Transforming Rage into Laughter: The Black Women In Comedy Laugh Fest

From laughter to resilience: Joanna Briley and Nonye Brown-West join host Marina Franklin to highlight the Black Women In Comedy Laugh Fest’s mission of community building.

Joanna Briley. Brooklyn born, Connecticut raised. Hilarity ensued. Joanna’s worked for the MTA 34 years and it’s made her one of the friendliest Token Booth Clerks. With her love of stand up comedy and outrageous subway stories, Ms. Briley has written and will perform “Swipe This: My Life in Transit!” at this year’s NYC Fringe Fest April 5, 9, 11, 16 at the Chain Theatre. Joanna is also the proud creator of the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest which was created in 2018 and will have her 6th festival this February 26 – March 2 2025 in various venues throughout NYC.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe’s Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she’s coming to a city near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin – One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS’s The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO’s Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.