We were lucky to catch up with Darnell and Alyssa Gilet recently and have shared our conversation below.
Darnell and Alyssa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The purpose of Do You Know Black? is to celebrate and uplift Black culture and community through content, events, and experiences. Do You Know Black? started as the trivia card game, House Party the Game, in 2016. The trivia game focused on 90’s pop-culture. As time went on, customers would ask if we planned to create a game that focused on history and education as opposed to entertainment. We knew we wanted to fill that void as our school systems do not emphasize the totality of Black history. However, we did not feel a trivia card game made sense. With that, we created the Do You Know Black? platform.
Presently, the Do You Know Black? platform consists of three shows and one major event. The three shows include Do You Know Black? the game show, Do You Know Black? Kickback (an after show companion conversation series), and the Do You Know Black? Creators Kickback. Our primary event is the Do You Know Black? Weekend which is a 2.5 day event where we tape 20 episodes of content in front of a live studio audience. The production itself is a mix of a production and a social experience.
However, our business is deeper than just content. Do You Know Black? features over 400 questions about Black history. Additionally, our contestants play for the All-Black Prize Pack, a collection of products, services and experiences from Black-owned businesses. These serve as the foundation for the next phase of our business which is driving community change. We have built out a 5-year roadmap that emphasizes tangible community impact starting with students and families in urban communities, and extends out to college students and professionals. Our mission is to make tangible change and measurable impact leveraging content and experiences as a tool. It is not simply to create content.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Both Darnell and Alyssa work full-time in corporate in addition to being the founders of Do You Know Black?. Darnell has a background in Talent Acquisition, Diversity Strategy, Employer Branding, and Emerging Talent Strategy. He has worked in this capacity across a variety of industries including Tech, Sports, Media, and Consumer Packaged Goods. Alyssa has a background in Marketing and Event Production in Media industry and the non-profit sector. Beyond work, Alyssa and Darnell both have a passion for community change.
Alyssa has experiences as an active member of several organizations including the New York Urban League of Young Professionals where she previously served as the Fund Development Chair. Alyssa also served as an active member of Girls Live, Laugh, Love. Darnell is a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and has completed several certificate programs that focus on bridging the gap between communities, consumers and corporations. These include a certificate in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies with University of Cambridge, Equitable Community Change with Cornell, and Business Strategies for a Better World with Wharton.
Darnell and Alyssa have combined their professional experiences, philanthropic work, and education to develop the Do You Know Black? platform/ecosystem. Although the platform primarily focuses on content at the moment, Darnell and Alyssa are working diligently and strategically on greater plans and initiatives to create a tangible and sustainable positive impact in the Black community.
What makes this platform Unique is how intentional and authentic it is. Darnell and Alyssa are driven by outcomes and impact. However, they believe the greatest impact occurs when things are done as a community with good spirits. Do You Know Black? is a fun and engaging way to address some of the issues Black communities face.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Alyssa and Darnell:
We have been married for 4-years and have been together for 11-years. We actually grew up in the same town, down the street from each other and went to the same high school. However, we did not know each other until after we both graduated from college. One of Darnell’s best friends graduated with Alyssa, who is 2-years younger than Darnell. Alyssa mentioned to their mutual friend that she had been on a really bad date and was discouraged by dating in NYC. Their friend mentioned that he had a good friend, Darnell, that he thought would be good for her. From there, they went on a blind date together and have been together ever since.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
So far, Do You Know Black? is funded 100% by Darnell and Alyssa. The initial concept for the trivia card game was developed by Alyssa in 2015. She presented the idea to Darnell and he funded it. As time went on and the business model evolved, they chose to pivot into the content and experience space. Darnell and Alyssa have paced out the expansion of their projects and business over several years to be able to fund this independently. Additionally, Darnell and Alyssa have a business partner, Donnell Culver, who helps with all production related aspects of the venture including videography, photography, producing, and securing a crew members for different productions.
Presently, Darnell and Alyssa are focusing on developing the Do You Know Black? brand, purpose, network, and roadmap and have not actively been pursuing partnerships or funding. Their goal is to ensure the brand has a strong purpose, foundation, identity, and value and that is where their energy is directed.
Contact Info:
- Website: doyouknowblack.com
- Instagram: doyouknowblack
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dykbshow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/house-party-entertainment/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSXisXpV2IV4MlslF1bYQLQ
- Other: TikTok: @doyouknowblk
Image Credits
C’est La Zee Photography