OUR STORY
Empowering. Engaging. Emboldening.
Visions Blu Institute (VBI).
Visions Blu Institute (VBI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2002, is dedicated to empowering African Americans to craft impactful and authentic narratives. In a world often saturated with negative portrayals of the African American community, VBI fosters a space for positive and constructive storytelling.
Our flagship event, the Visions Blu Film Symposium, served as a beacon of inspiration for several impactful years. Supported by premier sponsors such as Volvo Cars, Kodak, and American Airlines, the symposium featured affordable panels, screenings, and networking opportunities, leaving a lasting imprint on attendees and the creative community.
Over the years, VBI has championed storytelling through diverse programming. This includes youth summer filmmaking programs in partnership with Kenwood Academy and the University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, industry networking events, and screenwriting workshops for adults.
After a brief hiatus, VBI shifted its focus to producing award-winning films alongside a shadowing program to nurture emerging talent. Our productions, The Nell (2023) and Imminent Checkmate (2024), have earned prestigious Telly Awards—a Bronze and Silver, respectively—cementing our commitment to excellence.
Our mission is clear: to cultivate generations of business-savvy content creators who reshape African American narratives and inspire cultural confidence. By producing meaningful projects and showcasing diverse perspectives, we aim to instill hope, transform lives, and empower communities. Join us in shaping a world where African American communities control their own narratives and thrive in their authenticity.
OUR FOUNDERMeet Karon Hamlet M.B.A., the visionary behind Visions Blu Institute, a 501c3 non-profit organization and Visions Blu Productions LLC. Committed to enlightening and empowering African American youth and adults (aged 9-49), Karon fosters education and engagement in the dynamic realm of visual media and the intricacies of the television and film business. Recognizing the lack of accessible avenues for the public, particularly African Americans, to glean insights directly from industry experts, she established a platform for learning and networking. Rooted in the belief that knowledge catalyzes action, Karon birthed the Visions Blu Film Symposium to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. Visions Blu Productions LLC was created to be an outlet to produce films, storytelling endeavors including "Storytelling on Stages" View a sample of our short film work below. |
Karon A. Hamlet M.B.A.
Writer, Producer, Director Founder | Executive Director, Visions Blu Institute Principal, Visions Blu Productions LLC |
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"Tell Someone"
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"The Nell"
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"Imminent Checkmate"
Trailer |
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Linda C.Retired Educator
AL H.Retired Director, Artist
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Jemal E.Accountant
Raymond T.Creative Director, Artist
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VBI YOUTH PROJECTS | TAKE A GLIMPSE |
Enjoy a clip from our 2014 News Literacy & Film summer program for youth aged 9-18, held at the University of Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Check out "Our Perspectives"
"One Block, One Peace" is a documentary style short film comparing the violence from the past and the violence of their present (at that time). This was the topic of choice for these students during our summer program held at Kenwood Academy.