--- title: Creators of Color | Hashtag Sports description: Recognizing, celebrating, and empowering sports entertainment's next generation of content creators, creatives, and marketing leaders image: https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hubfs/seo/cofc-card-blk.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com#main-content) [![Creators of Color](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hubfs/brand/creators-of-color-blk.svg) ![Creators of Color](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hubfs/brand/creators-of-color-blk.svg)](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com) [Support](https://creators.hashtagsports.com/sponsorship?hsCtaTracking=102943a6-cb33-474b-a6a6-26270707c491%7C68473085-ce36-4647-ab2d-3b168585751a) - Honorees - [Cohort III](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2023) - [Cohort II](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2022) - [Cohort I](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2021) - Committees - [Selection](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/selection-committee) - [Leadership](https://creatorsofcolor.com) - [Summit](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/summit) - Podcasts - Coming Soon - Creator Hub - Coming Soon - [Sponsors](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/sponsors) # Creators of Color, Culture, Entertainment, Fans #### Black, LatinX, Asian, and minority ethnicities account for nearly 40% of North American sports fans but comprise less than 12% of the creative industry. Join us to impact sustainable change. ![cohort-high-five](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/cohort-high-five.webp?width=1778&height=1622&name=cohort-high-five.webp) ### **Empowering Creatives**   #### Creators of Color is a career enablement platform and creative community for the trailblazers of the sports entertainment creator economy. #### **Hear from the Creators** --- ![Khristina Williams](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cohort/khristina-williams.webp?width=500&height=500&name=khristina-williams.webp) > "Creators of Color and the summit were everything. Thank you for honoring and recognizing creators of color, like me, whose contributions within the industry often get overlooked. The connections that I made are ones that will last far beyond the summit." ##### Khristina Williams, Cohort I ###### Founder, Girls Talk Sports TV WNBA Expert & Digital Creator ![Jesse Wu](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cohort/jesse-wu.webp?width=1800&height=1800&name=jesse-wu.webp) > "The Creators of Color program has opened so many doors for me, expanded my professional network, and fostered life-long friendships. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career as a creative director and business owner without Creators of Color." ##### Jesse Wu, Cohort I ###### Founder Dimes Studio ![Travis Ellison](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cohort/travis-ellison-2021-sqr.webp?width=680&height=680&name=travis-ellison-2021-sqr.webp) > “The Creators of Color program has helped shed light and amplify my name and brand as a professional creator in the sports and entertainment space by providing a platform for my work to be shared, celebrated, and utilized. I’ve had opportunities to stay connected to the program by photographing events, speaking on panels, sharing insight to continue improving the program as well as continuing to network with my fellow cohort members.” ##### Travis Ellison, Cohort I ###### Founder & Photographer Travis Ellison Productions ![Mariah Bailey](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cohort/mariah-bailey-2022.webp?width=430&height=430&name=mariah-bailey-2022.webp) > "Over the past year, Creators of Color has helped me and my career by putting me in spaces with encouraging industry professionals, which has grown my confidence significantly. Confidence goes a long way, and as the imposter syndrome faded, I realized I also belonged in those spaces. I began to speak up more, allowing others to hear my ideas and understand my knowledge of our business, which led to me being requested on more projects. I even earned my first promotion at the NBA at the beginning of this year." ##### Mariah Bailey, Cohort II ###### New Media Partnerships NBA Each year, Creators of Color spotlights and empowers sports entertainment creatives 21-33 years old who identify as Black, Latinx, Asian, and People of Color. The honorees are independently selected by [The Engagement Academy of Sports Entertainment](https://www.engagement.academy/) based on merit and qualification across creative specialties. ### [COHORT I](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2021?hsLang=en) ### [COHORT II](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2022?hsLang=en) ### [COHORT III](https://www.creatorsofcolor.com/cohort-2023?hsLang=en) #### **Creative Specialties** --- - Content & Social Media - Graphic Design & Art - Marketing & Revenue - On-Camera Talent - Photography - Storytelling & Editorial - UI/UX & Design - Video & Production #### **KEY DATES** --- ##### **March 8** Applications Open ##### **June 9** Applications Close ##### **July 31** Cohort Selection ##### **Sept 18-20** Program Summit #### **How to Apply** Our application process is currently closed. Check back in January 2024 to find out how to apply or nominate a creator of color. 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