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MelaninCon 2025 marked an unforgettable weekend dedicated to celebrating Black business, Black love, and Black culture in all its richness. Held across three powerful days, the experience brought together visionaries, professionals, creatives, students, and changemakers from across the nation to uplift, connect, and empower the Black community through conversation, collaboration, and celebration.
Day 1 – April 24: Welcome to DC (VIP Mixer)
The weekend kicked off with the exclusive Welcome to DC (VIP) Mixer at The Gathering Spot, where VIPs and out-of-town guests connected in an intimate, energizing setting. Moderated by Kadmiel Van Der Puije, this mixer served as a warm introduction to the weekend ahead, setting the tone for collaboration and connection.
Day 2 – April 25: MelaninCon Summit
The main MelaninCon Summit ignited at The Gathering Spot, featuring a dynamic blend of panel discussions, fireside chats, workshops, and cultural showcases centered on community, commerce, creativity, and empowerment. The day brought together a powerful lineup of speakers and moderators who offered their voices, stories, and expertise to inspire all in attendance.
Moderated by a compelling group including Kadmiel Van Der Puije, Charles Everett, Sierra Shepherd, Stefon Somers, Ken Fisk, and Teri, the conversations flowed with energy and authenticity.
The summit featured iconic voices such as Pastor Jamal Bryant, whose keynote ignited the room with purpose. Andromeda Peters, a wellness advocate and former Miss United States, brought clarity and calm through mental health advocacy. Dr. Rochelle Mincey-Thompson captivated the crowd with her sharp business insights and passion for generational wealth. Visionary changemakers like Trell Thomas, David Castain, and Arthur Bernier Jr. spoke to the power of impact-driven leadership, while voices like Christal Luster, Allie Joy, Stephon Braithwaite-Martin, Ashley Robinson, and Tadela Tedemet highlighted innovation, art, and purpose from a new generation of leaders.
The lineup also featured influential thought leaders including Sean Williams, D’Shawn Harris, Ebonie Riley, Nicolas Wiggins, Howard Jean, Philomina Kane, Omi Bell, and Constant Carter—each contributing a critical piece to the cultural and entrepreneurial mosaic presented throughout the day.
A major moment came with the HBCUniverse ScholarPitch, in collaboration with HBCUverse. Students took center stage to pitch “Why You Deserve to Be the Next HBCUniverse Scholarship Recipient” in a compelling two-minute format. One Grand Prize Winner received $5,000, while all other participants received $1,000 each—totaling $8,000 in scholarships awarded to empower young Black scholars.
Adding to the empowerment, Verizon covered the cost for 50 HBCU students to attend MelaninCon 2025 completely free of charge—providing access and opportunity for the next generation of leaders.
Day 3 – April 26: Royalty Pt. 2 & Black Excellence Gala
The final day delivered two signature experiences. Royalty Pt. 2, held at SOST DE, was a networking event that brought together Black professionals in a curated space of elegance, intention, and connection. It was followed by the prestigious Black Excellence Gala at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage—a crowning celebration of culture, class, and community achievement. This gala served as the perfect close to a weekend centered on upliftment, excellence, and legacy.
MelaninCon 2025 was more than a conference—it was a cultural movement. From meaningful dialogues and life-changing scholarships to unforgettable celebrations of Black brilliance, the weekend cemented itself as a milestone in the ongoing story of empowerment and unity across the diaspora.
The Voice of Africa proudly served as a media partner for this groundbreaking celebration.
