We Are Culture

Have you ever walked into a space that felt like a huge hug? If not, you need to run, not walk, to the next Culture Con! Just over a month ago, I had the pleasure to attend an event described as the biggest creative homecoming and it did not disappoint!

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Culture Con was curated by The Creative Collective NYC, a community for black and brown creatives, founded by Imani Ellis. This Queen is an all-around powerhouse with a vision to not only consciously create safe spaces for creatives but to teach and lead by example along the way.

The two-day event took place October 7-8, 2023, at the Duggal Greenhouse in Navy Yard Brooklyn, NY and not a detail was spared. Culture Con launched an app prior to which provided important day of information, a list of all vendors and speakers along with locations and times to allow you to build your own experience and not miss a beat. Speaking of beats, what would the app be without a specially curated playlist to get you in the right feels leading up to the weekend?

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Upon arriving with my wristbands and map in hand I felt like an excited kid at Disney. The energy was at a maximum as everyone greeted those they knew and got a feel for where everything was situated to plan out their day for the ultimate networking experience. Everywhere I turned I saw young black creatives dressed in their best. I was taking notes nonstop as the girlies and the guys ate down the entire weekend!

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There were three shelters bustling with installations, photo ops, panels, bars, and more! When you got hungry you could step into the courtyard and enjoy delicious food from various restaurants around NYC.

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The Culture Stage is where the main magic happened with speakers and panelist from Issa Rae, Terrell Grice, Marsai Martin, Teyana Taylor, and many many more! There were so any gems drops and advice from panelist across all industries. We laughed out loud, and the tea was hot baby! I loved watching young black people learning and growing together.

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The Studio and Activation Alley offered photo opportunities from Shea Moisture (photos by Kreshonna Keane), Clinique, Kickstarter, and Scene in Black. In addition, a space for "giving flowers" by Freevee, small business shops, sneaker creation with Adidas, a job fair, and all the bars! Afterall what would a homecoming be without drinks and music?

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A personal favorite was being selected by Adidas to design a sneaker at their SEED (School for Experiential Education in Design) installation. They provided a shoe outline that you were tasked to create a design inspired by your superstar and if they liked the idea, you were called back to create it on a physical sneaker to take with you. I participated and never thought I would be considered but to my surprise I was called back. I was super nervous because a drawing on a piece of paper is another ball game from an actual shoe. Nevertheless, I did what I had to do and made it happen. There was so much talent at those tables, and I was honored to be a part of the experience!

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I could really go on and on about how truly fire Culture Con was but it’s just one of those IYKYK. Between all the installations I left each day with so many giveaways and physical reminders of the great time that was had, but the real takeaways were the connections, inspiration, and knowledge that was given and received by everyone in attendance!

I know I speak for many when I say this experience was not only a steppingstone but also a confirmation that we are moving in the right directions and there are tons of people just like us figuring it out and rooting to see each other win!

Thank you, Culture Con, for giving us a reason to laugh, express ourselves, and flaunt our black excellence!

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