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CultureCon is a one-of-a-kind event. The way it brings the Black creative community together is magical. Every activation, panel, gift bag, speaker, and brand is chosen with the utmost intention. When we call it a creator’s homecoming, we say it with our chest. It’s the safest space that allows creatives, entrepreneurs, corporate baddies, and more to network, gather resources, party, show off that creativity, and be their most authentic selves.
You know the pressure we talk about during fashion week? Ain’t none of that during CC because you are with your cousins and we see each other in all the ways.
The two-day festival commenced with influential fashion figures like June Ambrose and Law Roach gracing the CultureCon Stage. It also featured talented individuals such as Yara Shahidi, Tyler James Williams, and Morris Chestnut , who shared their insights with aspiring creative architects and entrepreneurs.
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The event was a massive success, with engaging panels, jam-packed programming, and stunning outfits that captivated the audience. As a special treat, rising star Tems delivered a surprise performance that amazed everyone. CultureCon ’24 showcased the convergence of fashion, talent, and creativity, leaving an unforgettable impression on the culture…yet AGAIN.
Ahead, find some of my favorite moments from the cultural mecca.
The Art & Activism panel reminded us that the revolution must be financed.
The panel made up of Alexis R. Posey JD, Obio Jones, and Janel Rucker moderated by Kory Jarvis explored the intersection of art and activism. The panelists are the proof of how their creative expression advocated for social change, built community, and amplified voices.
Black Jobs are empowering.
Simone Jordan moderated a conversation with Pinky Cole, Milan Harris and Renae Bluitt titled, “Where Are All the Black Jobs: The Future of Black Business and Creatives. The gem that got me — Black jobs are empowering. Harris also gave us a word saying, “We are not starting from scratch. Starting from experience,” as our ancestors already paved the way and dreamed the dreams for us. Then, Bluitt reminded us that, “No one is coming to save us. We have to save each other by creating more Black jobs.”
Imani Ellis has been that girl.
Imani Ellis, the founder and CEO of the Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon blessed us with a hot seat segment where her parents talked about how their journey affected hers. It was a beautiful sight to see. Fun fact: Ellis’ parents met in seminary school. He studied her. Yeah, that’s the tweet.
Law’s legacy is unmatched.
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Creative Genius
Law Roach graced the stage to talk about his journey and what makes him everything he believes he is. “I left the doors open for people who look like me,” Roach said. He shared that he knew his legacy had to be more than putting pretty girls in pretty dresses.
Enjoy this time.
During a fireside chat with Tyler James Williams, he gave the people a word saying, “You are gonna miss this time. Everybody romanticizes getting to the place. But the one thing that everyone ends up saying when they get there is they miss this time right here.”
The Abbott Elementary star went on to say, “There’s so many options, things to play with and try. You can try anything right now and fail and it’s fine if we try something and fail. It’s everywhere. There’s something so beautiful about this. So don’t miss the blessing that is right now.” Williams advises trying and learning from everything while mistakes are low. Enjoy this time.
Community is tied to authenticity.
Closing the conference out was the multi-hyphenate Yara Shahidi . She served up one of my favorite gems of the two-day experience, “Community is what drives me to be my most unique self.” Whether its individualism or collectivism, community is at the center of her work and is also the foundation of CultureCon.
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She also spoke about being gracefully indebted to her ancestors for doing the work and giving us the hope to keep it going. As she prepares to launch her new podcast “The Optimist Project” she encouraged the crowd to move through the fear and try not to carry the other feelings like guilt and shame for feeling fearful.
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