ONYXCON the event was born in 2009, making it the largest convention in the Southeastern USA, celebrating diversity in the popular arts with focus on the impact, contributions, and presence of the African Diaspora in the fantastic!
Joseph R. Wheeler III, founder, is a man with a burning desire to bring the world of comics borne of the African Diaspora into the mainstream with his yearly Onyxcon Events in the ATL – that’s Atlanta, Georgia where hip-hop artists, musicians, street artists, politicians, fashion designers, entrepreneurs from every avenue of expression thrive. The Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made his mark on Atlanta during the civil rights era and his energy still rises amongst all till this day.
Joseph R. Wheeler III is an “Actor on a Mission”, Film Producer and Director as well as a highly trained Artist receiving his art foundation from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY (1994) and in 1997 received his BFA from The Atlanta College of Art (acquired by SCAD Atlanta). His skills are deft as a painter, sculptor and graphic designer as his art speaks to your mind, soul and spirit. He has devoted his creative skills and his authenticity to articulate his presence on a very high level in the business of entertainment in the film industry as well as the world of comics. ONYXCON is his business that he began 13 years ago and operates it today by introducing artists within the African Diaspora to you at his yearly conventions. He brings forth film festivals, other literary genres and so much more for the world to see. ONYXCON stands tall in Atlanta, Georgia and now as a foundation you will receive so much more from this true trailblazer.
As Joseph R Wheeler III explains: “ONYX + CON = ONYXCON -The origin of the word Onyx is defined as meaning ‘ring’. Onyx is also associated with the stone of the same name which features many tones and variations. It is often prized for the variations that are Black. The good energy attributes associated with the stone, the term ‘Black’ as it associates with the cultures and vision of the African Diaspora, and the symbolism of a ‘ring’ as a complete circle of networking, learning, and influence are the symbolisms associated with the ONYXCON’s mission. The other colors that can be present in Onyx represent all of the diverse ethnicities that support and love ONYXCON! We are one with the world of fans who love our purpose. CON means to convene, come together, unify for a purpose. Con is short for Convention. = ONYXCON”
Be sure to follow him on Instagram as @JRW3Artist
His website is – http://www.onyxcon.com