JOIN THE BLACK NETWORK IN CANNES 2025
IMMERSIVE
EXPERIENCE
The Immersive Experience offers a high-impact, fully supported journey into Cannes Lions; with coordinated access, curated connections, and visibility through media and storytelling, you’ll be equipped to show up, grow, and lead. This experience is designed to amplify your presence and help you build lasting industry connections that go beyond the festival.
ACCESS
EXPERIENCE
The Access Experience helps you move from just attending the festival to gaining strategic access across our partner organisations activations; with access to key festival moments, curated events, and guidance from The Black Network. This experience is about turning presence into progress, while growing your network.
COMMUNITY
EXPERIENCE
The Community Experience is open to individuals from the Black community attending Cannes Lions. It's designed to bring together the broader Black community at the festival, through gatherings, shared spaces, and organic meetups. This experience is positioned to foster connection, intentionality, and a greater sense of belonging; ensuring you have a community to tap into.
Cannes Lions is one of the most high profile stages in global creativity, where brands, agencies, platforms, storytellers, and culture-shapers from around the world converge.
It’s a unique moment in the calendar where decision-makers, creatives, and emerging voices all exist in one space, with fewer layers between them.
For one week, the room becomes flatter and the opportunity, greater.
When The Black Network show up at Cannes Lions, we do so with purpose: to create a space where the Black community isn’t missing from the room, the dialogue, or the opportunities at hand.
By being intentional, better integrated and not just attending, we shift narratives, open doors, and unlock the economic power that comes when our community is afforded the space to participate, be visible, and unified.
This isn’t about optics. It’s about being positioned for impact; so the creativity, brilliance, and leadership of our community translates into long-term opportunity, investment, and deeper industry integration.
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We’ve created an approach where Black talent doesn’t simply attend, but is supported by community and empowered to build strategic, cross-industry connections that extend far beyond the festival.
Since our connection to Asenctial in 2020 we've been building something different; rooted in community, credibility, and thought leadership. We bring intention, not tokenism. Depth, not decoration.
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We’re uniting a cross-continental network, from the diaspora to the continent, and activating meaningful experiences, moments, and relationships that challenge the status quo and pave the way for lasting change.
If we approach Cannes with purpose, we don’t just participate in the conversation, we have the power to redefine it.
When Cephas Williams first attended Cannes Lions, he recognised the absence of Black talent; a direct reflection of the wider industry landscape in marketing, advertising, and media. This realisation led to the creation of Black Out. With Ascential as a founding member of The Black Network since 2020, the aim was to use Cannes Lions as a platform for industry-wide change.
In 2022, Cephas launched 'Cephas In Cannes' following an invitation for him to speak at the festival for a second time, he knew that real progress required tangible action as well as discussion, calling on industry leaders to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward practical solutions for engagement and integration. That year, he brought 14 people to the festival with him, laying the foundation for a much larger movement.
Now in Year 4, Cephas has personally invested over £150,000, raising additional backing from partner companies, bringing more than 100 individuals from the Black community and across the industry to Cannes Lions. Ensuring participation for greater access, deeper integration, and meaningful connections. His commitment goes beyond presence alone; it is about amplifying the Contribution, Network, Representation, Insight, and Experience of Black talent across the industry, fostering a stronger community, better industry integration, and driving a lasting shift in how the Black community are engaged with and shape the creative business landscape, connecting talent from across the continent and the diaspora alongside allies across the creative industry.
Cephas Williams
Founder
The Black Network
Meet The Founder
Cephas Williams is the founder of The Black Network and the mind behind Black Out, a strategic proposition that has taken over 100 people from the Black community across multiple industries to the Cannes Lions Festival over the past 4 years, backed by his own personal investment of more than £150,000. His commitment to community is demonstrated through the tangible steps he’s taken to ensure Black talent is present and positioned within this pivotal moment in the global creative calendar.
Cephas pioneered the idea of using Cannes Lions festival pass distribution as a proxy for access and industry transformation, something unprecedented at the festival before his partnership with the organisation. He reinforced this vision through thought leadership and community-building, personally funding flights and accommodation for all participants at a time when Black representation at the festival was notably low. In doing so, he turned advocacy into tangible action, and access into a life-changing experience.
Cephas' approach was to use Cannes Lions as a platform to push for meaningful industry integration and as an opportunity to strengthen community by bringing Black people across industries together in one place at one time, connecting the global diaspora with the continent and fostering deeper cultural ties, collaboration, and collective progress.
Across his work with The Black Network, he has engaged global executive leadership at companies such as Unilever, Tesco, Spotify, Meta, Google, Yahoo, Soho House and more, aligning them with a shared ambition to improve the landscape for the Black community. Publicly known for his thought leadership and campaigns such as 56 Black Men and Letter to Zion, Cephas is a leading voice for equity, creativity, and legacy work, building ecosystems and unlocking systemic impact and transformation.
Meet The Black Network 'Black Out' Advocates
The Black Network 'Black Out' Advocates are a group of individuals from across Africa, the UK, the US, and beyond; united by a shared commitment to driving meaningful change and deeper integration within the creative industry. We welcome others to join the network as we continue to champion greater cohesion, representation, and progress across the global creative economy.
