FRIDAY

FREE 7PM - 9PM ET

SATURDAY PANELS

11am – 12pm EST

Africa Risen: African Speculative Fiction from Ghana to Gambia

Sandra Jackson-Opoku, Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga, Kemi Ashing-Giwa, Zelda Knight, and Isis Asare

Octavia Butler Room

The "Africa Risen: African Speculative Fiction from Ghana to Gambia" panel serves as a captivating exploration of the vibrant and evolving landscape of speculative fiction emerging from the diverse tapestry of Sub-Saharan Africa. This intellectual journey delves into the imaginations of writers and creators of the African diaspora, unraveling the rich narratives that weave together traditional folklore, contemporary issues, and futuristic visions.

Wonder-filled Worlds: Worldbuilding for Children

Vashti Harrison, Cerece Rennie Murphy, Greg Burnham, B. Sharise Moore, Eden Royce

Dwayne McDuffie Room

Children of color deserve stories that spark their imagination and fuel their minds with infinite possibilities. Yet, all too often the stories with characters that look like them are centered around tragic narratives that don’t foster a joyful heart. Our panelists discuss the techniques and the mission behind their magical stories and what it takes to bring elevated narratives to young readers.

12 NOON

FLOOR SHOW OPENS!!!

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

12:00pm – 12:30pm EST

Ebony Xscape Productions (Vendor Floor 2)
Making Magic and Myth - Afrofuturism Novel Reading and Learning How to Tell Your Story

Patron Hunt (Vendor Floor 3)

Join author Tobias Buckell as he talks about the evolution of Afro-futurism since the debut of his groundbreaking novel Crystal Rain was published in 2006.

12:30pm – 1:30pm EST

Behind the Panel: How to Draw Black Hair

Odunze Whyte Oguguo

Octavia Butler Room

Learn the art of drawing beautiful black hair textures from renowned manga artist Odunze Whyte Oguguo in this special segment sponsored by Wacom. With over 500,000 YouTube subscribers and as co-founder of Saturday AM, Oguguo is acclaimed worldwide for manga creations like his series "Apple Black." Now see this imaginative creator showcase locks, coils, curls, and more as he unveils tips and techniques for stunning illustrations. Attendees will gain insight into depicting different hair types. Whether a beginner doodler or professional comic artist, don't miss the chance to pick up valuable skills from this inventive, tablet-wielding storyteller shaping diverse visual narratives.

Train ‘Em Right: The Importance of Fiction for Black Kids

Eden Royce, Karen Strong, DaVaun Sanders, and Lamar Giles

Dwayne McDuffie Room

We as the village raising Black kids in a world that is increasingly dangerous have to cover so many angles when preparing our kids for the "Real World." There are many books on the shelves that teach kids about the lives of significant historical figures but how can we also provide our kids a childhood of fun, wonder, and possibility along with the warnings they need to stay safe? Fiction can help provide escapism, show kids they have a history and folklore to be proud of, and give them a sense of adventure no matter what their circumstances. Kid-lit authors Maurice Broaddus, Karen Strong, DaVaun Sanders, and Eden Royce discuss why they wrote their books for young readers and how introducing your kids to fiction early can help give them a sense of strength and confidence that the world seems to always be seeking to tear away

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

1:30pm – 2:00pm EST

EarthTone Kingdom (Vendor Floor 2)

From the page to the stage: How to Curate a Career in Comics

Great Gale (Vendor Floor 2)

Afrofuturism Manga Reading + Q&A by Mangaka Euwarnii Hughes - BOLDSAGA Ch 1

Andrea Rose Washington (Vendor Floor 1)

From Idea to Print: How to get your story idea out of your head and into the hands of readers! Attendees will receive access to a free, unreleased guide to walk them through the process.

