CultureCon NYC 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting edition yet, bringing together some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and culture. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation as Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stephen A. Smith, and Cam Newton are officially joining the festival, adding to a lineup that promises inspiration, learning, and celebration of Black creativity.
This year, CultureCon NYC 2025 is not just an event, it’s an immersive experience designed to connect creatives across industries and empower them to take space in every corner of culture. From celebrity panels to workshops and interactive brand showcases, attendees are in for an unforgettable weekend.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stephen A. Smith, and Cam Newton Join the 2025 Lineup
The latest additions to CultureCon NYC 2025 bring diverse perspectives to the festival. Sheryl Lee Ralph, celebrated for her acting and advocacy, will share insights on representation and creativity. Stephen A. Smith, a powerhouse in sports media, will explore cultural influence in media, while NFL star Cam Newton will highlight the intersection of athletics, entrepreneurship, and creative expression.
These additions join an already impressive roster including Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Ealy, Jesse Williams, Morris Chestnut, Ferg, Vic Mensa, Joey Bada$$, Angela Rye, Crystal Reneé Hayslett, and Ashley Nicole Moss. The festival will unfold at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 4–5, following a week of workshops and citywide creative events.
The Roots and Mission of CultureCon
Founded in 2017 by The Creative Collective NYC, CultureCon has grown into a national platform celebrating Black tastemakers, creatives, and cultural leaders. Each year, the festival curates spaces where voices that shape culture can be amplified. Last year, CultureCon’s “The Wonder of Stevie” event honored Stevie Wonder’s legacy with Questlove, Michelle Obama, and Janelle Monáe, setting a precedent for the festival’s blend of music, storytelling, and social impact.
CultureCon NYC 2025 continues this mission, focusing on inclusivity, collaboration, and celebrating the contributions of Black and Brown creators across industries.
What Attendees Can Expect at CultureCon NYC 2025
CultureCon NYC 2025 offers more than panels and celebrity appearances. Attendees will enjoy fireside chats, hands-on workshops, career-focused sessions, and a Creative Careers Lounge connecting talent with industry leaders. Marketplace areas will showcase Black-owned businesses, offering unique products and networking opportunities.
The festival’s 2025 theme, “Take Space: The New Frontier,” emphasizes a future where Black creativity leads innovation across every platform and industry. Whether participants are exploring storytelling, design, music, or technology, CultureCon NYC 2025 encourages everyone to step into their creative potential.
A Venue That Celebrates Creativity
The Duggal Greenhouse, located at 63 Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn Navy Yard, will serve as the central hub for CultureCon NYC 2025. This space transforms into a cultural homecoming for creatives of color, hosting over 10,000 attendees across panels, workshops, immersive activations, and marketplace experiences. Time Out New York highlights that CultureCon brings together hundreds of speakers in an environment designed to inspire connection, collaboration, and cultural celebration.
Why the New Additions Are a Game-Changer
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Stephen A. Smith, and Cam Newton bring unique perspectives to CultureCon NYC 2025. Ralph’s advocacy work aligns with the festival’s mission to uplift Black voices, while Smith’s influence in sports media and Newton’s achievements in athletics show that creativity thrives in unexpected spaces. Their presence emphasizes that innovation and cultural leadership exist in every field, not just the arts.
The Vision Behind CultureCon’s Growth
Imani Ellis, founder of The Creative Collective NYC, continues to push the boundaries of what CultureCon represents. Her vision for 2025 includes integrating technology, storytelling, and accessibility to empower creatives. Ellis notes the potential of AI to protect time, expand creative output, and maintain integrity, and CultureCon is offering expert-led sessions to demonstrate these opportunities.
The 2025 festival will also feature the CultureCon Studios Film Showcase, highlighting rising Black and Brown filmmakers. These initiatives illustrate the festival’s commitment to creating platforms for voices that may not yet have mainstream recognition, reinforcing the vision of a global movement that unites corporate and creative worlds.
CultureCon NYC 2025: Empowering Every Attendee
CultureCon NYC 2025 is designed to do more than entertain, it empowers. Every attendee is encouraged to take space, create, connect, and build toward a future where Black creativity is central. From celebrity panels and cross-industry conversations to immersive brand activations and workshops, the festival offers a dynamic environment to explore identity, innovation, and the power of cultural storytelling.
With its star-studded lineup, interactive experiences, and commitment to inclusion, CultureCon NYC 2025 promises a transformative weekend for all who attend.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Lineups, schedules, and programming for CultureCon NYC 2025 may change. Readers should consult official sources and the CultureCon website for the most current details.
References
- Source: CultureCon NYC Official Website
- Source: Time Out New York
- Source: The Creative Collective NYC
