Media Kit

Group History

Founded in 2020 by passionate WordPress enthusiasts Allie Nimmons, Destiny Kanno, Joe Simpson, and Niesha Sweet, BlackPress emerged as an inclusive WordPress community in 2020, created with a purpose to uplift Black-owned businesses and educate the younger generation.

BlackPress’ initial mission was to bring the power of WordPress to Black-owned businesses, providing them with the tools to succeed in the digital world. Additionally, the community aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and teaching WordPress to the younger generations. We believe that by empowering them with valuable skills, we can open doors of opportunities and unlock their potential.

Now, BlackPress’ focus has expanded to fostering inclusivity and supporting Black WordPress professionals worldwide. BlackPress is not just a community, but a global movement. We provide a platform for networking, mentorship, learning, and growth, enabling Black WordPress professionals to showcase their talents, collaborate, and achieve their goals.

Together, we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity thrives and dreams become realities.

Group Statistics

270

Slack members

10

Countries

14

Events

Founders

Allie Nimmons

Destiny Fox Kanno

Joe A Simpson

Niesha
Sweet

Organizers

Ken Elliott

Ken Elliott (Kin El-E-it), going by he/him, is the Professional Web Developer and Digital Brand Consultant for BKreative Media Solutions. With over 25 years of experience in web development, social media, and digital marketing, Ken has developed creative and engaging brand concepts for hundreds of clients. Ken is also the co-organizer of the Columbia, SC WordPress Meetup group, focused on making community happen wherever he goes.

Allie Nimmons

Allie Nimmons is a project manager, video producer, writer, and DEIB advocate. WordPress became a primary professional focus for her in 2014, when she taught herself web design and development through the software. She has worked with companies like Kinsta, GiveWP, WP Buffs, WP 101, and Automattic, and co-founded the Underrepresented in Tech database. She is currently the WordPress Administrator for Web Pro Geeks and a LinkedIn Learning Course instructor. Allie is mildly obsessed with making lists, growing plants, and playing video games. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, cat, and dog.

George Woodard

George Woodard (Jorg Wood-erd) is a WordPress MarCom Website Specialist and Founder of eLsqrd Media Group. For over ten years, he is responsible for helping marketing and communication teams with creative and content efforts to continue the growth of their organization’s visibility online and provide a consistent experience for all customers across all platforms. He also assists with managing and optimizing Search Engine Optimization efforts using Google to ensure all tracking, attribution, and rating for campaigns function correctly and at speed. Doing this helps monitor web traffic, performance, conversions, and capacity to identify, prevent and resolve issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is BlackPress just for Black people?
A: No! The goal of BlackPress is to create a place where Black people and people of African descent who use WordPress can come together for support, resources, and mentorship. All allies are welcome in the Slack and at our events, we kindly ask that all who join respect that this community is Black by priority.

Q: How much does it cost to join BlackPress?
A: There is no cost to join BlackPress or to attend any of our events.

Q: Who runs BlackPress?
A: BlackPress is organized by volunteers who are employed by different companies. No one company owns or operates the group.

Q: Are events held in person?
A: Events are held via meetup.com for online and in-person, and Zoom.