Harlem Comedy Club Co-Owner to Host PitchBLACK Awards, First Black-Owned Venue to Share Spotlight at Event Offering $230K in Grants

Jamie Roberts to Host Prestigious PitchBLACK Awards in Harlem

Harlem’s own Jamie Roberts will host the 2025 PitchBLACK Awards, marking a powerful moment for Black media and entertainment. Roberts is a co-owner of Comedy in Harlem, the first Black-owned comedy club in the neighborhood.

He will emcee the high-energy ceremony on Thursday, May 1. The event wraps up Black Public Media’s two-day PitchBLACK Forum, where storytellers and tech creatives pitch their projects for a chance to win a total of $230,000 in grants.

“This is huge not just for Harlem, but for every Black creator dreaming big,” said a PitchBLACK rep.

Harlem Shines as BPM Awards Hit the Apollo Stages

For the first time ever, the PitchBLACK Forum and Awards will be held at the Apollo Stages at the Victoria. It’s part of the legendary Apollo Theatre’s recent expansion, and only blocks away from Black Public Media’s (BPM) Harlem headquarters.

BPM Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz shared the excitement:

“This spectacular venue opened just last March. We’re thrilled to bring our signature event uptown.”

This move highlights Harlem’s role in Black media, art, and culture — and celebrates its legacy of storytelling innovation.

$230,000 Up for Grabs for Film and Tech Creators

The two-day PitchBLACK event runs from Wednesday, April 30 to Thursday, May 1. Wednesday’s program starts at 9 a.m. with five film teams competing for up to $150,000 in grants. In the afternoon, six immersive media teams will pitch for up to $75,000 in funding.

Projects include Finding Your Laughter, Unfiltered, FutureGen, Run, and more. Judges and live audiences will help decide which ideas move forward.

The awards program also features a live musical performance and an artist chat with Lillian E. Benson, ACE, a trailblazing film editor whose works will stream in a free two-week retrospective.

Harlem-Based Jamie Roberts Adds Star Power to the Awards Night

Jamie Roberts brings serious talent and charisma to the hosting role. He has performed at major venues across the U.S. and internationally, including the Apollo Theater, Strand Theater, and Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

He’s also been seen on Law & Order, HBO’s Paterno, A Question of Love, and BricTV’s Laffaholics. As co-owner of Comedy in Harlem, he’s making waves both on and off stage.

His involvement underscores how Harlem artists are leading the charge in Black storytelling and creative entrepreneurship.

Celebrating Black Creativity with Film, Tech, and Community

The PitchBLACK Awards bring together public media leaders, filmmakers, immersive media creators, and curious minds. Since its launch eight years ago, the event has awarded $1.8 million in funding. It’s become a go-to for discovering what’s next in Black media.

This year’s celebration includes the announcement of the Nonso Christian Ugbode Fellow and performances from Yansa Fatima, voice of BPM’s AfroPoP series.

After the awards, guests will enjoy a lively afterparty with cocktails and a DJ, keeping Harlem’s energy alive deep into the night.

Tickets and Access to the PitchBLACK Experience

PitchBLACK Forum is free but invite-only. Film and media professionals, curators, and prospective funders are welcome to request an invitation through the BPM website.

Tickets to the PitchBLACK Awards ceremony are on sale now. The event promises a night of community, excellence, and celebration. Reserve early — seats are limited.