Deborah Williams
Chief Executive Officer
The Women's Association
Deborah is a leading force in empowering women and girls, Deborah runs a highly respected organisation that bridges the gap between corporate leadership and grassroots ambition. She works year-round with hundreds of girls and executive leaders across industries, breaking down systemic barriers and opening doors for the next generation of women; specifically focusing on girls from marginalised communities. She brings extensive experience in the creative industry, having led initiatives such as The Cannes Challenge in partnership with McCann, Digitas, and Cannes Lions.
Kenny Gravilis
CEO + Chief Creative Officer GRAVILLIS INC.
Kenny Gravillis is a creative director and founder of Gravillis Inc., the studio behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic film campaigns. Starting in music, designing album covers for artists like Public Enemy and The Notorious B.I.G., he went on to craft visuals for films by Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. His clients include Netflix, HBO, and Universal, and he’s collaborated with cultural icons like Beyoncé, Spielberg, Tarantino and Jay-Z. Kenny continues to champion bold storytelling and elevate creative talent across the global entertainment industry.​
Janina Lundy
Executive Vice President – Marketing
HARTBEAT
Janina Lundy is a senior entertainment executive and EVP at Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global media company. With a 20-year career spanning Amazon Studios, BET Networks, and more, she has led marketing, brand strategy, and audience development across film, TV, and live events. Janina is known for championing inclusive storytelling and building cultural impact across the entertainment industry. She has shaped global initiatives focused on Black, Latinx, and diaspora audiences, helping to redefine representation on and off screen.
Fadé Ogunro
Chief Executive Officer
The Fade Agency
Fadé is a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of a trailblazing agency connecting global brands to African talent and culture. Through her consultancy and talent management work, she has led major partnerships across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and tech; reshaping how African talent is seen and valued worldwide. With deep roots in media and a passion for inclusivity, she is a key connector in the brand and influencer ecosystem, and the founder of Bookings Africa, a digital platform revolutionising access to creative talent across the continent.
Magnus Djaba
Chief Client Officer
Publicis Groupe
Magnus is a senior global executive in advertising and is Chief Client Officer at Publicis Media. A long-time attendee of Cannes Lions, he has worked at the executive level across some of the industry’s most respected agencies, shaping strategies for major global brands. With decades of experience, Magnus brings a rare combination of leadership, international perspective, and deep client insight; making him a key voice in driving creative excellence and meaningful brand impact on a global scale.
Caroline Forbes
Head of Sales
Clear Channel UK
Caroline Forbes is a senior sales leader with decades of experience in Out of Home advertising, known for driving strategic partnerships and commercial growth. Alongside her leadership role, she contributes to industry development through advisory and mentorship work focused on equity in advertising. Caroline first attended Cannes with Cephas Williams after supporting the nationwide amplification of his 56 Black Men campaign in 2019 and has since been instrumental in the progression of his work at the festival over the past four years.
​Luti Fagbenle
Executive Producer & Founder
Luti Media & Osun
Luti Fagbenle is the founder of Luti Media, a globally recognised production company behind award-winning music videos, commercials, and scripted content. Known for his creative leadership, he has delivered iconic campaigns for artists like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and worked with brands including Apple, Nike, and Beats by Dre. A pioneer in digital storytelling, Luti first joined Cannes Lions with The Black Network in 2024 and remains a key voice in shaping the evolution of our work at the festival and beyond.
Femi Oyeniran
Actor & Director
Femi Oyeniran is an internationally recognised director, actor, and cultural entrepreneur, known for being a driving force in elevating Black culture in the UK and beyond. From collaborating with music icons like Popcaan and Vybz Kartel to working with brands such as Hennessy, Femi is a champion of representation in the creative industries and plays a vital role in connecting talent, community, and industry. He has been a valued and critical voice in support of our work in Cannes since 2024.
Black Out In Numbers
TESTIMONIALS
"What I recognize about Cephas' leadership style is how he leads with both authority and genuine care, pushing us to think bigger about our potential impact while ensuring everyone feels personally valued in the process. He speaks with a boldness that inspires the same in others, challenging us to hold our heads high with the understanding that we deserve to be in these spaces, and that they're fortunate to have us. Cephas leads from a place of conviction that transforms how we see ourselves in relation to the industry, shifting the narrative from "happy to be here" to "we belong here," which fundamentally changes how we navigate these spaces.
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While in Cannes, being part of The Black Network meant having a foundation of belonging in a space that can often feel isolating. Being handpicked as one of the two Americans in the community signaled how special this opportunity was. The strength in numbers transformed how I navigated the festival, from the WhatsApp group recommendations about which talks to attend to impromptu gatherings to process the day's events. Despite the packed schedule sometimes making deeper connections challenging, being surrounded by such a diverse set of individuals, each with compelling perspectives and talents, created a unique sense of community that made even the most exclusive spaces feel accessible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Peter Johnson
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
"The week itself was truly a once in a lifetime experience, but the lasting benefit is the genuine friendships and industry peers I've gained. Knowing they look out for me, share opportunities, and mention my name in influential spaces feels like an answered prayer.
