Finally! We are here, and, so are you!

Decolonizing Comedy: The Official Wakandacon Comedy Show

Lisa BeasleyBlack Ensemble TheatreShows and contests

They all met and navigated the comedy scene in Chicago and now they've all went on to find major success and make major moves on stages across the world and in film & television. These friends are all coming together to present a one-of-a-kind line up that is sure to make for one of Chicago funniest nights.

Friday Opener - Welcome to Wakandacon

Lower Level lobbyShows and contests

Black Panther & Biomimicry: How to Innovate like Wakandans through Nature Inspired Design

Billy AlmonSalon C Room 3Panels

Recently, while talking about the design influences for Black Panther, Hannah Beachler, the film’s production designer cited biomimicry, also known as nature-inspired design, as a key influence for how Wakandans developed their innovative technology. In this talk from designer and ‘Storyteller of Nature’s Awesomeness’ Billy Almon, learn more about Biomimicry, how it manifests in the Black Panther mythos, see real world examples, and discover how turning to nature for inspiration might help with your next project…

Design Process: Game Industry

Anthony JonesSalon A Room 1Panels

Anthony Jones will discuss the process of design in the game industry, from developing concepts to help with production and post production in game development. He will also show examples of concepts and how they make it to the final game through many rounds of iteration and feedback.

Flipping the Table: Entrepreneurs Who Do More than Bring a Seat to the Table

The Academy GroupSalon C Room 2Panels

We live in a word where talent is ubiquitous, but opportunity is too scarce and concentrated, leaving out exceptional young people and perpetuating social inequality and limiting the potential of the American economy. Too often, brilliant, creative, and entrepreneurial minds are not provided the access, exposure, or acumen they need to become economic change agents. Join the Academy Group and a panel of distinguished entrepreneurs from Chicago and beyond in a discussion about what it takes to build wealth and…

Illustrating Wakanda

Jabril PowerSalon C Room 1Panels

Lecture and Artist Demonstration. How politics affect Black identity in Art.

Kids Gaming

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Wakandaprov Friday

Angie OliverKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

This guided improvisational theater and writing workshop that will incorporate “fill-in-the-blank” story mapping, improv, and group collaboration to direct students in creating their own superhero story narrative. Lead by the women of Matt Damon Improv, an all woman of color improv group in Chicago.

Dreaming of Black Ecologies

Chelsea Frazier, Michael RileySalon C Room 3Panels

Environmentalism (as a political project) has continued to erase Black women's voices. Join Chelsea Frazier and Michael Riley for a conversation about why Black women environmental visual artists, writers, and community organizers are consistently being erased or ignored in environmental conversations despite being on the front-lines as the first to respond to various environmental catastrophes.

Educators Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with fellow educators!

Jabari Stunt Workshop with Mark Willis

Mark WillisKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

Move like a member of the Jabari Tribe and learn actual stunts and fight choreography from Black Panther Actor and Oak Park Native, Mark Willis. 16+…

Sisterhood through the Wakandan Lens: Nakia & Okoye & Nettie & Celie

Leslie MacSalon C Room 2Panels

Join this panel of dope Black women discussing how sisterhood showed up on the big screen in Black Panther and the links between these connections between Black women in pop culture and media extend into our real lives as Sisters in the fight for Black Liberation.

STEM Panel Hosted by Negro Justice League

Dena Cherry-BrownSalon A Room 1Panels

The Negro Justice League will be hosting a panel of young progressions working in various STEM fields such as epidemiology, pharmacy, and engineering. The purpose of the panel is to raise awareness about African Americans in STEM and provide information about different career fields.

STEM, Entrepreneurship & Wealth in the Black Community

Aja McClanahanSalon C Room 1Panels

Aja McClanahan, Quilen Blackwell, Toni Husbands and 2-3 other panelists (TBD) of the Chicago EcoHouse talk about technological advances in the inner-city (Chicago’s south side community of Englewood) that focus on entrepreneurship through STEM initiatives and financial literacy.

Games as Social Justice

Kenyatta ForbesSalon A Room 1Panels

This panel brings together experts in the social justice and gaming to discuss the impact gaming has on raising awareness, changing behavior, or other inequalities. How might gaming be a tool for social, political, and cultural change? Join the conversation with these panelists as they share their work and take questions from the audience.

Imagining Inclusive Futures

Sami SchalkSalon C Room 3Panels

What kind of future do you want to live in? This panel of academics, activists and fans will address how creating and consuming speculative media, especially that created by and focused on marginalized people, can help us imaging more inclusive and just futures.

