Black Celebs Who Popped Out at CultureCon 2026

CultureCon was the place to be this weekend if you were in the mood to celebrate Black culture and level up! The annual celebration of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship brought out faces like Olandria Carthen, Michael B. Jordan, Aaron Pierre, Mahershala Ali, John Legend, and plenty more who dropped gems on everything from career evolution and personal growth to upcoming projects and so much more.

With this year’s “Museum of Us” theme putting Black creativity front and center, the Brooklyn festival was packed with stars, creators, and cultural heavyweights. And, of course, we had to see who showed up, so keep reading to see more!

Michael B. Jordan & Gina Prince-Bythewood

In conversation with acclaimed director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Michael B. Jordan took a break from his busy schedule to discuss his upcoming projects, “The Thomas Crown Affair” and “Miami Vice.” He also talked a little about his career and how he got to where he is now.

Related: Oscar-Winner Michael B. Jordan’s Best Movies, By The Box Office

Olandria

“Love Island” alum and fashionista Olandria Carthen stopped by to reflect on her time on the show, including what her presence meant for Black representation on the hit dating reality series.

Aaron Pierre

@buttahbee

That is indeed Mufasa #culturecon #aaronpierre

♬ original sound – Brittany (Buttah B)

Aaron Pierre (that’s Mufasa) came through to discuss his career and the success of his popular show, “Lanterns.” The season finale aired on Sunday, so the timing couldn’t have been more perfect!

Ashley Allison

Our very own owner, Ashley Allison, stepped out in style at this year’s festival, and you already know she dropped some serious knowledge while there.

Mahershala Ali

The always cool, calm, and collected Mahershala Ali stopped by to drop some gems and promote his new film, “Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.”

John Legend

@ohitslisbeth

From management consulting at BCG to becoming an EGOT winner, career paths are never as linear as they seem. #culturecon #johnlegend #bcg #consultingtok #careerjourney

♬ som original – Lisbeth

John Legend shared some little-known facts about his career and what fans can expect from his new album, “Muse,” which drops later in October. Pharrell is producing the project, so you already know it’s going to be something.

Omari Hardwick

@justmeteetee

In this world, it’s sometimes difficult to stand out or get ahead, but seeing the confidence and transparency of the panels @culturecon this weekend reminds us to not get discouraged and that we have to “be super bold and audacious” – Encouraging words from Omari Hardwick #createyourownlane #inspo #levelup #mindsetshift #creativeentrepreneur

♬ original sound – Teresa Cooper550

Omari Hardwick may not be Ghost on “Power” anymore, but he didn’t ghost this year’s CultureCon. He was there to inspire folks sitting in the audience.

Colin Kaepernick

NFL star Colin Kaepernick dropped by to discuss his recently released memoir, “The Perilous Fight.” And he looked cool while doing it!

Niecy Nash

Emmy-winner Niecy Nash stopped by in all her fabulousness for a conversation with Scott Evans, where they discussed her career trajectory, her iconic wins and her desire to take her skills behind the camera.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Woods

Newlyweds, New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods, came through and blessed the people with their good looks, newlywed bliss, and life wisdom!

Jermaine Fowler

Jermaine Fowler came through to discuss his upcoming “Barbershop” series and what life’s been like for him and his career.

Miles Caton

@mahoganysmemoirs

Heard it from the source himself, Miles is dropping a new EP soon As somebody who genuinely loves Miles and his music (and yes, I STILL haven’t watched Sinners. My friends stay getting on me ), I’m excitedddd. And “Lean on Me”??? I listened to that song probably 100 times when it first dropped and another 100 times since I loved the video with him and Yonna too. It felt authentic to them and I loved the way they chose to tell that story. Obviously we never know all of the intention behind why an artist chooses to take a visual in a certain direction, but that’s also one of my favorite things about art. Because when I hear that same song, my mind goes in a THOUSAND different directions visually. Miles is bringing yearning back in such a refreshing and authentic way, and as a visual storyteller, I would LOVE to throw some of those ideas his way one day. Music videos, treatments, visual concepts, the entire visual world surrounding the music. Even if it was just me creating a treatment and letting him see what I see when I hear his music, I’d love that. I feel like there’s so much within his sound that I could capture and build from visually. And whether I ever get the opportunity to be a part of it or not, I’m still going to appreciate the music and the art regardless. But Miles, if you ever need another visual storyteller in the room, I would LOVE to create with you. @mil3scaton #MilesCaton #CultureCon2026 #MusicVideoDirector #VisualStorytelling #CreativeDirector

♬ Lean On – Miles Caton

“Sinners” star Miles Caton dropped by to talk about life post the big film, his rising music career and his acting journey.

Ashley Darby, Venita Aspen & Mia Calabrese

@culturecon

Time to lock in @TheAshleyDarby @miacalabrese @Venita Aspen @Bravo #CultureCon #RealHousewives #SummerHouse #SouthernCharm #trending

♬ original sound – CultureCon

“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Ashley Darby came through for a panel conversation moderated by Ty Cole about the power of authenticity. Alongside Darby, fellow Bravolebrities like “Southern Charm” star Venita Aspen and “Summer House” star Mia Calabrese also joined in on the conversation!