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Cephas to me is a gift from God, a truly selfless man that is the definition of going after your purpose. He has impacted and changed not just peoples lives but the industry’s perception. He is an innovator, and his qualities will forever be something I admire."
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Saffron Houston
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
Partners​
Across 4 years
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"While in Cannes, being part of The Black Network meant having a safety net and a sounding board. Whether it was sharing opportunities, making introductions, or just having someone to check in with, it made the whole experience more meaningful and less isolating.
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One life lesson I took from being in Cannes was the importance of showing up as yourself. The connections I made and the opportunities that came my way happened because I was able to be myself, supported by a community of accomplished Black people. It was also surprising that you could get into spaces just by being in the area - Cannes fringe festival was not something I was aware of before."
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Jemel Richards
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
"In 2019, I won the local Young Lions competition in Nigeria and was meant to represent the country at the global finals in Cannes. Unfortunately, my visa was denied, and I missed what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Going to Cannes with The Black Network years later was deeply emotional for me—it felt like life was giving me a second chance. It wasn’t just about finally making it to Cannes; it was about reclaiming a dream I had once let go of. I’m incredibly grateful to The Black Network and Cephas for making that possible."
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Precious Okorie
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
"Attending the Cannes Lions Festival as part of The Black Network was life changing. I was becoming disillusioned with the industry I love. I didn’t think I could truly thrive as a Black man in advertising. As a result, I was considering changing careers. However, seeing people like me who were going through similar struggles re-energised my zeal and determination. Now, I’m happy and want to continue being an agent of change.
We all stood out quite a bit at the festival, but we all stood out together and that made the experience very empowering. Here we were, 50 strong, all talented, all Black, changing the narrative and racial landscape of such a prestigious festival. Now, that’s powerful."
Myles Manyonda
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2023
"Being part of The Black Network has been truly transformative. It gave me the chance to build real friendships with driven peers who not only supported my journey but inspired me with their determination to break barriers and create new paths. Seeing others succeed on their own terms made the idea of having a lasting impact in this industry feel real and possible.
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While at Cannes with The Black Network, I had the rare chance to connect with global senior leaders from my agency at the time - people I might never have met otherwise. Some of the conversations at that dinner sparked a fire in me to keep pushing for the creative ideas I truly believe in. I'm deeply grateful for that moment."
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Peniel Gebreselassie
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
"The energy surrounding this trip was electric and one that renewed my confidence. It reminded me who I was, and of the stories and experiences that make me ‘me.’ It also reminded me that ‘Black’ means so many amazing things, and I contribute to it in a valuable way. Being part of this community amplified our energy, creativity, ambition, and deepened my sense of belonging throughout the week. As someone of mixed heritage, fitting in and finding real belonging is an ongoing challenge — not during this week.
Black Out highlights that access for the Black community is vital; not only to influence and shape the Cannes Lions experience, but the direction of the industry, and crucially, the future of creativity."
Alix Blankson
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2023
"Traveling to Cannes with The Black Network meant that I was able to have an experience that afforded me the opportunity to see things I would not have seen and experience people across multiple industries in a way that I would not have otherwise. It was a beautiful way to connect with other brilliant Black intellectuals, and also a way to experience a life-changing moment of inspiration.
If I could describe the work Cephas Williams is doing through the Black Network at Cannes Lions in 3 words, I would say Empowering, Community and Exposure."
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Thomas Harwell
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
Being part of The Black Network gave me an immediate sense of belonging in a space that can often feel exclusive and disconnected from the communities I represent. Having access to a network of like-minded individuals who shared similar values, ambitions, and lived experiences made navigating the festival not only easier, but far more meaningful.
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It wasn’t just about visibility — it was about community, protection and shared power. Whether it was sharing insights, walking into rooms together, or just decompressing after long days, I felt surrounded by people who understood the weight we all carry and the importance of the work we’re doing.
That support allowed me to be more present, more confident, and more willing to engage fully. The Black Network reminded me that I didn’t have to shrink myself to fit the space — I had people beside me who were expanding it with me.
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Louis Annan
Black Network Community
Cannes Lions 2024
"I’m involved with Cephas because, like him, I believe in working together for a better future. The more people that are engaged in building a brighter future the greater the progress. What inspired me in his letter was the commitment to improvement from whatever position you or your organisation may be. It’s the commitment to improvement that is important”
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“The truth is, no one is perfect and even I cannot promise you that I will not make mistakes along my journey. The more I tried to strive for perfection the more I realised “perfect “isn’t real. And so there is no “perfect“, only improvement." - Quoted from Cephas' Letter to Zion"
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Keith Weed
Ex Unilever CMO
Non exec WPP
"I said to myself, I'm not going to come to Cannes just to speak to the same leaders I can call and text. If I come back to Cannes, my presence needs to carry a much deeper meaning, if I come back I've got to bring other Black people with me"
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Cephas Williams
Founder, The Black Network
Words from The Cannes Lions Trip 2022
