The lineup was a stellar mix of leading voices and innovators from various industries including music, sports, politics, and fashion. “I couldn’t be more excited,” Samuels enthusiastically shared. “The talent lineup is phenomenal. You’re talking about the biggest tastemakers, changemakers, leaders, educators, investors, musicians from all walks of life.”
In keeping with its roots, Revolt World hosted live tapings of their popular shows like “Drink Champs” and “Big Facts,” along with vibrant day parties and festival-style performances that kept the energy high into the night.
A central theme of the festival was Black entrepreneurship, which Samuels believes is vital for Black liberation. He referenced a report from McKinsey & Co. Inc., which suggests that it could take Black Americans 300 years to achieve economic parity with white Americans. “We see entrepreneurship as a key path for Black liberation,” Samuels stated. “We fund entrepreneurs… without any exchange of equity.”
Revolt’s efforts to support Black entrepreneurs don’t stop at financial backing. Through initiatives like pitch competitions and a robust ecosystem, the company places a strong emphasis on community support. “The only way our Black entrepreneurs will make it is if we, as a community, unite and stand by them,” Samuels emphasized.
Looking forward, Samuels envisions Revolt growing into a global juggernaut that champions Black storytelling and culture. He firmly believes that the narrative around Black people needs to be shaped by Black voices. “In order to get them to treat us better, they have to see us better,” he said. “We believe that we should be the people green-lighting the stories about our people, about our culture, that the world should see us through our lens and not their lens.”
Exciting plans are already in the works for future Revolt World events to be held in global cities like Paris, London, and across Africa and the Caribbean. This year’s event took a huge step in giving back to the community by offering free tickets, making the festival accessible to all. “Tickets are free this year. We’re doing it as a service and a gift back to the culture,” Samuels announced. “There’s no excuse not to be there.”
Atlanta bore witness to a weekend of unity, education, and celebration, solidifying Revolt World’s place as a transformative force in the culture.
