Afrikan Intelligence 2026
HONOREES
We’re gathering elite stylists, barbers, locticians, and cultural educators from across the diaspora to teach, inspire, and celebrate. Share your craft and your voice on a global stage.
Event Dates: Feb 15–16, 2026 · 10 AM–7 PM EST · Zoom
K Llove
K-Love the Poet is an award-winning spoken word artist, speaker, and author whose work centers healing, truth, and empowerment. Known as the “Mother of the Southside,” she has shared stages with cultural icons and leaders, opened for legendary artists, and uses her voice to inspire restoration through poetry, mentorship, and transformative workshops. Her impact bridges art, advocacy, and community healing on a global scale.
Moshood
Moshood is a creative and cultural contributor whose work centers African heritage, identity, and community expression. Through his commitment to culture, storytelling, and innovation, he helps bridge tradition and contemporary impact, uplifting conversations around African excellence, creativity, and global connection.
D.L. Hughley
D.L. Hughley is an acclaimed comedian, actor, author, and cultural commentator known for his fearless voice and sharp social insight. Rising to prominence as a member of The Original Kings of Comedy, he has built a decades-long career using humor as a tool to challenge injustice, spark dialogue, and hold power accountable. Beyond the stage, Hughley is a respected media personality and bestselling author whose commentary on race, politics, and culture continues to inform and provoke meaningful conversation across generations.
Don Lemon
Don Lemon is an award-winning journalist, author, and media personality known for his bold voice and commitment to truth-telling. With decades of experience in broadcast journalism, he has played a significant role in shaping national conversations around race, justice, free speech, and civil liberties. Through his reporting and commentary, Lemon has consistently amplified the voices of Black communities and other marginalized groups, using media as a platform for accountability, awareness, and social change.
Kyle Bullock
Kyle Bullock is a visionary master barber and the founder of the acclaimed BarbereXtraordinaire brand. Known for transforming hair into bold works of art, Kyle is a multiple-time winner of regional and national barber competitions and has been featured in numerous industry showcases and publications.
Blending the precision of a sculptor, the imagination of a comic book artist, and the innovation of an engineer, Kyle pushes the boundaries of modern barbering with distinctive, next-level craftsmanship. His work represents creativity, excellence, and cultural expression at its finest.
Derrick Scurry
Derrick Scurry is a respected leader in the natural hair and grooming industry, known for his dedication to cultural expression, education, and community empowerment. Through his work, he has helped elevate the artistry and business of Black hair care, mentoring stylists and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Derrick’s commitment to excellence and authenticity continues to make a lasting impact within the industry and beyond.
Nygel D. Robinson
Nygel D. Robinson is a New York City–based artist, performer, writer, and composer whose work blends Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Folk, and traditional musical theatre. As a performer, he has appeared at Berkeley Rep, Baltimore Center Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Mosaic Theatre, and Milwaukee Rep. As a writer and composer, his original works—including Mexodus and Santa Claus is Coming to Town—have been developed and showcased at leading regional theatres. Nygel creates art that is accessible, innovative, and thought-provoking, using music and storytelling to bridge culture, history, and contemporary expression.
Susan "Susy" Oludele
Susan “Susy” Oludele is a globally recognized celebrity hairstylist, creative director, photographer, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Hair By Susy, with salons in New York City and Los Angeles, and has styled cultural icons including Beyoncé, Solange, Zoë Kravitz, and Lauryn Hill. Susy has contributed to award-winning productions such as Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and Bridgerton, and has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, and more. Through her Hair By Susy product line and HBS Cares nonprofit, she continues to blend culture, artistry, faith, and service—transforming hair into art and vision into legacy.
Meshell Ndegeocello
Meshell Ndegeocello is a groundbreaking singer, songwriter, bassist, and bandleader whose genre-defying career has reshaped the landscape of soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rock for over three decades. Choosing originality over trends and longevity over celebrity, she has built a body of work rooted in love, justice, respect, and musical truth.
A GRAMMY Award winner and multiple-time nominee, Meshell is one of the rare artists who writes the music, sings the songs, and leads the band. A bassist first and foremost, her warm, melodic groove anchors every project she touches. She has performed alongside icons including The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Chaka Khan, Sting, and many more, while continuing to redefine expectations for women, queer artists, and Black music. For Meshell, music is fellowship — a shared experience meant to uplift, connect, and transform.
Why Speak
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Spotlight before a global audience
Educator landing page & promo assets
Affiliate link to earn commissions
Networking with top industry leaders
What We’re Seeking
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Advanced techniques & live demos
Business/brand growth trainings
Culture, identity, and wellness topics
Competition judges & showcase leaders
Key Dates
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Apply by: Dec 15, 2025
Speaker Orientation: Jan 10, 2026
Tech Rehearsals: Feb 6–9, 2026
Event: Feb 15–16, 2026
Speaker Benefits
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Featured session (live or pre‑recorded)
Promotion via Juneteenth NYC + partners
Affiliate link (20% commission on referrals)
Digital educator profile & resource links
Access to private speaker community
Expectations & Deliverables
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Headshot (hi‑res), bio (150–200 words)
Session title + 3 bullet takeaways
Slides or demo outline (optional)
2 short promo posts (IG/TikTok/FB)
Availability for one tech rehearsal
Competition judges: include rubric notes and category focus.
FAQs
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Do speakers receive compensation?
Some roles may include honorariums; all educators receive affiliate links and premium exposure.
Can I pre‑record?
Yes — pre‑recorded content with live Q&A is encouraged for quality and timing.
Will I get a copy of my session?
Yes — replays are archived and available to speakers.
Contact
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Email [email protected] with “Speaker – AI2026” in the subject.
Presented by The King of Loc × Juneteenth NYC × Umoja Events.
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