Where Are All The Black People

Dreaming Out Loud: Black Creativity as Collective Liberation

Panel Lead: Deneen L Garrett

Black creatives have always dreamed beyond limits. This panel explores how storytelling, purpose, and community fuel collective liberation—and how we can build bold, inclusive futures while living our Dream Lifestyle™ now, not later.

Built After Hours: How We’re Reclaiming Creativity, Community, and Career on Our Terms

Panel Lead: Ayanna Dutton

When the 9-to-5 doesn’t reflect us, we build in the 5-to-9. This panel explores how creatives of color are reclaiming career, community, and creativity after hours—and why purpose-led work is more than just a side hustle.

The Future Is in Session: Why Education Needs Black Creatives Now More Than Ever

Panel Lead: Carrington Faulk

AI is reshaping ads & education. Dr. Carrington Faulk shows why Black creatives must lead the future of learning, where strategy, storytelling, and culture-building move from campaigns to classrooms. The future is in session—and it needs us now.

FUTR FWD presents The DNA of Un-deniability!

Panel Lead: David Pilgrim

Be the one they’ve gotta have in advertising! With more than 20+ years experience, the industry leaders at FUTR FWD provide strategy and resources to POCs help navigate and CRUSH in the industry’s complex environment. Transform your trajectory now!

Creator to Creative Director: Turning Influence Into Industry Power

Panel Lead: Jayde I. PowellNominated By: Tiff Knighten

#CreatorTeaTalk host and creatorpreneur Jayde I. Powell leads a conversation on how Black creators are becoming the new creative directors—shaping culture, influencing brands, and redefining the future of advertising from the inside out.

Designing for the Diaspora: How Identity-Led Design Builds Global Brands

Panel Lead: Paakow Essandoh

In an increasingly anti-immigrant political climate, cultural pride is radical. This panel explores how diaspora-led design challenges erasure, fuels consumer connection, and turns identity into a global growth strategy.

Grief to Greatness: How to Turn Tragedy into Purpose & Power in Business

Panel Lead: Omari Maynard (starred in Hulu's Aftershock)Nominated By: Jameela Jackson

This panel will feature professionals, Executives and Entrepreneurs, who used tragedy or grief to start a thriving new business or create change at the company where they work. Would also be great to feature a mental health specialist to weigh in.

Building Creative Audacity: Stop Hiding Your Gifts + Unmute Your Genius

Panel Lead: Shakira Polite

Playing it small is costing us opportunities. This panel dives into language and strategies that silence self-doubt and transform imposter syndrome into creative conviction, because confidence is built through clarity, not clout.

But Did You Earn It, Tho? The Unwritten Rules of Authenticity

Panel Lead: Sequoyah Glenn & Chasity Jones

Sequoyah "DataBae" Glenn and Chasity Jones discuss how authenticity is earned, not given. We'll offer an edgy & raw look at "playing the game," building a personal brand, and developing skills to showcase your true self.

Beyond Borders: The Art of Building Legacy Across Continents

Panel Lead: Aaraf Adam

Diaspora creatives are building legacy through art, fashion, and tech. This panel examines how storytelling becomes an infrastructure and how identity, when rooted in purpose, can shape Africa’s cultural and economic future.