Offline Weekly Edition #4 🪩
Blacklist NYC
In our nation’s biggest cities, community can be deceivingly hard to find. Metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston report loneliness rates higher than the national average.
And while curated wellness groups and niche dinner clubs help people connect, they can still feel limiting, often focused on specific interests. Many people are still searching for something more relaxed and inclusive. That’s where versatile social clubs come in.
This week, we’re focusing on one of them: Blacklist, and the creative & social community they have been building across New York.
Blacklist (NYC)
Blacklist NYC is a social collective that curates unforgettable in-person experiences for Black professionals and creatives in New York City. Since launching, they have hosted 40+ sold-out events, built a community of over 48K on Instagram and 30K on TikTok, and grossed $150K+ in venue revenue. Their events range from rooftop socials and wine nights to cultural panels and brand activations — all rooted in intentional connection, joy, and community. Founded by Tionne Barmer and Taylor Alarcon, Blacklist recently celebrated three years in the NYC scene, and the momentum is only growing.
They have partnered with brands like Hinge, Lobos Tequila, and the NFL, and were awarded Hinge’s “One More Hour” grant to fight Gen Z loneliness through real-life connection.
Q&A with Tionne & Taylor, hosts of Blacklist.
Q: What sparked the idea to create Blacklist? Was there a specific moment that pushed you to do it?
The idea was sparked by a mix of personal frustration and a desire to create something new. After years of living and breathing the NYC social scene, I noticed that most spaces felt void of human connection. It was hard to find places where you could actually talk, connect, and feel at home. Especially after the pandemic, I was alarmed by how disconnected people felt.
Q: What does Blacklist offer that feels missing from people’s lives?
Blacklist offers a third place—a space outside of work and home where people can meet, talk, and actually get to know each other. It’s about genuine, unhurried connection. So many people crave that but end up at loud parties or stuck at home alone. Blacklist brings together people who want to find real conversation and community, not just the next big party.
Q: What’s been the most surprising part of building this community?
The most surprising thing has been how many people are brave enough to come solo and genuinely want to meet others at our events. It’s incredible to see how many of them end up creating their own private group chats and staying in touch long after the night ends. It really shows just how starved we all are for real, human connection—something that’s missing in so much of our daily lives right now.
Q: What do you wish more brands understood about supporting spaces like this?
I wish more brands understood that spaces like this create real, lasting connections, not just another sponsored post or click. We’re deeply impacting people’s lives and building a sense of community they’re desperate for right now. When brands invest in that kind of authentic engagement, they’re not just advertising, they’re becoming part of people’s stories. That’s what real brand loyalty looks like.
Where to find them next?
🌆 Three Years of Blacklist: Summer Night Session — Saturday, June 15, 10PM–3AM EST
Moxy Hotel Williamsburg (Bar Bedford + Lillistar Rooftop), 353 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY | 21+
A full venue takeover to celebrate three years of Blacklist. It starts with the pregame at Bar Bedford (10PM–midnight), then heads upstairs for rooftop views, cocktails, and a soundtrack of R&B, hip hop, and afrobeats until 3AM. A night for community, connection, and celebration under the city lights.
🍽️ Blacklist Homecoming: A Backyard Cookout — Saturday, July 6, 2–7PM EST
151 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 | 21+
Good people, loud laughs, full plates, and music that feels right. This backyard-style day party is all about reconnecting and relaxing. Grab a drink, grab a plate, and kick it with the Blacklist community while the DJs keep the energy just right.
We hope you enjoyed edition #4 of Offline Weekly, a newsletter featuring up-and-coming offline communities.
We believe the future of brand marketing and community building is Offline.
For more information on how we connect brands with offline communities, visit us at offlinetalent.com or email us at connect@offlinetalent.com.