Joe Young is an award-winning cartoonist, filmmaker, producer, writer, and teaching artist with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Goodwin University and has made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment industry, particularly in nurturing talent and enhancing the cultural and social fabric of Connecticut.
He is the President & CEO of Hartford’s Got Talent, a non-profit agency that showcases talent and connects the community.
Joe is the creative force behind the newly released KEMET comic property, which boasts a readership of twenty million in Black newspapers nationwide. He is in post production of KEMET CT GEMS, a youth travel documentary to be distributed nationally. The Kemet and ME Juneteenth TV special appeared on numerous major TV affiliates. As the President of Joe Young Entertainment, LLC (JYM), he oversees the distribution of original digital content to streaming TV channels and media outlets. His pioneering work includes being the writer and executive producer of Hartford’s first major homegrown book-to-film project, Diamond Ruff. He is also the President of Hartford’s Got Talent, a non-profit agency that showcases talent and connects the community.
A Guinness World Record holder, Joe created the World’s Longest Comic Strip in 1999, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. His accomplishments extend to being the former record company president of Joe Young/Maurice Starr Entertainment (New Kids on the Block creator), being a co-producer on the feature film “The Featherweight", filmed in Hartford, CT, and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions. He was an Executive Producer on the feature film “Midas”, that was recently the #1 movie on Starz. . Many of his live action and animated films can be seen on Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, and other streaming channels.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Governor Ned Lamont declared June 19, 2024, as “Joe Young Day” in Connecticut, celebrating his extensive impact on the arts and entertainment industry. Joe's volunteerism and dedication to inner-city youth earned him the Daily Point of Light award from the White House in 1999.
Joe's current leadership roles include serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of The University of Bridgeport, Ambassador for the Bushnell Theater, Chair of the City of Hartford Film and Media Commission, and theThe Boyz Foundation. Joe also has a donor-advised fund “Young Edutainment Fund” at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
His work and achievements have garnered national attention, with features in prestigious publications such as People, Ebony, GQ, and Jet Magazine, and appearances on major media outlets like C-Span, CNN, and the Black Family Channel and others.
Joe Young’s influence and accomplishments have also earned him titles such as Amazon National Best Selling Author, a feature in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and recognition among the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT. His dedication and passion for the arts continue to inspire and shape the industry. For more information, visit www.joeyoung.org, www.joeyoungent.com, www.hartfordsgottalent.org, www.kemetcomic.com, www.candoinc.org