2pm – 3pm EST

Crafting the Story: The Art of Collaboration in the Modern Writers Room

Victor Lavalle, Cody Ziglar, Malcolm Barrett, Jay Washington, LaToya Morgan

Octavia Butler Room

Join accomplished Hollywood writers for a dynamic panel discussion delving into the evolution of the famed "writers room" and the art of collaborative storytelling. Our panel, hosted by comedian and actor Jay Washington, brings a wealth of experience working in writers rooms and writing for popular TV shows. They'll discuss how writers rooms have changed over the years, especially with regards to diversity and inclusion and how a diverse perspective can bring more authentic creativity. The panelists will also explore adapting books, podcasts and other source material into compelling filmed entertainment. Our panelists will give candid insight into the creative alchemy, joyful chaos, and teamwork required to craft memorable stories in the modern writers room.

Sculpting Fiction: Crafting Fantasy from Reality

Karama Horne, N.K. Jemisin

Dwayne McDuffie Room

Join writer, podcaster, and Virtuous Con producer Karama Horne in a live discussion with triple Hugo Award-winning fantasy author N.K. Jemisin, known for her acclaimed "Broken Earth Trilogy" and "Great Cities" Duology. They will explore the art of worldbuilding and character development. Jemisin will share her expertise on seamlessly integrating real-world elements into fictional narratives, providing valuable tips and techniques for authentically weaving these elements into stories while striking a balance between imagination and reality. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the creative process behind crafting compelling narratives.

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

3:00pm – 3:30pm EST

Dream Fury Comics (Vendor Floor 2)

Setting up Your Online Shopify Comic Store

Rhythm & Noise Productions (Vendor Floor 2)

How to go from idea to show. Understanding the ins and outs of independent genre filmmaking.

Patron Hunt (Vendor Floor 3)

Culture: Beyond Set Dressing. Writer Kanishk Tantia and The Dread Machine editor Alin Walker share insights on avoiding tokenism, authentically integrating culture into fiction, and the art of submitting to literary magazines.

3:30pm – 4:30pm EST

The Magic of Iyanu: The creation of an animated series

Roye Okupe, David Steward II, Brandon Easton, Karama Horne, Kerri Grant

Octavia Butler Room

Journey into the magical world of Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the highly anticipated animated series inspired by West African folklore, soon premiering on Cartoon Network and MAX. This exclusive Virtuous Con panel sponsored by Academy Award-winning production studio Lion Forge Entertainment reveals an inside look at bringing this groundbreaking show from its comic book inception to animated adaptation.  Host Karama Horne (@theblerdgurl) leads a discussion with Iyanu creator Roye Okupe (YouNeek Studios), Lion Forge Animation CEO David Steward II (Hair Love), veteran animation writer and producer Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins, Ada Twist Scientist), and “Iyanu” lead series writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy). This creative discussion pulls back the curtain on the production process and how young heroine Iyanu went fromAward-winning graphic novel to animated series. Fans will also get an exclusive first look at Iyanu: Child of Wonder in this can’t miss panel!

Board and Bag: Making a living in comics

David Crownson, Aaron Perine, TJ Sterling, and Karla Medrano

Dwayne McDuffie Room

Join us for "Board and Bag: Making a Living in Comics," where we've gathered award-winning comic book creators to discuss the practical aspects of sustaining a career in the industry. From navigating the creative process to understanding the business side of comics, our panelists will share valuable insights and strategies for aspiring professionals. Whether you're an artist, writer, or both, this discussion will provide a wealth of knowledge on how to thrive in the world of comic book creation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain first-hand advice from seasoned experts in the field.

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

4:30pm – 5:00pm EST

Great Gale (Vendor Floor 2)

Self-Publishing Secrets with Euwarnii Hughes: How to Create Your Dream Manga Series

Jocelyn Short (Vendor Floor 1)

Crafting Stronger Character Designs for Artists and Writers. A brief explanation and demo on the process of getting from generic character designs to strong and grounded characters that will champion your stories and projects.

5pm – 6pm EST

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

6:00pm – 6:30pm EST

EarthTone Kingdom (Vendor Floor 2)

From the page to the stage: How to Curate a Career in Comics

Patron Hunt (Vendor Floor 3)

The Self and Other: award-winning author Eugen Bacon will share about herself, her black writing, do some readings and take Q&As.

