Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton Join CultureCon Lineup (Exclusive)
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By Bella Thompson
CultureCon is making a grand return to New York City on October 4th and 5th, bringing with it a star-studded lineup that promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. The annual flagship festival has already announced some big names such as Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Williams, Kerry Washington, and Michael Ealy. Now, in an exclusive reveal by PEOPLE, additional celebrities have been added to the roster, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton, and more.
The roster of speakers and performers at CultureCon continues to grow, with the addition of Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph, Grammy Award-winning 2 Chainz, sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, and former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The event will also feature appearances by Morris Chestnut, Ferg, Vic Mensa, Joey Bada$$, Etienne Maurice, Angela Rye, Crystal Reneé Hayslett, and Ashley Nicole Moss.
The festival will take place at the Duggal Greenhouse in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 4th and 5th, following five days of city-wide celebrations and workshops. Since its inception in 2017, CultureCon has been a platform that brings together Black tastemakers and cultural leaders from various industries. Last year’s event in Brooklyn featured icons like Questlove, Michelle Obama, and Janelle Monáe at The Wonder of Stevie festival event.
CultureCon 2025 will offer attendees exclusive access to fireside chats, panels, the Creative Careers Job Fair, shopping opportunities from Black-owned brands, and learning experiences at the Culture and Creative stages. This year’s theme, “Take Space: The New Frontier,” aims to highlight a world where Black creativity is at the forefront of every industry and opportunity.
The festival’s sponsors range from entertainment powerhouses to social media platforms and beverage brands. Chase Ink, as the presenting partner, will sponsor the Founders Summit, focusing on business growth. HBO Max will host a panel with the cast of the upcoming series IT: Welcome to Derry, while Dove will provide an immersive photo and video booth experience celebrating Black women. Notably, People Inc. will lead a panel titled “Claiming Space: Storytelling Across Beauty, Home, Travel & Beyond” featuring editors and producers from Byrdie, Brides, The Spruce, and Travel + Leisure.
In addition to the main event on the weekend of October 4th and 5th, there will be festivities taking place throughout the city from September 29th to October 3rd. This extended celebration aims to engage attendees and create more opportunities for networking and cultural exchange.
CultureCon promises to be a must-attend event for those interested in exploring and celebrating Black culture and creativity. With a diverse lineup of speakers, performers, and sponsors, the festival is poised to be a vibrant and enriching experience for all who participate. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the event draws near.