MELANINCON
A meeting of the best black minds!
After a powerful debut in 2023 and a return in April 2025 that was nothing short of extraordinary, MelaninCON has solidified itself as the premier gathering for Black entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, and changemakers.
Each summit has brought together Millennial and Gen-Z leaders from across the country for days filled with culture, connection, and community.
From packed panels and transformative conversations to curated socials, awards, and keynote addresses, MelaninCON has exceeded expectations year after year. Attendees have traveled from more than 30 states to join a space grounded in our six guiding pillars:
Culture
Community
Commitment
Commerce
Luxury
Empowerment
This is not just a conference. It is a movement. A celebration of what is possible when Black excellence is centered, uplifted, and given room to grow. The stories are powerful, the energy is unmatched, and the connections made at MelaninCON continue to spark impact far beyond the weekend.
With two successful summits behind us, MelaninCON is evolving into something even greater. Join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact, and create the future of Black brilliance together.
About
Past Speakers:
Allie Joy Tsahey (BaddieCon) ( Baddies in Tech), Andromeda Peters, Arthur Bernier Jr., Ashley Robinson, Christal Luster, Constance Carter, D’Shawn Harris, Donovan(The Posh Standard)(MelaninCON)(A Celebration of US, INC), Dr. Rochelle M. Thompson, Howard Jean (Black Meta Agency), Ken Fisk, Trell Thomas (Black Excellence Brunch), Kennedy Lucas(Former Miss Black DC), NeAndre Broussard(Black MensWear), Nicholas Wiggins, Omi Bell ( Black Girl Ventures), Pastor Jamal Bryant, Philomina Kane (KinApparel), Senzwa Ntshepe (The Connect), Sierra Shepherd, Stefon Somers, Teri Tenille, and Trevor Alexander. Kadmirl Van Der Puje (Experience Africa) (Voice of Africa), Davy J, Temi Oladipupo, Darrell Gaston (Kitchen Savages DC), Wade Menendez, Malik Jarret (E.A.T. Clothing), Alexandra Tolbert, Brittany Rose, Randy Lewis, Sean Williams (The Dad Gang), Dr. Leeshe Grimes, Keri Gray, Dorian Kirkwood, Jerome Lewis (THEM2US), Abu Sillah (The DMV Daily), and Brandon Andrews(Shark Tank).
Past MelaninCON Events
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Velvet Vice
June 28, 2025
The Cambria Hotel
Washington, DC -

A Black Excellence Gala/ A Celebration of Us Gala
April 26,2025
Thurgood Marshall Center
Washington, DC -

Royalty Pt 2
April 25,2025
SOST DC
Washington, DC -

Melanincon 2025
April 25, 2025
The Gathering Spot DC
Washington, DC -

Welcome to DC
April 24,2025
The Gathering Spot DC
Washington, DC -

Royalty Pt 1
January 31,2025
Kitchen & Cocktails DC
Washington, DC -

Nior Nouveau
July 27. 2025
The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC -

Melanin Model Link Up
Apirl 18,2024
Focus Social Club
Washington, DC -

Culture & Cocktails
January 27,2024
The Gathering Spot DC
Washington, DC -

Melanin Makers
January 13,2023
Vault Studios
Hyattsville, MD -

Feels Good To Have Melanin Brunch
September 10.2023
La Vie
Washington DC -

Culture & Cocktails
September 8, 2023
Audi Field
Washington, DC -

A Black Excellence Gala/ A Celebration of Us Gala
September 9,2023
Arena Stage
Washington, DC -

MelaninCON 2023
September 8.2023
Arena Stage
Washington, DC -

Melanin Mixer
September 7,2023
Pop Social
Washington, DC -

MelaninCON Fit Day
Sept 2, 2023
Washington, DC -

Culture & Cocktails
Jun 17, 2023
Park at 14th
Washington, DC