Saison Sunday — Talk & Tasting

Black August – A Tribute to Heritage, Freedom, & Black Craftsmanship

Our music listening sessions, talks and tastings will reside in the Twin Cities for the month of August. We are gathering as a community to celebrate political resistance and the pathways to collective freedom. Join the discussion as we explore Black Business pathways and the way forward through story telling.

August 21st, 2025

Host Location:

Black Garnet Books
Address: 1319 University Ave W
St Paul, MN 55104
https://www.blackgarnetbooks.com

Black August Communion

Presented by: FUSIONWAVE ENT.

“Feel the beat, Not the noise” connect with us: @fusionwavempls

Celebrate Black August in a one-of-a-kind way, spotlighting the resilience, contributions, and creativity of Black communities through music and storytelling.

Program Schedule:

Guest Arrival & Check-In

• Guests receive silent headphones.
• Networking and bookshelf explore
• Live DJ plays on channel 1.
• Curated playlist on channel 2.

Opening Remarks

• Overview of Black August and its significance
A month of honoring Black freedom fighters, political prisoners, and the ongoing struggle for liberation in different ramifications of our lives (especially the economic standpoint)
• Housekeeping + What to expect
  Explain headphone channels, QR codes for music submissions, and interactive activities (Wall of Reflection, pop-up book displays).
  • The Wall of Reflection is simply a whiteboard where attendees can leave a sticky note of gratitude, remembrance, or vision.
• Moment of silence for Black Freedom fighters
Invite everyone to honor ancestors, revolutionaries, and visionaries with a reflective pause.

Audio-Visual Presentation

• Transition into the storytelling segment through the 12-minute audio-visual presentation.
• Encourage guests to engage emotionally and take notes for future reflections or discussions.

"Real Talk Panel" Segment

"This is not just a panel, it's a real talk. Honest, unfiltered, and community-centered."

Welcome the panelists audio-visual introduction call to the stage.

• The Reality of the Grind
• What does "the grind" look like for you in your business journey?
• Can you share a moment when structural barriers almost made you quit, and how you pushed through?
• What role does mental health play in sustaining Black entrepreneurship?
• Innovations and Community-Centered Growth
  • How do you build businesses that are culturally rooted while still competitive in mainstream markets?
  • What are some examples of collaborations within the Black business community that inspire you?
  • How do you balance innovation with honoring tradition and heritage?
• The Way Forward
  • What tools, platforms, or resources have been game changers for your growth?
  • If you could change one policy to create more equity for Black founders, what would it be?
  • What advice would you give to emerging Black entrepreneurs, "If I knew then what I know now..."?

Silent Disco, Expression Hour & Closeout

• 2-headphone channels live:
  • Channel 1: Black Resistance Music Set (Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop)
  • Channel 2: Spoken words, Music submissions by guest (through QR code scan)

Ongoing Throughout Event

• Shoutouts to community partners.
• Pop-up Book Displays & Merch
• Wall of Reflection: Guests leave notes of gratitude, remembrance, or vision.

Curated Playlist:

Black August Communion — a cookin' playlist as effective altruism.

Sample Beverage:

African Farmer Grown – Casablanca Mint — Asami Naturals

Tea Ceremony - a highly ritualized serving of tea symbolizing the aspects of hospitality, friendship, and community.

Saison Sundays are filled with conversation, music, and friends. I am a brewer working with yeast and wild fermentation. The tasting group has access to upcoming beer releases featuring rustic ales I've created or collected. The brewery hosted tasting events happen when beers are released.

The concept of critical listening is taken from Hi-Fi audio meetings with a group of audiophile enthusiasts. We meet monthly to share new music, enjoy analog sound, and chat all things vintage. Private gatherings are hosted by request.

Send a message to visit or request to join. - Barrett Tillman