About this Event
This isn’t just a panel — it’s a vibe. And a declaration.
Join us for an evening of real talk, cocktails, culture, and connection at SETTING THE STANDARD, the official panel discussion mixer kicking off the 7th annual LOCnificent Fest. Now in its second year, this signature event brings together dynamic speakers, creative leaders, and a curated crowd of natural hair lovers, beauty professionals, and cultural changemakers.
In 2025, with DEI on the defensive and Black narratives under pressure, SETTING THE STANDARD is more than an event—it’s an act of cultural preservation. Under this year’s theme — We Are the Blueprint — we’ll unpack what it means to shape, protect, and elevate Black culture on our own terms. From hair and heritage to business, branding, and beyond, this conversation will explore the power of setting our own standards — and building new ones rooted in legacy and liberation.
What to Expect:
✨ Main Panel: We Are the Standard: Shaping Culture on Our Terms — a bold discussion with visionaries.
✨ Fireside Chats:
"My Crown, My Career” — Authentic identity in professional spaces
“The Culture is the Brand” — Building culturally-rooted brands under scrutiny
✨ Plus: Music, networking, signature cocktails, and interavtive experiences that keep culture in motion.
Protect and elevate our legacy—this isn’t just an evening. It’s our standard.
__________________________________________________________________________
Make it a full LOCnificent weekend!This panel kicks off a powerful two-part experience. Join us again on Sunday, October 5 for LOCnificent Fest 7.0 — a vibrant celebration of locs, natural hair, and Black brilliance featuring live performances, DJs, a cultural marketplace, and more.
🎟️ Combo tickets are only available on the main festival event page:Get your LOCnificent Fest 7.0 or combo tickets here
Programming Schedule
🕑: 06:00 PM
The Blueprint Welcome Hour
Info: Kick off the evening with a complimentary specialty beverage, curated sounds from our DJ, and interactive experiences that set the tone for connection and celebration. Arrive early to vibe, explore, and tap into the energy before the main program begins.
🕑: 06:50 PM
Fireside Chat: "My Crown. My Career: Navigating Spaces Authentically"
Host: Lovaeta K. Amoako
Info: Lovaeta K. Amoako's (Founder of LOCnificent Fest) personal take on how to maintain authenticity—visually and professionally—especially through natural hair and locs, while navigating changing DEI landscapes and societal expectations.
🕑: 07:15 PM
Panel Discussion: “We Are the Standard: Shaping Culture on Our Terms”
Host: Tsedale M. Melaku, Ph.D.
Info: In a world constantly trying to co-opt Black brilliance, this conversation is a declaration of ownership. From beauty and branding to business and community, our panelists will unpack what it means to not just participate in culture, but to shape it — intentionally, boldly, and unapologetically.
Together, we’ll explore how we define success, protect our narratives, and build new standards rooted in legacy and liberation. This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a cultural pulse check and a call to keep raising the bar on our own terms.
🕑: 08:05 PM
Fireside Chat: “The Culture is the Brand: Building with Integrity"
Info: This conversation tackles how to build a brand, platform, or movement that’s deeply rooted in Black culture — and how to stay true when the world wants to water it down. It’s a bold convo about ownership, cultural preservation, and leading with purpose over profit.
🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
The Blueprint Social Hour
Info: Wind down with intention and joy. Enjoy cocktails, curated music, lite bites, and interactive moments designed to spark meaningful connection. This is where the culture connects — and the blueprint builds forward.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
BKLYN Commons, 495 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
USD 23.18 to USD 28.52
