For years, Joanna Briley worked behind a subway booth, greeting passengers with a smile. But beyond her day job, she nurtured a dream—to elevate Black women in comedy.
She’s always wanted to create a space where their voices could thrive. Now, as the founder of the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest, she’s doing just that!
Briley, known in the comedy world as “Mama Jo,” launched the multi-day festival in New York City as a response to the industry’s lack of representation.
While attending comedy clubs in the late 1980s, she noticed a glaring absence of women on stage. Determined to change that, she established Laff Fest to provide stage time and exposure to talented Black women who often struggle to break into the industry.
“Comedy is my passion project,” Briley shared on TODAY with Jenna & Friends. “I wanted to create my own space, a sisterhood where we uplift each other.”
Laff Fest has since become a launchpad for both newcomers and seasoned comedians, offering a community-driven platform where women like Lois Thompson and Liv Tally have found opportunities.
At nearly 50, Briley continues to balance her job with the MTA while running the festival, proving that it’s never too late to build something meaningful. Her vision has expanded beyond New York, forming connections with comedians across the country.
“You have to build it so they come,” Briley said. “I wanted to open the door—and hold it open for those behind me.”
With her influence growing and Laff Fest gaining recognition, Briley is ensuring that Black women in comedy don’t just get a seat at the table—they get their own stage.
