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

  • 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