Join us for a groundbreaking discussion where we delve into the dynamic, rich, and multifaceted world of Afro-Latino identity within sports and marketing. This conversation aims to illuminate the unique experiences of Afro-Latino athletes, dissect their portrayal in media, and explore innovative marketing strategies that address and challenge cultural stereotypes.

This panel, moderated by WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Swin Cash, will address the growing popularity of women’s sports. Despite this rise in popularity, biases continue to impact women athletes of color, hindering their ability to reach their full potential. We will discuss how to ensure that athletes of color receive their fair share of credibility and opportunity, acknowledging their significant contributions to the women’s sports industry.

This discussion explores the pivotal role Black leaders play in shaping the future of agency holding companies and influencing long-term corporate strategies. Black representation in the boardroom is not just about diversity—it’s a critical driver of corporate performance, governance, and sustainability. We are proud to convene a distinguished panel of Black board directors who are at the forefront of transforming corporate leadership and fostering inclusive, innovative business practices.

“Culture” has quickly become the marketing and advertising industry’s latest buzzword. It is now a key focus for marketers aiming to demonstrate their ability to make brands cool and relevant. However, culture is often misunderstood. In this keynote, Dr. Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture, will help us clarify what culture truly is, what it isn’t, and what it takes to become a cultural marketing expert.

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 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.

As the world and the U.S. become increasingly diverse, healthcare marketing has lagged behind in adapting to these changes. With 1 in 5 Americans now senior citizens, many of whom are diverse consumers, is the healthcare industry truly prepared to engage authentically with all audiences? This panel will explore what it will take to build meaningful connections with communities that have historically been distrustful of healthcare institutions. We’ll also examine the evolving roles of media, agencies, content, influencers, and data in creating culturally relevant communications that ensure every audience receives the care and attention they deserve.