"We define punk as a creative whose work is unapologetically radical, provocative, and genre-defiant; someone whose art persists at the forefront of social and creative revolutions!"
PUNQ NOIRE
Punq Noire is a grassroots organization activated by a mission to celebrate punk art history for its diverse roots.
On June 19th 2022, Punq Noire debuted its first festival, welcoming the public to experience a full day of live music and flash tattoos, a chance to walk in a fashion parade, and shop with vibrant vendors.
In honoring Juneteenth, the festival paid tribute to the enduring spirit of Black liberation while also celebrating the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. Punq Noire Festival highlighted the colorful and resilient stories within the alternative arts diaspora.
Vision
Punq Noire’s mission is to expand the agenda of intersectional feminism and anti-racism within creative industries, starting with the underground music scene.
Independent artists are the true culture bearers of music, and as such it is our responsibility to sow the seeds of change for future generations to enjoy the fruits of.
We seek to empower the people who’s fight against colonialism and patriarchy is a lived experience, and we aim to inspire others as we foster a world that cherishes diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.
By collaborating with artists and organizations that champion intersectional feminism and anti-racism, Punq Noire curates dynamic, engaging events at which people can explore and celebrate nuanced expressions of identity and community.
Our events are spaces of joy, safety, and empowerment—where the community comes together to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of art, music, and activism.
The Founder
Punq Noire was founded by Dymin Ellis, also known as the hip hop artist, Indigaux.
From 2015 to 2019, Dymin Ellis was heavily involved with local activist organizations; volunteering their skills and time to participate in demonstrations that called for justice and equity for marginalized communities. Ellis embarked on a journey of self-education, immersing themself in the studies about Black Liberation, Feminism, Queer and Trans Liberation, and anti-capitalist theory. This period of continuous learning allowed Ellis to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their role as a community advocate. For Ellis, this was when the power of education as a tool for freedom became positively evident.
In 2021, Ellis discovered the revolutionary roots of punk during a deep dive down the rabbit-hole of Little Richard’s life --- a queer, Black artist and the true king of rock music. This research led Ellis to uncover the rich, yet often overlooked history of punk as a Black, queer, and revolutionary force in music, art, and way of being. This discovery was truly inspiring, revealing punk as a space for demarginalizing the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists.
Empowered by this history, Ellis founded Punq Noire to celebrate and amplify those narratives.
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