This powerful panel of leaders explores the world of art, culture, and activism. Walk away inspired and informed on how
to activate your own vision and imagination towards social change.

PANELISTS:
Gina Belafonte, Co-Director, Sankofa.org
Deborah Santana, Author, business manager & activist
Oge Egbuonu, Actress and producer
Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Artist and Activist
Moderator: Anasa Troutman, Founder & CEO, Eloveate

The United State of Women is a national organization for any woman who sees that we need a different America for all women to survive and thrive — and wants to work collectively to achieve it. USOW amplifies the work of organizations and individuals at the forefront of the fight for women’s equality, and provides tools, access and connections that help women see and step into their power to break down the barriers that hold women back.

Join the nation’s largest gathering of Black professionals in philanthropy at ABFE’s 2018 “The Fierce Urgency of Now” Conference on April 14 – 16th in Memphis, Tennessee. ABFE will present its members, stakeholders and partners a vigorous agenda—aimed at increasing public and private investments in Black communities. The Fierce Urgency of Now will also call attention to investment strategies that build and protect Black institutional, political and economic power.

As the world grows increasingly complex, cities have emerged as innovators, testing and developing new solutions to problems ranging from climate change, migration, automation, and more. The term smart cities has become synonymous for cities implementing new technologies, but truly smart cities are more than tech savvy. Cities are reflections of the people who live, work, and play within them. Our cities and public spaces are integral to the arts, creativity, culture, and democracy itself.

Navigating: Life + Soul + Career is about the journey.  For one day, let’s jump into a caravan and navigate the detours, speed bumps, and road blocks on the way to our chosen destination.  Along the way, like any good road trip, we will take in the sights, marvel at the view, celebrate our co-pilots, laugh and revel in how far we have traveled.  

The conference brings together leaders from governments, cities and regions, academics, organisations and the music scene to discuss, debate and introduce new thinking. Music Cities Convention showcases best practices on the use of music - and all its variants - to improve city life. As well as this, the role and impact of music across education, employment, community building, placemaking, licensing and regulation is explored in the events.

Through collaborative panels, keynotes and networking sessions, Music Cities Convention presents the future of music in our cities.

Music Cities Convention showcases the best practices for improving urban planning, quality of life, city policy and development strategies through music. 

Inspiration, Vision and Action, Featuring Breakthrough Solutions, Game-changing Ideas, Deep Dialogue, Dazzling Artistry and Connections to a Community Of Amazing Leaders in Social Action, Politics, Business, and Personal Transformation

If you’ve been paying attention to WHO KNEW then you have come to expect incredible speakers delivering inspiring stories and wisdom about the entertainment industry. Well on September 6, we are thrilled to up the ante by presenting the most diverse and accomplished lineup of speakers yet.