The Creative Collective NYC brought a taste of their beloved CultureCon to the students of Clark Atlanta University.
CultureCon graced the campus of Clark Atlanta University with a day full of fireside chats, photo ops, freebies, career opportunities and most importantly, community. Major partners included HBCU Buzz, Therapy for Black Girls, When We All Vote and more. The event, powered by The Creative Collective NYC and presented by Max, provided a space for Historically Black College and University students to gain exposure and create connections that will stretch beyond their matriculation.
Founded by Imani Ellis in 2016, The CCNYC provides “community, resources and events for Black and Brown Creatives.” Ellis then founded CultureCon in 2017, which is like an HBCU homecoming— with its elaborate displays of rich Black culture, good vibes and pride. The event is an annual conference and a safe haven for Black creatives that fosters collaboration and innovation. CultureCon on Campus is an extension of this idea, and it gives Black college students a taste of what the full-fledged event feels like.
Paige Tailyn, CAU Alumni, and Events and Brand Coordinator for The CCNYC, shared her insight on the importance of CultureCon on campuses like her alma mater.
“There is a huge sense of pride that I feel as a Clark Atlanta University alum and as a part of the CultureCon team. Showing up on HBCU campuses means so much to us, not only because we understand the importance of fostering culture and community but because we strive to provide resources and foster academic growth both in and outside of school. I know what it feels like to be in college and not know what my next step should look like. CultureCon is here to provide those resources to assist in those next steps.”
For CAU students like Asha Breedlove, this space is a rare opportunity to gain exposure.
“I feel as if HBCU students, a lot of the time, don’t get events like this. We have to go out of our spaces to get events like this for networking. So an event like this coming to an HBCU, simply as a pop-up, makes us feel more seen and felt as we go through our day-to-day.”
The jam-packed day featured fireside chats that dropped a series of personal and professional gems. Each intimate conversation featured industry powerhouses and gave insight into how students could be their best selves in any setting.
During the Culture, Community, and Cosmetics conversation with CAU Alumni and VP of Global Marketing at Tarte, Donna Kirkland, moderated by Model Nani Edwards, she got candid about never dimming her Blackness in any corporate setting.
“Many times, more times than not, I’m actually the only Black person that’s sitting in those meetings, and it can be intimidating. It can be lonely. But, not for me because I had this foundation of being an HBCU student that made me so proud of who I am, that I’m comfortable in any setting. I’m comfortable with anyone.”
“On the spectrum of lonely, there’s only, and I’m okay with being only because only is special and only is unique,” she added.
Then during the How TF Do I Storytell chat with “Who TF Did I Marry?” Viral TikTokstar Reesa Teesa, and Media Personality Anisa Breneé, discussed the importance of controlling your narrative. Teesa said that she is “a big proponent of telling your story when you’re ready.” She owned her story and encouraged students to own theirs.
During the last panel of the day, From Campus to Camera, featured Journalist, Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins; Filmmaker, Edward Buckles Jr; Director of Programming at CNN, Melody Taylor and Senior Manager of Multicultural Marketing at HBO and Max, Kyra Lewis. The group spoke about the transition into media from college. Some students were able to ask questions that will help guide them through life upon graduating. When asked how a person can determine if something isn’t meant for them or if they aren’t putting enough work in,
Lewis responded, “You have to talk to yourself. ‘Is it a passion? Did it serve me? Am I disciplined enough?’ Having to do gut checks and gauge where you are, you know when something is for you or not.”
Following all the conversation, students could be seen at the photo activations, immersed in the career fair, and grabbing a bite at the Max Café— traditionally known as Jazzman’s for CAU students.
CultureCon on Campus was definitely one for the books. Students left with a plethora of insight and equally as much swag as they did before they walked in. For more information about The Creative Collective NYC, CultureCon and to see if CultureCon on campus is headed to a school near you, be sure to theccnyc.com.