Life as a Physicist: Studying the World's Most Elusive Particles

Dr. Jessica EsquivelKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

Dr. Jessica Esquivel is a recent Ph.D graduate in Physics and is currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Fermilab. Dr. Esquivel is one of fewer than ~150 black women with a Ph.D in Physics in the United States. She is on the Muon g-2 experiment studying the electron’s heavier brother, the muon.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Using the Spirit of Black Panther to Promote Peace in the Hood

Clarence HoganSalon C Room 1Panels

This panel will invoke the spirit of The Black Panther by recalling the contributions Black people have made to the world by looking to the past to learn more about our future. In turn, we hope to encourage participants to become Peace Makers that use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to promote peace in our communities.

Entrepreneurs Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with fellow entrepreneurs!

Next Big Thing

Courtney, DaraSalon C Room 1Panels

2 dope techies bring their live show to Chicago with plenty #blackgirlmagic spotlightting #millennials of color in media tech & entrepreneurship…

Tech Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with fellow technologists, hackers, makers, developers and enthusiasts!

The Mysteries of Electricity

Professor Anthony JacksonKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

Wakandacon youth participants ages 9-14 will enjoy Professor Jackson’s fun workshop, designed to demystify electricity highlight its properties, showing how it fits into the world of technology. Using Tesla coil capacitor basics and the Van de Graaff generator, Professor Anthony Jackson will increase understanding of electricity, the force that stands at the center of modern technology. Professor Anthony Jackson currently serves as a technology consultant.

Saturday Opener - Welcome to Wakandacon

Lower Level lobbyShows and contests

Design Process: Film Industry

Salon Room 1 and 2Panels

T'Challa vs. Killmonger: Exploring the Differences between the Diaspora and the African-American Experiences

Carla M. Kupe-Arion, Esq.Salon C Room 2Panels

The dynamics between T'Challa and Killmonger depicted in Black Panther brought to the forefront a phenomenon that usually occurs in private circles or sometimes in academia: Oppression Olympics between African-born or Africans and American-born or "rooted" Black people. The differences in reactions to the movie have reignited a discussion this panel seeks to have.

The Shuri Project by the Henry Williams Love Foundation

Kyla WilliamsSalon C Room 3Workshops

The Shuri Project by the Henry Williams Love Foundation is a six-week summer technology mentoring program for girls ages 8-12 with the goals of keeping them safe while building self-esteem and increasing their tech aptitude. The Project is affectionately named after Marvel’s Black Panther, Princess Shuri, who was responsible for building tech in Wakanda and assisting her big brother, Black Panther, on his missions. We will bring our instructors and some of the girls in our program to co-present a workshop and do a…

Wakandaprov Saturday

Angie OliverKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

This guided improvisational theater and writing workshop that will incorporate “fill-in-the-blank” story mapping, improv, and group collaboration to direct students in creating their own superhero story narrative. Lead by the women of Matt Damon Improv, an all woman of color improv group in Chicago.

Write to the Future

Billy TuggleSalon C Room 1Workshops

We'll explore Afro-Futurism through poetry and the spark of creative writing.

Kids Gaming

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Nerd Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with fellow nerds, geeks, and hobbyists of all types!

Queerkanda

Eris EadySalon C Room 2Panels

A conversation about the impact of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression on blackness both state side and abroad.

The Monster Panel

Jeff CarrollSalon A Room 1Panels

The Monster Panel is traveling sci-fi panel which has the energy of a Hip Hop event. It is a fun, entertaining and informative panel of Science Fiction creators who discuss the stories behind the big happenings in the world of Sci-fi. Television, movies, comics, video games and books will be a part of the conversation. It has been held at comic cons, book fairs and libraries.

Second City Writing

Jeff PooleKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

Intro to Sketch Writing is for teens who want to learn how to write sketch comedy or who want to learn how to translate their improv skills to paper. Writing good comedy scenes is not easy. This workshop will set students up with the fundamentals they need.

Design Process: Film Industry

Anthony JonesSalon C Room 2Panels

Artists featured in this demonstration are Phillip Boutte Jr, and Marco Nelor. They will discuss the process of design in the film industry. Working with directors and achieving the vision needed for the final product. Demonstrate how to gather reference, start the design process, and take it to completion.

Representation In Media: How Serious is Hollywood about Diversity & Inclusion

Lisa BeasleySalon C Room 3Panels

Diversity in Media: An honest conversation about representation in Hollywood presented by The Nova Collective. Is Hollywood serious about it's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion? How are creators taking the conversation of inclusion into their own hands by building spaces and opportunities for other's othered? Join us for an open discussion with these entertainent industry professionals that are challenging the status quo.

