About Pocket Con

Pocket Con is a free, single-day convention for Chicago youth, brought to you by a partnership between the Chicago Public Library, Stomping Grounds LAI, and L O Kari Productions. This event celebrates the work of artists of color, with a special focus on African American authors and artists, as well as comics featuring Black main characters. We also highlight the contributions of underrepresented groups, including women, Latinos, LGBTQ individuals, and other minorities.

We are strong advocates for indie comics and publishing, welcoming small press and self-published authors. Pocket Con encompasses various forms of creative expression, including webcomics, animation, small-budget filmmaking, video game design, and zines.

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Our Mission:
Our primary goals are to promote literacy through graphic novels, reflect on the portrayal of race and gender in comics and film, and introduce characters, writers, and authors who offer diverse perspectives. We aim to empower young writers and artists by introducing them to the collaborative process of comic creation and encouraging them to produce and submit their own work for contests at the convention.

Interested in Being a Vendor or Workshop Leader?
Contact Elgin Bokari at DJlokari@gmail.com or Kendra Mealy Wilk at kmealy@chipublib.org.