In today’s hyper-literal world, where media often shapes how communities are perceived, the roles actors choose matter more than ever. Acclaimed actor Wood Harris reflects on the intentional decisions behind his career—from portraying a freedom fighter in his new film One Battle After Another to redefining the Black family dynamic in Netflix’s Forever. In this candid fireside chat, Harris explores how today’s political and cultural climate influences the projects he takes on, why disrupting stereotypes is essential, and how artists can use their craft to perpetuate truth and ensure that powerful, authentic images are represented on screen.

What if the future isn’t random—but cyclical, predictable, and already unfolding in front of us? In this provocative keynote, Joseph Anthony draws on the Strauss-Howe generational theory to reveal the hidden rhythms of history and the pivotal role Millennials and Gen Z are destined to play as today’s Hero Generation. With powerful historical parallels and urgent modern implications, this talk challenges emerging leaders to break the cycle of power and oppression, police their own influence, and lead from a place of empathy, accountability, and long-term vision. Because the first step to changing the future… is changing ourselves.

Join iHeartPodcasts for an intimate fireside chat with Chairman T.D. Jakes. For decades, Jakes has been known as “The Bishop”—a world-renowned thought leader, filmmaker, philanthropist, author, and founder of The Potter’s House Church. After an incredible journey leading the church as its Senior Pastor, he’s turning the page to help shape new perspectives through the next generation of storytellers by teaming up with iHeartPodcasts to launch his brand-new podcast, NXT Chapter with T.D. Jakes.

The NXT Chapter podcast will offer a perspective you’ve never heard from T.D. Jakes before, as he sits down with global leaders, creatives, and change agents to uncover how they’ve faced life’s greatest shifts—and what came next. Drawing from his own remarkable life experience, this podcast will be more than conversation—it will be a guide for the evolution of purpose for all people, from all walks of life.

This special conversation, moderated by iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales, Nicky Sparrow, will explore how Jakes’ vision and voice are expanding into audio to inspire a digital-first, entrepreneurial, and wellness-minded generation—giving audiences and brands a first look at how they can participate in the next chapter of the Chairman’s impact on the media landscape.

The new era of AI is upon us! It is important to understand what’s Good – all the new things that we will be able to do — productivity for businesses, innovation and facilitation for easier use by consumers. The Bad could displace people and be problematic if not well regulated. The Ugly could be a scenario of computers taking over the world and humans no longer in charge. This pivotal AI trifecta of the Good, Bad and the Ugly, will demonstrate the consequential knowledge required to lead, make better decisions and gain a winning edge

Coming soon.

From the streets of Queens to the global stage, pro-BMX athlete and creative Nigel Sylvester has turned his bike into more than just a mode of transport—it’s become a symbol of possibility. In this fireside chat, Sylvester shares how he’s used his passion for riding to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a brand that transcends sport. Blending culture, style, and entrepreneurship, he’ll explore how following your own path can create new lanes for others and redefine what’s possible when you ride with purpose.

Blackweek Co-founder Joe Anthony kicks off the conference with a powerful framing of what Blackweek is: a cultural and economic forum where ideas, creativity, and influence converge. In his opening remarks, Anthony will set the tone for the week ahead—unpacking the mission, the movement, and why Blackweek has become the space where culture meets commerce and shapes the future.

Hip-hop is more than music—it’s a global movement, a cultural engine, and a masterclass in reinvention. In this powerful talk, Mona Scott-Young explores how hip-hop’s pioneers have transformed their artistry into multi-decade careers, expanding into film, entrepreneurship, and activism while continuing to influence the world stage. Drawing on her experience at the forefront of music and media, she reveals the strategies and mindset that turn moments into movements and artists into icons. This is a story of vision, resilience, and the cultural imprint that ensures hip-hop’s legacy will inspire generations to come.

Few brands have tapped into culture as consistently and authentically as Coca-Cola. From Sprite becoming the first brand to partner with hip hop artists, to unforgettable campaigns like last year’s horn-playing girl in India, to global partnerships with Marvel and Disney, Coca-Cola has always been ahead of the curve. They don’t just borrow culture—they help shape it, time and again. This fireside chat explores how Coca-Cola has earned the right to “break the seal on culture” and what it takes to authentically engage communities, forge iconic partnerships, and stay relevant across generations and geographies.

Fashion trailblazer Bethann Hardison has long challenged the industry to confront exclusion and embrace diversity. From breaking barriers as a model to mentoring generations of talent, her purpose is powerfully captured in her acclaimed documentary Invisible Beauty. In this conversation with e.l.f. Cosmetics CMO Kory Marchisotto, Hardison reflects on her journey, the progress made, and the work still ahead. Together, they’ll explore how fashion and beauty brands can champion representation authentically—and why true inclusion is not just a social imperative, but a creative and commercial one.