The Lando Calrissian Experience Podcast

Darryl FriersonSalon C Room 1Panels

A movie, comics, anime, and gamer podcast that loves and honors the first black man in space Lando Calrissian…

Welcome to Wacoinda: Bitcoin, Blockchain, and Freedom

Lamar Wilson, Lafe TaylorSalon A Room 1Panels

Come hear from blockchain fin-tech startup Hijro co-founders Lamar Wilson and Lafe Taylor, as they share their passion and energy around financial collaboration and cryptocurrencies. Using their experience at Hijro, their goal is to educate, inspire and cultivate discussions on the endless possibilities this technology can provide.

Women of Wakanda Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with your fellow Wakandan women!

3Peat: Paying To Play

Salon Room 2Panels

Tired of each being the only minority in their shows, the group came together to create their own brand of comedy that fits their high energy and experiences. Join this collective of Black Excellence for an open discussion and Q&A to learn more about their experience with touring, writing and performing in television, film, and on stage across the world.

Concrete Park's ‘Color the Future’ Presentation and Panel

Erika AlexanderSalon C Room 2Panels

This will be a discussion about the New Majority audience, its diversity, and the future of film, television and narrative storytelling. We will present an engaging Powerpoint presentation focused on the making of Erika’s graphic novel, Concrete Park. Erika and her creative partner, Tony Puryear, will provide their story within the context of being an outsider. The presentation is essentially a how-to-do-it-for-yourself guide. It is very interactive, participatory, fun, and educational.

99 Problems but a Pitch Ain't One

Terrance BrownSalon C Room 1Panels

So you've got a great idea, shot a video, wrote a comic/novel... now what? The modern age has a strong DIY ethos. You don't have to wait for the opportunities to get your work to the masses- but you do have to work. Learn about prepping, packaging, and presenting your content to the right people, at the right outlets, in the right way.

Black Filmmaking Today

Lawrence Lee WallaceSalon C Room 3Panels

Black Filmmaking in Hollywood. The challenges and the solutions. From independent to big budget, a panel of 5 people from different aspects of the film and TV industry. Director Lawrence Lee Wallace, Actor Eric Lane, Actress/writer Cynda Williams, Casting Director Angela Cobb, and National Diabetes Spokesperson and TV personality Anita Nicole Brown. Moderated by Radio Host Cabrly Breotti, this panel will give you the information and insight you need to make it while Black in Hollywood.

Contexture Media Virtual Reality (VR)

Lesley EtherlySalon BKid's Room

Come try out Virtual Reality at Wakandacon! Explore a number of virtual games and worlds with state-of-the-art VR headsets. More information coming soon!

Media Professionals Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with your fellow media professionals!

Smash Bros. 4

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Turning your Geek Passion into Your Profession

Keisha HowardSalon A Room 1Panels

Are you a Super Geek and having a hard time finding your passion in the REAL WORLD? Well you are in luck! We have assembled a group of panelists that have turned their geek passions into their profession and we want to help you do the same. We want to answer questions like - "How do I promote my skills?," "Where are the best places to network besides Comic and Video Game meetups?" and "What are some of the overlapping skills that as a geek - gives me a competitive advantage?"

Hang with the Founders

Salon C Room 2Panels

Come meet the team behind the event!

Black Women Entrepreneurs in the Gaming Industry

Kenyatta ForbesSalon C Room 1Panels

Join us as we discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, challenges and wins, and the power of one of the fastest growing entrepreneurial segments in the nation: Black women entrepreneurs. Dive into how women of color are changing the landscape of gaming and reaching an untapped market.

Concept Design for Entertainment, ft. artists from Black Panther

Anthony JonesSalon A Room 1Panels

A panel featuring concept artists from the film and game industry. These artists represent an ethnic minority in the game industry and have worked for companies like Marvel, Blizzard, Sony, Warner Bros, NetherRealms, Ensemble, Scientific Games, & Wizards of the Coast. Panelists include Anthony Jones, Thabiso Mhlaba, and costume designers from Black Panther Phillip Boutte Jr, and Marco Nelor.

Cosplaying While Black

Chloe C. MimmsSalon C Room 2Panels

The objective of this panel is to inform and educate all POC (person(s) of color) and non-POC the struggles and triumphs of being a POC cosplayer. We aim to break the stigma of identification of being a race bended vs. original character cosplays.

