In a sit-down with Angie Martinez, Imani Ellis, the founder and creative force behind CultureCon, shared the journey of how her living room dream became a cultural phenomenon. What started as an idea without a name now attracts 10,000 attendees to Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. This weekend, CultureCon will host its largest gathering yet, and it’s not just an event—it's a movement that reflects a dynamic shift in how communities of color connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Imani recalled the early days of CultureCon, a time when the vision didn’t even have a title. “Big things start so small,” she says. “We deserve a conference.” What began as casual living room conversations among friends blossomed into a major cultural event, with creatives and changemakers eager to build something bigger than themselves. “My background is in PR, but it’s really about community,” Imani said, reflecting on the early motivations behind CultureCon. She saw talented friends with no knowledge of contracts or the business side of the creative industry. CultureCon wasn’t just about bringing people together—it was about empowerment. “The point is to disrupt,” she emphasized, pointing out how the event caters to everyone from college students to seasoned professionals, breaking down barriers that have long excluded Black and Brown creators.
This year, Angie Martinez will take the stage to moderate a high-powered panel featuring industry powerhouses Jessie Collins, Deon Harmon, and special guest Remy Ma, a CultureCon regular who has become a staple at the event. June Ambrose, a celebrated stylist, will host another highlight moment alongside Gucci, following her buzz-worthy “closet cleanup” effort, which Ambrose described as “the greatest pop-up ever.” CultureCon 2024 promises a packed weekend of workshops, panels, a block party, and unique experiences aimed at building careers and lives. Imani stresses that it’s more than just networking—it’s a space where transactions are replaced by genuine human connections. “People come to build a life or build a career…we’re taking the transaction out of networking.”
A particularly inspiring success story that CultureCon has fostered is the upcoming debut of a film at the Tribeca Film Festival, where the director and lead actor met at a past CultureCon. It’s proof that the connections made here go far beyond surface-level interactions—they lead to real-life collaborations and life-changing opportunities. Ellis reflects on past CultureCon guests, who have included legends like Will Smith, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Spike Lee, and Regina King. But it’s not just the star power that drives the event. It’s the collective energy of 10,000 Black and Brown creatives, something Imani refers to as “the creative homecoming.”
“There are 10,000 Black and Brown faces… and it’s the people—they’re so excited,” she says. That palpable excitement is what keeps the event growing year after year, as attendees come back to their creative roots, their "home."
After each CultureCon, Imani takes time for herself in what she calls a "Creative Residency." For two weeks, she steps away from the hustle and dedicates time to self-care and reflection. “It changed my life,” she shares. The break allows her to recharge, refocus, and come back even more inspired for the next chapter of CultureCon. Looking forward, Imani is also launching the Creator Summit, an exclusive space dedicated to teaching creators the business side of their craft. It’s part of her ongoing mission to equip creatives with the tools they need to navigate contracts, branding, and financial management, ensuring they’re not just talented—but successful.
In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, Imani also touched on the modern-day struggle of loneliness, despite technology’s promises of connection. “We think that technology is bringing us together, but we’re isolated,” she notes, highlighting why events like CultureCon, which foster real human connection, are more vital than ever. The theme for CultureCon 2024 is “Camp,” a playful nod to the idea of unwinding, relaxing, and having fun. Attendees are encouraged to come, let loose, and embrace the creativity that flows from relaxation. “We all need to play, to let our guard down sometimes,” Imani shared. It’s an invitation to take part in what she calls “the creative homecoming.”
CultureCon has truly grown into a powerful platform for Black and Brown creators. It’s a testament to Imani Ellis’ original dream—a dream that started small in a living room, but now serves as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and community for thousands.
Buy your tickets now at theccnyc.com/culturecon, and be part of this year’s creative homecoming.