CULTURECON started as an idea birthed in founder Imani Ellis’s one-bedroom Harlem apartment. Back in 2016, Ellis and 10 of her friends dreamed of cultivating a community built on supporting one another’s dreams and assembling a collaborative space for other creatives to increase engagement. Now, seven years later, the conference serves as one of the leading cultural events of its time.
This was never more evident than this past weekend as an overabundance of creatives of color took over Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn for the latest installment of the pivotal summit. 3,500 attendees and 100 speakers across 25 panels to be exact. NYC was the last stop on their 2022 tour, as they have already set Atlanta and Los Angeles ablaze with the innovative energy of The Creative Collective NYC, a creative agency immersed in culture, dedicated to facilitating brave spaces for multicultural creatives. Ellis told xoNecole, “I'm really in awe today. I feel like I'm walking in a dream because I did see this in my head. So then, to see it in real life is a little surreal.”
The founder went on to say, “The best part is the people and the community, and I think we always wanted it to feel like a homecoming. And I feel like even for guests who have never been, it feels like even they're coming back to a homecoming, which is like the best thing you could ask for.”
Whether you attended a predominantly white institution, a historically Black college or university, or didn’t go to college at all, there was a space for everyone. And when I say it was like a homecoming we all dream of, I mean that.
Courtesy of Joce Blake
Activation Alley housed both Instagrammable and teachable moments. From LinkedIn’s multicolored stations empowering creatives to “Trust the Journey” and Instagram’s activation highlighting the next generation of Fashion Innovators to Onyx Collective’s nostalgic experience surrounding the Black hair experience, the activations panned the creative diaspora.
It was the perfect opportunity to connect with other creatives when you weren’t soaking up gems from the panels.
Some of those star-studded panels we enjoyed included:
Photo Courtesy of CULTURECON
Creative Genius: Lena Waithe
NYT Bestselling Author and previous Teen Vogue Editor-In-Chief, Elaine Welteroth and Emmy award-winning actress, producer, and screenwriter, Lena Waithe took to the Culture Stage to discuss how Waithe got her start, the difference between community and company, and the power of representation. Waithe recalled watching Halle Berry win her first Oscar when she shared, “I was in my room watching that by myself, emotional as hell. And it’s not lost on me that I fast-forward and I have a first at the Emmys for the Thanksgiving episode. And I’m really grateful for that because I can see the straight line from me sitting in my room watching Halle win.”
While The Chi creator is proud of what she’s invested in her craft, she said it’s the community that has lifted her up. “Community is a give and take. Company, you feel drained when it leaves, and with community, you feel full once they’re gone,” Waithe said.
Plugged[in] From Viral to Visionary
LinkedIn hosted a thoughtful conversation with everyone’s multi-hyphenated mom Tabitha Brown, the elite and funny social media star DeAndre Brown, and Erin Ceaser around the realities of being a successful multi-hyphenate while remaining grounded and authentic. It was very on-brand for the panelists and LinkedIn. The biggest nugget: consistency is the key to success, be it your 9 to 5 or your social media platform.
Creative Genius: Taraji P. Henson
In an unfiltered conversation with beauty and style expert, Blake Newby and TV host and producer, Speedy Morman, the oh-so-iconic, Taraji P. Henson dropped some gems. The Golden Globe-winning actress made sure to tell the audience, “For all the filmmakers and writers and up-and-coming producers and directors, we must tell our stories. It’s so important.”
The D.C. native also shared, “I hate sitting around waiting for someone to give me something, so I create my own doors to open and bring people through.” This was a theme throughout the day which spoke to CULTURECON’s reminder to all creatives to not only take up spaces but to own them.
Onyx Collective Presents: In Conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross
Lalea Raymond/CULTURECON
Everything's Trash star, Phoebe Robinson sat down with award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur, Tracee Ellis Ross to discuss Onyx Collective’s newest series, The Hair Tales. The intentional docuseries highlights the journey Black women have with their hair and how it leads to self-love. They also spoke about the power of storytelling and living in your whole truth.
Ross said, “As Black people, I feel that we are so often sold a lie about who we are, and I hope that Hair Tales joins the chorus of people who are poking holes in that lie, dispelling that lie and that we as Black people and Black women get to see ourselves and fall even more in love with who we are by watching this series.”
Prime Time: A Conversation on Claiming Space in TV
Host, writer and producer, Danielle Young moderated a fun conversation with actress extraordinaire, Meagan Good, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson, and executive producer, Jamal Henderson about their journeys in the television industry. Good shared, “When I have those days that are really tough, it really is about perspective. At the end of the day, this is a day in my life that I will never get back, so I have to choose to be intentional about this being the best day that it can be.”
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Featured image courtesy of CULTURECON
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The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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I live in Atlanta and I have discovered a variety of free fitness activities that can help you burn calories, get in touch with your inner child, and maybe even make a new friend.
These activities range from roller-skating to Pilates to dancing. Check out a few of these places below:
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Thompson Hotel
Located in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead district, Thompson hotel offers complimentary yoga classes on Saturday and free Pilates classes on Sundays. Both classes are on the hotel’s rooftop, so you’ll get a good sweat while taking in the gorgeous views.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile path throughout the city that traverses trails, parks, and many neighborhoods. It recently announced its line-up of free fitness classes in different locations on the beltline. These classes encompass a diverse range of activities like tennis, roller-skating, Zumba, HIIT, and many more.
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Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is also offering free fitness activities through its Wellness Wednesday program. Every Wednesday, you can explore various fitness class like dance, self-defense, bootcamp and more.
The Battery
The Battery, home of The Atlanta Braves stadium offers free yoga on Mondays as part of its Wellness Series.
Atlanta isn’t the only city that offers a range of free fitness classes. Make sure to check out your city’s social media pages or search TikTok or Google, and type in “free fitness classes in insert city.” Alternatively, join different Facebook groups that highlight events throughout the city.
Check these out and have fun.
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