CultureCon 2026 Brings Michael B. Jordan, John Legend and Creative Community to Brooklyn

CultureCon 2026 brought star power, honest conversations and creative connections to Brooklyn’s Duggal Greenhouse on October 3–4. Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Mahershala Ali and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were among the voices taking the stage during a weekend centered on community and building a sustainable creative life.

The lineup also included Colin Kaepernick, Daniel Kaluuya, Niecy Nash-Betts, Aaron Pierre and Olandria Carthen, bringing perspectives from entertainment, sports and public life.

With its “Museum of Us” theme, this year’s festival put the people shaping culture at the center of the experience. (cultureconcollective.com)

Michael B. Jordan Talks Believing in Your Vision

Michael B. Jordan offered a direct message to creators learning to trust their ideas before the rest of the world catches on.

“I want you guys to have a belief in what you’re doing no matter if anybody else can’t see it, as long as you can see it, people will follow.”

His remarks focused on a familiar challenge for creatives: continuing to build when outside validation has yet to arrive.

John Legend Celebrates CultureCon’s Growth

John Legend, who attended the first CultureCon, reflected on the event’s growth and discussed the album he and Pharrell Williams worked on together in Paris.

The collaboration, titled Muse, was announced in September and is scheduled for release October 23. Produced entirely by Pharrell, the project adds another chapter to the artists’ longstanding creative relationship. (universalmusic.ca)

Mahershala Ali Reflects on Muslim Representation

Mahershala Ali spoke about the importance of portraying a fully realized Muslim character, highlighting the relationship between identity and authentic storytelling.

“I always want to play a full human being, but the element of them also being Muslim felt really beautiful.”

His reflection emphasized the value of characters whose faith is part of a complete human story.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani Addresses Support for Working Artists

During his conversation with CultureCon founder Imani Ellis, Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussed what it takes for artists to afford a future in New York City.

Mamdani said a majority of the city’s artists earn less than $25,000 annually and highlighted an expanded artist grant offering up to $10,000. He connected those resources to a broader goal: making New York a place where creatives can continue living, working and taking chances. (nyc.gov)

Olandria Carthen and Aaron Pierre Talk Identity and Faith

Olandria Carthen opened up about protecting her sense of self as her public profile grows.

“I try to make sure how I’m perceived publicly is not how I perceive myself.”

Aaron Pierre reflected on the role faith and his mother’s guidance have played in his journey.

“It’s just about walking in faith. My mother taught me that in the very beginning.”

Both conversations brought a personal perspective to the weekend, touching on how to stay grounded while navigating new opportunities.

Beyond the Stage: Connections and Creative Resources

CultureCon’s programming extended beyond celebrity conversations. Through Braindate connections, workshops and mentorship sessions, attendees had opportunities to exchange ideas with industry leaders and fellow creatives.

Brand experiences and the “Museum of Us” Art Exhibition added to the weekend, with more than 20 artists represented. Across Duggal Greenhouse, personal style, artwork and conversations became part of the experience.

The emphasis on practical resources gave attendees ways to connect inspiration with the next steps in their careers and businesses.

A Community Built to Keep Creating

From its roots in a gathering of friends in a Harlem apartment, CultureCon has grown into a space for creatives to find community, exchange knowledge and access opportunities.

The 2026 gathering carried that purpose forward through conversations about self-belief, representation, faith and the resources needed to keep creating.

For the people building what comes next, CultureCon offered space to share their work—and meet others building alongside them

Photo Source: CultureCon