How Black Creatives Continue to Shape Atlanta’s Global Influence

Part 3 of the ATL Culture Without Borders series | A Historically Black Since Original Series

Atlanta’s influence cannot be measured by its skyline alone. It can be heard through its music, seen in its media, felt through its entrepreneurship, and experienced through the creatives who continue to shape conversations around the world.

That influence was on full display during the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, where artists, media personalities, entrepreneurs, athletes, and community leaders came together to celebrate the city that has become one of the world’s leading cultural capitals.

For Historically Black Since, one theme stood out throughout the Exchange. Many of the voices helping tell Atlanta’s story also share deep connections to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Those connections continue to demonstrate the lasting impact HBCUs have on the city’s creative economy. A few of the Black creatives that were a part of the Atlanta Cultural Exchange Experience included:

Rashan Ali

A graduate of Florida A&M University, Rashan Ali has become one of Atlanta’s most respected media personalities. Throughout her career in radio, television, and sports media, she has consistently used her platform to highlight stories that matter while opening doors for future generations of Black journalists and communicators.

During the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, Ali joined the Unapologetically Influential: The Women Who Defined Atlanta’s Media Culture,” conversation, sharing perspectives on the women who have helped shape Atlanta’s media landscape and cultural identity.

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Devyne Stephens

Legendary music executive dubbed “the Berry Gordy of this generation,” Devyne Stephens has worked with a plethora of some of your favorite artists. During his Atlanta Cultural Exchange session , Stephens took attendees on a journey through Atlanta’s history, showing how music, entrepreneurship, and relationships helped transform the city into a global cultural powerhouse.

Dani Canada

Dani Canada, a graduate of Hampton University, has built a career at the intersection of media, culture, and storytelling. She continues to represent the next generation of HBCU educated journalists making an impact both locally and nationally.

Canada also served as host of one of the Atlanta Cultural Exchange’s networking receptions, helping create opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections among attendees.

Killer Mike

Long before becoming a Grammy Award winning artist and entrepreneur, Killer Mike attended Morehouse College, one of Atlanta’s most storied HBCUs. Although his career ultimately took him into music and business, his connection to the institution reflects Atlanta’s longstanding relationship with HBCUs and the city’s tradition of cultivating influential Black leaders.

During the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, Killer Mike participated in a fireside conversation reflecting on Atlanta’s influence, leadership, and cultural legacy, offering attendees insight into the city that helped shape his journey.

Kenny Burns

For decades, Kenny Burns has helped shape Atlanta’s entertainment and lifestyle industries through media, branding, and entrepreneurship. His work has elevated countless artists and brands while reinforcing Atlanta’s reputation as a destination where creativity and business intersect.

His appearance during the Atlanta Cultural Exchange highlighted the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and building lasting cultural impact.

Jaylen Brown

As an NBA champion, entrepreneur, and advocate, Jaylen Brown represents a new generation of leaders using sports as a platform for education, innovation, and community development. His conversation during the Exchange reflected Atlanta’s continued commitment to investing in ideas that extend beyond athletics.

Trinidad James

Atlanta’s music scene has long influenced popular culture around the world, and Trinidad James is among the artists who have contributed to that legacy. His performance during the Atlanta Cultural Exchange celebrated the city’s musical heritage while reminding audiences why Atlanta remains one of the world’s most influential creative hubs.

Collectively, these voices represent more than individual success stories.

From HBCU graduates making their mark in journalism to artists redefining music and entrepreneurs building global brands, Atlanta’s influence continues to grow because of the people committed to telling its story.

The Atlanta Cultural Exchange provided a platform for those voices to come together.

About This Series

ATL Culture Without Borders is a Historically Black Since original editorial series exploring the people, traditions, and communities that shape Atlanta’s cultural identity. Inspired by the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, the series highlights HBCUs, Black leadership, entrepreneurship, media, and the city’s growing global influence.