Keith Weaver and his wife Fawn Weaver have taken the spirits industry by storm, proving that Black consumers are not driving premium spirits growth as customers but as founders. In this fireside chat we will discuss how Uncle Nearest has gone from boutique bourbon brand to full blown spirits industry unicorn, surpassing 1 billion dollars in valuation. Keith will share how Uncle Nearest cracked the code and what’s next for the power house duo, who are set to take over the spirits industry.

John Hope Bryant is an author and economist focused on helping underserved communities close the wealth inequality gap. In this fireside chat, John will outline the current state of Black America, the economic crisis he is fighting hard to eliminate and what the Black community needs to do to ensure it can economically survive in a world that is becoming more financially polarizing.

Jonathan Mildenhall will sit down with his first boss, Cindy Gallop, to discuss how a kid from Leeds overcame adversity to become one of the most influential CMOs and marketers in the advertising industry. This candid conversation will explore the challenges that marketers of color face in an industry where politics, cronyism, and other factors affect the objectivity needed for diversity to thrive. Mildenhall will also share his plans to help level the playing field in an industry that needs more bravery.

Award-winning author of “Stamped from the Beginning”, which was adapted into a must-watch documentary on Netflix, Ibram X. Kendi will take Blackweek attendees on a historical journey through the history of racism and bias in America. Moderated by journalist and podcaster Toure, this fireside chat will uncover the origins of bias in America and explore how it consciously and subconsciously affects the opportunities available to people of color.

In today’s marketplace, diversity isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a financial one. Reflecting the diverse tapestry of global audiences that brands and businesses serve is a crucial asset for the bottom line. This lively and insightful session brings together brand leaders and marketers to explore how to make an impact, find innovation, and achieve lucrative results. Learn how cutting-edge companies are building diverse teams and leveraging their impact to spark innovation, foster creativity, and drive growth. Understand your audience: Dive deep into how a diverse team provides unparalleled insights into Black and Brown demographics. Building high-performing and inclusive teams: Unpack the strategies and best practices for assembling teams that are not only diverse but also bring a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. Creating spaces that foster belonging: Discover how to cultivate a work environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and integral to the organization’s success. It’s not just about hiring; it’s about nurturing an inclusive culture to retain talent and enhance productivity and impact over the long term.

Decades of data bias and a lack of diverse data professionals have left advertisers with data that lacks the cultural insights necessary to provide a complete picture. In this panel, moderated by Amy Lanzi of Digitas, we will explore the extent of this issue and discuss what steps are needed to ensure greater representation in data, enabling brands to achieve higher relevance and impact when targeting diverse audiences. Join John Pasmore (Founder & CEO, Latimer), Larry Adams (CEO & Founder, XStereotype), Danisha Lomax (EVP, Head of Client Inclusivity & Impact at Digitas), and Zekeera Belton (Vice President, Customer Success, Collage Group) as they discuss how generative AI and machine learning can bridge the cultural understanding gap for advertisers.

Since 2021, Black founders in the United States have seen a decline in venture funding, with only 0.48% of all venture capital going to Black-led startups in 2023. This is the lowest percentage in recent history, down from 0.74% in the first half of 2023 to just 0.13% in the third quarter. This panel will explore both conscious and unconscious biases affecting founders and discuss why investing in Black Ambition is essential.

Black women Chief Creative Officers—that’s not a phrase you hear every day. These trailblazing women represent a movement gaining momentum in the advertising industry. In a field where most creative campaigns are still driven by a white male perspective, what happens when we see the world through the eyes of a Black woman? In this panel discussion, we’ll explore the challenges Black women creatives face in advancing their careers, getting their ideas heard, and the unique perspectives they bring to the table.

In 2024, 90% of all digital media investment will be made programmatically. However, there are very few diverse-owned programmatic platforms. With more money being invested in programmatic advertising, it’s essential that we see the emergence of diverse-owned ad tech companies. In this panel, we will uncover the monopolies that exist in ad tech, the corresponding impact for publishers, and what it will take for a diverse-owned player to break through.