The Future of Black Directors

Maurice D. ProffitSalon C Room 3Panels

The forum will consist of a variety of local Black artists in the Chicagoland Arts Community. We'll discuss our starts, our journeys, issues that we deal with, being our own brand ambassadors, and what is in store for the future for Black director/brand ambassadors.

Creatives Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with your fellow illustrators, designers, writers, filmmakers, artists, and creatives of all types!

Dragonball Fighter Z Tournament

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Paradigm Grey

Christopher AdamsSalon C Room 2Panels

Welcome to the Shift: How PARADIGM GREY brought together 5 Black production companies to create a sci-fi universe on film. We will showcase clips from the movie as well as several micro shorts completed for our viral marketing campaign and a discussion with the Filmmakers and some of the actors involved.

Uppity Negress Podcast

Cassandra OseiSalon C Room 3Panels

Black women in media: Representation Matters. Our program facilitates a guided discussion on popular stereotypes and archetypes of Black women in mainstream media. The themes of our discussion include combating negative imagery, respectability politics, and reclaiming our own narratives.

Wakandacon Cards Hour

Salon A Room 4Gaming

Play cards with your fellow Wakandans of all ages. Hearts, spades, Uno, or whatever you like! We've got the cards and tables - you bring a partner or find one here. Note: no gambling allowed. This is just for fun!

'Keep it Colorful' Workshop with Erika Alexander

Erika AlexanderSalon A Room 1Workshops

Erika Alexander's Color Farm Media has launched the nation-wide initiative to get at least 50 digital tv pilots greenlit by creators of color. Those who join the Keep It Colorful Crowdfunding Rally will be eligible for prizes, including $25,000 for finishing funds, a chance to work with Color Farm Media and BLACK&SEXY TV, and more. At this Chicago event, hear Erika Alexander speak about the importance of creators of color sharing their stories, then take part in a workshop by Julie Keck, Head of Education for…

Autodesk Mixer

Erica NwankwoSalon A Room 2Networking

Exploring Wakandacon can be exhausting! Take a break!

Geekset Podcast

Rudy StrongSalon C Room 1Panels

Geekset Podcast is the only podcast that blends Hip-Hop & Geek Culture. Geekset Podcast presents a live recording from the event, as well as a deeper dive into the lore of Black Panther, Wakanda, Black Heroes in comics, what's to come and fan questions.

Trading Races Gameplay

Salon A Room 4Gaming

Acoustic Drumming and Storytelling by Jabari Exum, Choreographer for the movie "Black Panther"

Jabari ExumSalon C Room 3Shows and contests

Do you remember the scene in the movie, Black Panther, on “Challenge Day” when the people on the wall of water moved rhythmically to the beat of the drum? Do you recall how compelling the drum beat was? Did you think, “how beautiful,” when you saw all the tribal members in their colors moving to the beat?

SF Recovery Theatre with Geoffrey Grier

Geoffrey GrierSalon C Room 1Shows and contests

Geoffrey will perform an inter generational monologue that covers the current and past socio/political crisis we find ourselves in; based on the trials and tribulations of Huey P Newton. This will be followed by Q&A along with a solution directed discussion.

Wakandacon Cosplay Contest

Salon A Room 1Shows and contests

Get your costumes ready for Wakandacon's Cosplay contest! There will be three categories: Experienced Cosplay, Beginner Cosplay, and Afro-Fashion. The top three entrants in each category will win prizes! Stay tuned for additional details and information on how to register for the cosplay contest.

Cosplay Parade

Lower Level lobbyShows and contests

Open to all cosplay attendees!

Board Gaming with Bonus Round Café

Bonus Round CaféSalon A Room 4Gaming

Learn a new board game, hosted by Bonus Round Café .

Crowdfunding Wakanda

Dr. Letitia WrightSalon A Room 1Panels

This panel explores what crowdfunding is and how to use the 6 different types of crowdfunding to start and grow businesses. Learn how crowdfunding can be used to financially empower the entire community when used with a business-minded perspective.

Get Yo' Mind Right - Reconnecting with Ancestral Breath and Mindfulness thru Kemetic Yoga

Rebecca Hubbard, Grounded YogaKid's Room, Salon CWorkshops

In this workshop participants will explore their inner universe through Kemetic Yoga™ an ancient Egyptian system of yoga using slow, methodical physical movements combined with controlled deep breathing and meditation — developing patience and concentration. Kemetic Yoga aids in relaxation, stress management, balance, coordination, flexibility, focus, and strength – the things we need to keep our Wakandacon experience in our daily lives. In addition, the postures help you connect to ancient wisdom of our Kemetic…

Kids Gaming

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Leveraging Your Blackness to Scale Products for Future Growth

Nancy E. DouyonSalon C Room 3Panels

Every design decision has the potential to include or exclude customers. Global Research emphasizes the contribution that understanding user diversity makes to informing these decisions, and thus to including as many people as possible. User diversity covers variation in capabilities, needs and aspirations.

