CultureCon 2018
The Experience
Culture Con 2018 was amazing! Over 700 influencers and entrepreneurs were in attendance to this years’ event which was held in The Knockdown Center. The Creative Team did a great job this year of picking a location that would best suit the “bbq/family feel” of most CreativeAF events; while also making sure to accommodate their guest and sponsors with enough wiggle room, so that each exhibitor had the freedom to function as if they were hosting their own event. If someone predicted, that in a couple of years this event will become an Expo as large The Fit Expo or even Comic Con, I wouldn’t doubt them. That’s due to fact that I’ve personally gotten the opportunity to see this team push themselves in ways that most people pursuing entrepreneurship have not. Everything, from their effectiveness and efficiency has matured. Their communication with outside help such as myself and other photographers was concise and precise. Minor set backs only proved to push them forward and it was an honor to flow with them on an artistic level. Above is an image of the team opening up with some celebratory words and giving the crowd a big welcome to the Culture Con family. I love this team and wish them nothing but the best but, I know what you really came to this adventure to know. That is to find out where you could find those ‘fire’ CREATIVE AF sweatshirts.
Taylor Rooks
American Sports Journalist Taylor Rooks led us gracefully through the day as she kept over 700+ attendees on the edges of their seats anxiously waiting for each panel to commence. She stood tall as an example to young black women, teaching them how to uphold a high level of professionalism while never being ashamed of their natural, curvy beauty.
Alex Wolf & Jonathan Jackson
Alex Wolf and Jonathan Jackson had the crowd dying of laughter as they authentically discussed goals, entrepreneurship and all the things that winning encompasses. They even gave us some “key” ingredients that we would need in order to stay creative and cultural. The essentials such as; some flaming hot Cheetos to keep you in your bag all week, some ‘Texas bama‘ hot sauce so that your drip is never lacking and Cam’rons 2002 album, “Come Home with Me” to keep you woke! Obviously this was all for good laughs and comedic relief.
Kenneth Kyrell
DJ and co-founder of The Art of Finesse Podcast, Kenneth Kyrell blessed us with his presence, DJ’ing the CultureCon event for the night. We thank you for anointing our ears with only the best music and setting a smooth vibe.
Charlamagne Thagod / Angela Yee / Eboni K. WilliAMS / Latesha Williams
The Breakfast Club’s very own, Charlamagne Tha God and Angela Yee were in attendance to this years CultureCon 2018 event hosted by TheCCnyc . Charlamage gave us some backstory on what inspired him to write his second book, “Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me”. Prior to canceling his Live New York Times Interview with Kanye West, Charlamagne let us know that the purpose of the interview was to highlight mental illness in the black community and possibly come up with a solution that addresses the lack of awareness when it comes to the topic.
It was great seeing Ms. Yee at the Knockdown Center. She smiled the entire time as she dropped some jewels, letting us know that the key to success “isn’t necessarily about who you know, but instead who knows you”. I will definitely take that advice with me all the way to the top.
Dperk / Sharifa Murdock / Tyla-Lauren / Enitan Bereola II / Natasha S. Alford
“When I first started my journey I always dreamed of being apart of something like #CultureCon and this past weekend was even better than I could’ve imagined.”
Tyla Lauren
Sylvia Obell / Deray Mckesson / Colman Domingo
Entertainment Reporter, Sylvia Obell had a awesome discussion with American Civil Rights Activist and Podcaster, DeRay Mckesson and award-winning actor, director & playwright Colman Domingo. These two gentlemen have in-compressible resumes. Therefore, I’m having a hard time limiting the amount of genius they’ve shared to just a small blurb, but if had to use one word to summarize their characters it would be, ‘ardent’.
Julian Mitchell / Patrick Walsh / Farah Sheikh / Nana Bediako / Andrew McCaskill
Marketing, communications and crisis management are The keys to a successful business.
Lilly Workneh / Terence Nance / Wyatt Cenac
Standup Comedian, writer and producer Wyatt Cenac blessed us with his presence. What I love about Mr. Cenac (the talent and person), is that he has a knack for presenting complex issues we face on a day to day in a way that is easily digestible for those who would normally deter from such subjects. His resume shows it, whether that be on King of The Hill, Comedy Central or on his new HBO series, Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas. Film maker and creator of the HBO series Random Acts, Terence Nance, attended the event as well. He shared laughs with both Lilly Workneh and Mr. Cenac as they discussed the success of their new HBO television shows and the plans for the future! If you’re a fan of people who are committed to educating others in their communities you should support them.
John Legend & ALEXander TYREE
Here’s some images of singer, songwriter, actor and father, John Legend speaking to Alexander Tyree about his rise to fame, the struggle to sustain popularity as he shifted from a gospel sound to R&B and his current struggles as a father of two beautiful children. John even mentioned that one of his biggest fears becoming a father was, that his children may one day realize they’re lives are different from everyone else, which can in turn make them act different to others. John was able to share some dark times.
This is due to Alex’s ability to dive into the artist’s past allowing for the high level celebrity to feel safe. By letting him run the conversation, it almost felt as if you were hearing a story be told to you by a really smooth family member. In fact, that’s the word I would use to describe John Legend’s character… smooth. Sharing emotions in front of a room filled with 700 plus people is not an easy task, but with the energy and dialogue exchanged between these two gentlemen, anything was possible.
REMY MA / Stephanie Wash
She also spoke to us about the ups and downs of being a mother and how there is something special about having her new child with her husband Papoose. She mentioned that having a husband that is there for you the entire pregnancy and that loves you unconditionally just makes everything so much easier. We love Remy and congratulations, in advance.
I love Remy Ma! She’s so real and authentic. Whenever she speaks, it seems like I’m speaking to an older sister or the cool aunt that everyone loves. The aunt that will do the latest dances, joke with the kids and then put you in your place if you ever disrespect her. She is a very strong woman that doesn’t take anything from any man. But more than anything, I love how family orientated she is. Remy truly puts her children and her husband first. I think that has a lot to do with how loyal he was to her when she was going through her hardest days in prison. Remy never shies away from the topic. I think that’s because unlike others who were broken by the system her family became stronger from it. It was a pleasure to watch her laugh and celebrate the soon arrival of her and Papoose’s new child.
Foot Locker NYC
Foot Locker NYC came to support TheCCnyc on their big day. If you didn’t know, Foot Locker has been around for 40 years now and they have been one of the most consistent shoe stores ‘til this day. Staying true to their word, “We Are All About Sneakers!”, Foot Locker has managed to provide us with the trendiest, latest and greatest selection of athletically inspired sneakers and apparel by the top brands that we love. You can find brands such as Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma and more, all at Foot Locker. On the day of the event their setup consisted of an exclusively built, stereoscopic 3D seven camera set-up. The seven camera setup subsequently takes images. Once taken, the computer renders them in a way that produces a smooth GIF or BOOMERANG effect. We all had fun taking some photos in the Foot Locker Room and we can’t wait for next time.
