The Creative Class NYC revealed the 2024 cohort as a kickoff celebration of Black culture shifters and leaders. Presented by Max, the new roster includes those in tech, art, entertainment, fashion, and social goods. “Max is excited to join forces once again with The Creative Collective team to highlight the next generation of incredible Black creatives and leaders,” says Jackie Gagne, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, HBO and Max. “By spotlighting these exceptional individuals, we celebrate the vibrant and influential voices that Black culture shifters bring to various industries.”
With partnerships including Gucci Changemakers North America, Prime Video, and Topicals, these powerhouses are the ones making brands pay attention to the need for diversity and inclusion in the creative space. “We’re on a mission to platform pioneering Black creatives and celebrate their countless contributions and lasting impact,” says Founder and CEO of The Creative Collective, Imani Ellis. “The remarkable impact of these culture-shifters truly uplifts us while inspiring the next generation of world-changing dreamers to relentlessly pursue their own dreams.”
Through various initiatives, The Creative Collective thrives on developing a community for Black and Brown creatives and equipping them with the tools to thrive in the industry. Born from the mind of Ellis’ apartment in 2017 she continues to have the same drive and passion to help the future creative class. “We continue to be inspired by the limitless creativity and impact made by our community,” Ellis says.
The list includes Gen Z’ers like environmentalist Wawa Gatheru, Gen Z Historian Kahlil Greene and Nandi Howard, VP Content EV & Senior Content Director ECI, Essence. These creatives have emerged as powerful forces, making incredible cultural and societal impact. Scroll ahead and see the creative class of 2024.
Social Good
Charles Kuykendoll, General Manager of Community, Blavity Inc.
Damilare Kujembola and Timi Adeyeba, CoFounder and COO, Amplify Africa
Derrick “DT” Thomas, Partner, Community & Strategic Partnerships
John Petty III, Executive Creative Director
Kahlil Greene, The Gen Z Historian
Marva and Myriam Babel, Founder Babel Loft, Babel Gin, and Ode to Babel
Qween Jean, Founder of Black Trans Liberation
Wawa Gatheru, Founder & Executive Director
Entertainment & Arts
Calvin Clausell, Artist / Actor
Coco Jones, Singer, Songwriter & Actress
Crystal Reneé, Actress, Podcast Host, Philanthropist
Daniel Taylor, Co-Founder & CEO of Bags
DeAndre Brown, Content Creator & Entrepreneur
Hannah Traore, Founder/Director, Hannah Traore Gallery
Jean Elie, Actor Writer Producer
Jocelyn Bioh, Writer & Performer
Josef Adamu, Creative Director
Khris Riddick-Tynes, Multi Platinum Producer/Writer, Co-Head Urban & VP A&R Arista Records
Nandi Howard, VP Content EV & Senior Content Director ECI, Essence
SAMOHT, Artist
Nicholas Fuler, Art Director and Graphic Designer
Joy Ofodu, Voice Actor & Creator CEO
Beauty & Fashion
Ah-Niyah Gold, Founder & CEO
Asia Milia Ware, Fashion and Beauty Writer / New York Magazine’s The Cut
Dex Robinson, Stylist & Designer
Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, Founder & CEO of Ami Colé
Justin Blanco, Product Designer / Illustrator
Kia Davidson, Stylist and Content Creator
Melissa Samuel, Founder and CEO, FinesseYourClaws
Michael Graham, Owner of Savant Studios
Ryan Clark, Style Specialist
Sean Garrette, Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
Skylar Kearney, Creative Strategist, Storyteller
Health & Wellness
Billy Chapata, Best Selling Author, Writer & Poet
Elyse Galloway, Senior Vice President, Edelman – Health
Jenné Claiborne, Vegan chef & Cookbook Author
Joel Bervell, Science Communicator / “Medical Mythbuster”
Joseph Awuah-Darko, Artist, Curator and Writer
Lindsey Rachel, Author and Photographer
Michell Clark, Writer & Speaker
Shahem Mclaurin, Licensed Therapist & Social Worker
Entrepreneurship + Tech
Bimma WIlliams, Freelance Interviewer & Personal Branding Expert
Deniese Davis, CEO/Founder, Reform Media Group and Co-Founder, ColorCreative
Duke Alexander Moore, EA – CEO & Founder of Duke Tax
Everette Taylor, CEO, Kickstarter
Iddris Sandu, Founder and Entrepreneur
Mandy Bowman, Founder, Official Black Wall Street
Ameer Brown, President & Co-Founder, Breakr
Daniel Taylor, Co-Founder & CEO of Bags
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.