Funding for #LITC2023 is made possible in part with public funds from Creative Engagement, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and administered by LMCC, which serves, connects, and makes space for artists and community. Additionally, this Black History Month Comedy Celebration is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council. Support is also provided by the Battery Park City Authority and grants from The Alliance of Resident Theatres/NY + New York Council on the Arts.
Lineup
Mike Yard Headliner
Mike Yard is an American, Brooklyn-based Stand-up Comedian. He became a well-known presence on the comedy circuit when he started as a correspondent on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and became a regular on Comedy Central’s stand-up. On The Nightly Show, he became known as one of the show’s leading contributors, serving as a comic “foil” to host Larry Wilmore, and for his role in political skits such as his portrayal of a talking gun named “Hand Gun” and his recurring “Y Files” segments parodying conspiracy theories. He also has his own podcast called Yard Talk.
In 2018, Yard joined the cast of American Public Media’s radio program Live From Here. He was a winner of Comedy Central’s Get Up, Stand Up comedy competition and now hosts the podcast: “Yard Talk with Mike Yard.” He’s appeared on ComicView, Def Comedy Jam and Comedy at the Apollo.
LeClerc Andre
LeClerc Andre is a stand-up comedian from New York who is quickly building a name for himself. His quick wit and charm can be seen in clubs and colleges across the country. LeClerc was featured last year at Just For Laughs Comedy Festival as one of the New Faces of Comedy which quickly spring-boarded him into his TV network debut on The Tonight Show w/Jimmy Fallon in October, 2018 as well as on NBC’s “Bring the Funny” in 2019.
Aminah Imani
Aminah Imani is a New York based comedian, host, and actress who gained popularity from being featured on platforms such as Comedy Central and Hulu. Her work has also been featured live at the Apollo theater, the DC comedy festival, and more. Imani currently produces a podcast called “Wine before Nine” and is now a cast member of Showtime’s popular comedy show, “Flatbush Misdemeanors.”
Mia Jackson
Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”). In 2017, she was selected as a New Face by the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the Critic’s Choice Best Stand-Up in the city. She has toured nationally with Amy Schumer and is a featured comic at festivals and clubs across the country. Her first stand up special aired in October 2018 as part of Unprotected Sets on EPIX. Mia has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland, Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Her Comedy Central half hour special debuted in November 2019.
Khalid Rahmaan
Khalid Rahmaan is a terrible driver, a delusional Knicks fan and a Brooklyn-based stand-up comic. He made his late night debut on CONAN and Thrillist named him one of the 50 Best Undiscovered Comedians in America. When he’s not on stage, you can usually find Khalid writing funny things for other folks to say. He’s written for HQ Trivia, the NAACP Image Awards, Impractical Jokers and the live music trivia app Out of Tune.
