FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 | RICHMOND, VA

The We Influence Summit: Changing the Narrative is a one-day experience that brings together creators, founders, fashion experts, beauty pros, entertainers and digital storytellers to talk about what Black cultural influence really is — and who it should work for.

Across keynotes, panels and a fireside chat, we’ll break down how Black culture shapes global industries, why “ghetto culture” is both the most borrowed and the most blamed, and how we move from visibility to ownership.

Program & Topics Overview

  • A deep dive into how Black innovators shape global fashion, beauty, entertainment and digital culture — and the identity, discipline and ownership it takes to influence with intention, not accident.

  • An unfiltered look at how styles, language and aesthetics born in Black communities are shamed when we create them yet praised and monetized when others adopt them. This conversation unpacks the economics, psychology and emotional impact of a culture the world copies but rarely credits.

  • This panel focuses on the gap between cultural creation and who actually gets paid. We’ll talk trends that start with us but profit others, the role of digital influence and what it takes to keep value, credit and opportunity closer to the source.

  • An intimate conversation on building a signature voice, look or identity inside the culture. We’ll explore how Black creatives sharpen their aesthetic, stay rooted in community and protect their ideas while stepping into leadership and partnership.

What You’ll Experience

  1. Insight on ownership — from brand deals to ecosystems and elevation

  2. Exciting and honest talk on Black culture and how it powers global trends

  3. Strategy for turning visibility into opportunity

  4. Networking with other creatives, pros and leaders from the region and beyond

Stay In The Know

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