We took the ‘Sipp to New York for the seventh annual convening of CultureCon in Brooklyn, New York.
“CultureCon is a community conference where Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and build together. Join us for two days of workshops, activations, networking, a career fair and conversations with culture-shifters that you won't find anywhere else.” - CultureCon Website
We weren’t the only people repping Mississippi in the building! TV personality, content creator and podcast host, Jasmine Monroe, Terry Mississippi native was on the Culture stage with JSU Alumni Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts discussing the “Power of the Pivot”.
We also saw celebrity stylist, J. Bolin in attendance with his client, Morris Chestnut. Mississippi is always in the room, if you know where to look. Our team wanted to share some of our experience of the event. Please read more below:
What was your biggest takeaway from CultureCon?
Brittny M: My biggest takeaway from this [Culture Con] experience was being able to meet artists and creatives who were in this “safe” creative space to be. Really a Black creatives’ homecoming. I got to see so many people that I’ve met or followed on the interwebs for years. Very magical. It’s something that I could see for the South, Mississippi, specifically.
Courtney J: My biggest takeaway was to think forward and not be blinded by the light others are putting out. You’re the only you so what you’ve got to offer is unique and it can work for you if you work for it. The way that so many facets of this conference felt seamless was really unexpected with such a massive crowd but I loved the immersiveness of everything. It felt like being at the State Fair but everyone was a family member or long lost friend. There weren’t any strangers at Culture Con.
Jasmine W: My biggest takeaway was DO IT NOW. That was a common theme from different creative professionals, Bobby Carter gave us that advice about producing relevant content. Imani Ellis, the founder of the Creative Collective NYC, which powers CultureCon started this platform as a meet up at her apartment with friends, she then took it to different college campuses and now we have this massive creative homecoming, from her willingness to start with what she had. We have what we need right now to create what we want to see in the world.
Do you think it’s important for Mississippi creatives to attend events like CultureCon, outside of MIssissippi? If so, why?
BM: I think it’s important for Mississippi creatives to visit and have the chance to see other creative communities in other spaces, like CC, and allow themselves to visualize themselves in these spaces and know that they belong there too. Not only that but to be inspired by the people, the conversations, and even the infrastructure and bring that fire back to the ‘Sipp.
CJ: I think you have to get outside of the box to see that you’re in it sometimes. It’s easy to focus so much in your own community and hyper local issues but the truth is that there is more to life and creating than just what you can see. Mississippi is home but the world is bigger than home. You gotta jump off the porch and take the deep dive to see new shores.
JW: I do think it’s important to get out of your creative community to simply explore and see what’s possible. People are making big ideas happen, in ways that may not be happening around you. It’s also good practice to network with people who are out of your normal sphere of influence. Spread your wings and see how you would fly in a different place, you’ll find inspiration and new people to collaborate with.
What’s a tip you would give to a Mississippi creative considering attending CultureCon next year?
BM: I would say, write down 3 to 4 goals for yourself. Whether that’s to encourage you to network, be present, or find something to push you out of your comfort zone. And just know that you belong in that environment.
Last thing….be prepared for the fashions!
CJ: Get good shoes. Plan that outfit to the final, smallest most, minute details. Know what you want to communicate to others, sell yourself or a service. Put your name into the hat every chance you get. When you think you’re doing too much, do even more. And lastly, your outfit is your business card.
JW:
Practice your pitch or your introduction!
Have a portfolio or a contact card on hand as well.
Put that shxt on
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