The Richmond Seen Announces “Stay On Scene: Protect the Culture” VIP Panel Ahead of 2026 SEEN Awards
Discussion will be led by NVSTD and will feature Erica Shambley, Silly Genius, Torren Shanae, Chelsea Jackson and AWOL Beatz.
Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 4:00 PM
by TRS Staff
RICHMOND, VA — As excitement builds for the first-ever SEEN Awards on April 16, The Richmond Seen announces an incredible community-centered discussion: “Stay On Scene: Protect the Culture,” a VIP panel discussion built for open conversation within the community on the power and future of Black media, cultural ownership,especially at the local and independent level and how to protect it.
Hosted in collaboration with NVSTD and the Don’t Mind Me Podcast, this dialogue will bring together influential voices in art, music, cultural curators and Black media on how Black storytelling continues to shift in process.
Frsh Who (pictured left), KEEPITONTHEDIEL (right)
Moderated by The Don’t Mind Me Podcast, led by artist Marcus “Frsh Who” Hopson and producer Bobby “KEEPITONTHEDIEL” Bacardi.”
The panel will feature an incredible lineup of cultural contributors, including:
Erica Shambley (Mostly Sugar)
Silly Genius (All City Art Club)
Torren Shanae (Poverty Worldwide Records)
Chelsea Jackson (Richmond-Times Reporter)
AWOL Beatz (Media Personality)
The conversations will engage in an open and necessary dialogue around the responsibility of preserving Black culture not only within our media spaces, but reflecting that storytelling in our work.
At the heart of the discussion are questions shaping today’s ecosystem:
How do creators remain authentic while increasing visibility?
What does it take for local media platforms to build and maintain trust within their communities?
What does “protecting the culture” truly look like in practice for artists, creators, and media leaders?
Tickets go on sale April 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM. Limited availability.
6:00 - 7:15 PM | VIP Welcome & Reception
Food by Cocoa Pariis and a panel discussion on Black Media and Protecting the Culture
7:15 PM | Doors Open
8:00 PM | Award show begins
Jess Synder & ShaelaSoul to welcome attendees at the 2026 SEEN Awards
Tickets
TRS Subscribers: $35; Non-Subscribers: $40