Live Art Demo: Featuring Marco Nelor

Anthony JonesSalon C Room 1Panels

A live demonstration of an original character design using traditional means, via Paper, Pencil…

She Funny: Inspiring Black Women In Comedy

Lisa BeasleySalon C Room 2Panels

Comedians Ali Barthwell and Aasia Lashay Bullock sit down with Erika Alexander to learn more about the path that led her to creating a company devoted to diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. We'll learn from her experience as a Funny Black Women in Hollywood.

Black Tech Across the Planet

A. McNealSalon C Room 2Panels

How to Build Black Tech Across the Planet, everyday black people are learning, leveraging and becoming innovators in technology. In this panel we will unlock the secret to unleashing the economic potential of our communities by building wealth in Black Tech.

Flint, Michigan: Making Environmental Justice Part of the Black Lives Matter Agenda

Marseille AllenSalon A Room 1Panels

The water crisis in Flint is part of a history of environmental racism targeting African American communities. From air pollution to toxic dumping, environmental racism has killed and is killing our people. Flint residents Dr. Kent Key, and activists Marseille Allen and Nayyirah Shariff will provide raw, first-hand narrative of the impact of the Flint Water crisis and how the people of Flint are mobilizing to protect their families.

Maintaining Pre Colonial Culture in Modern Times

Jabari ExumSalon C Room 3Panels

The existence of "Vibranium," a rare substance native to the fictional nation of Wakanda, was advanced as a concept in "Black Panther" and has inspired discussion about harnessing its power. In Black Panther vibranium’s radiation has permeated much of Wakanda’s flora and fauna, including the Heart-Shaped Herb eaten by members of the Black Panther Tribe and the flesh of the White Gorilla, eaten by members of the White Gorilla Tribe. It is also believed to dramatically enhance mystical energies.

My Family And Me: Mini-Wakandan Networking Hour

Lisa BeasleyKid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

Meet and play with other families at Wakandacon. Parents and children of all ages are welcome!

Super Street Fighter II Tournament

I Play Games!Salon BGaming

Spirituality Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with your fellow believers!

Black Girls Can Fly!

Kid's Room, Salon CKid's Room

How do we tell Black girls that they are beautiful, smart, and worthy of pursing their dreams when they live in a world that is set up against them? On the heels of sold-out runs with MPAACT Theatre’s Summer Jams at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and the Atlanta Black Theater Festival, director, educator, and playwright, Sydney Chatman presents her inspirational and award-winning production, Black Girls (Can) Fly!

Recreating Wakanda: Leveraging the Black Panther Movie as a Community Building Tool

Allison ManswellSalon C Room 3Panels

This session takes a deep dive into the Black Panther movie as a tool toleverage the messages and momentum as a movement to build our community. Specifically, it addresses themes related to our communities, our careers, and our relationships. Participants are provided with individual actions, partnering strategies and community activities that can be implemented on a small scale to generate significant impact.

Working in Wakanda: Embracing Gender Equality in STEM

Brittany MirikiSalon C Room 1Panels

We all wish we could work in Wakanda, where women and men are treated as equals and melanin flows everywhere you go. Unfortunately, that’s often not our reality. In this event, Sistas in STEM will host an open discussion on gender equality in the STEM workforce.

Activist Networking

Salon A Room 4Networking

Come meet and mingle with your fellow community builders and activists!

Black Panther: Community, Culture, and Change

Salon C Room 3Panels

The panel will highlight dynamic intersections between The Year of the Black Panthers 1968 and The Year of the Movie Panther 2018. Topics of discussion will also include related issues of community, culture, and change throughout the African Diaspora, as well as the significant impact that the original Black Panther Party had on American and African American culture. Panelists include entertainment , lifestyle, & pop culture expert Kevin Ross, Nigerian Fashion Stylist Suzette Opara, television and content producer…

Who is Black Panther?

Jesse J. HollandSalon A Room 1Panels

Learn the secrets of T'challa that the hit Black Panther film didn't tell you from author Jesse J. Holland who wrote "Who is the Black Panther?: The Black Panther, the book that Marvel Entertainment commissioned Jesse to write for the movie.

Closer

Salon Room 1Shows and contests