6pm – 7pm EST

FLOOR SHOW OPEN UNTIL 7PM

SUNDAY PANELS

11am – 12pm EST

A Black Horror History

Sharai Bohannon, Kat Daddy, Jazz "The 40oz Connoisseur”, The Evol Tyrone, and Xero Gravity (M)

Octavia Butler Room

Join the best of the East Coast Horror community for a discussion on the love-hate Black history in horror cinema. From “Night of the Living Dead” 1968, to Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and beyond, we got you covered. Don’t look away!

12 noon

FLOOR SHOW OPENS!

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

12:00pm – 12:30pm EST

Great Gale (Vendor Floor 2)

Marketing your Dream Story with Euwarnii Hughes

Patron Hunt (Vendor Floor 3)

AMA - Lesley Conner, editor-in-chief of Apex Magazine. Lesley will discuss some of her favorite Afro-futurism stories from Apex Magazine, why they appealed to her, and what she hopes to see in her slush pile from BIPOC writers.

Andrea Rose Washington (Vendor Floor 1)

From Idea to Print: How to get your story idea out of your head and into the hands of readers! Attendees will receive access to a free, unreleased guide to walk them through the process.

12:30pm – 1:30pm EST

Emote Class with Yung Khan

Yung Khan

Octavia Butler Room

If you've explored Twitch, you're aware of the immense popularity and profitability of creating emotes. Join artist Khan Kane in this Wacom-sponsored demonstration, as he shares his skills on emote creation, transforming your hobby into a lucrative business!

Sankofa: Historical Influences in Speculative Fiction

Tananarive Due, Jarvis Bernard Sheffield, L. Penelope, Rachel Howzell Hall, Daniel José Older

Dwayne McDuffie Room

Embark on a magical journey with our panel of award-winning writers who have harnessed the diaspora as their muse. Join us for a captivating exploration of fantasy storytelling rooted in ancestral mythology and cultural heritage. Discover how these celebrated authors weave their diaspora-inspired narratives.

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

1:30pm – 2:00pm EST

EarthTone Kingdom (Vendor Floor 2)

From the page to the stage: How to Curate a Career in Comics

Dream Fury Comics (Vendor Floor 2)

Setting up Your Online Shopify Comic Store

Patron Hunt (Vendor Floor 3)

AMA - Jason Sizemore - editor-in-chief of Apex Books. Jason will discuss some of his favorite Afro-futurism works and what he hopes to see in his slush pile from BIPOC writers in the future.

2pm – 3pm EST

Pens of Protest: Speaking the Truth in the Age of Banned Books

Mikki Kendall, Ibi Zoboi, Frederick Joseph, Janicia Francis

Octavia Butler Room

This compelling panel discussion features award-winning authors who have experienced the banning of their books. Moderated by cultural critic, producer and host Janicia Francis, the panel includes Fred Joseph, ("Your Black Friend,") Mikki Kendall, ("Hood Feminism,") and Ibi Zoboi ("American Street.,”)in a frank discussion about censorship, activism and the importance of upholding freedom of expression. This thought-provoking conversation promises to shed light on the impact of book banning and the power of literature in addressing critical social issues. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with these influential voices.

Father.Son.Galaxy. Why Our Voices Matter

Kerwin Yarde, Keith Yarde, Tanya Manning-Yarde

Dwayne McDuffie Room

Star Wars fans are the best in the world, but we felt something was missing...there are not enough people in the fandom who look like us.  We will discuss why we started our podcast, what we bring to the table and why it's important for the fandom to embrace diversity and representation.

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

3:00pm – 3:30pm EST

Great Gale (Vendor Floor 2)

Are You 3 Feet from Gold? Unlocking your book breakthrough with Euwarnii Hughes

Jocelyn Short (Vendor Floor 1)

Crafting Stronger Character Designs for Artists and Writers. A brief explanation and demo on the process of getting from generic character designs to strong and grounded characters that will champion your stories and projects.

3:30pm – 4:30pm EST

VENDOR WORKSHOPS

4:30pm – 5:00pm EST

Ebony Xscape Productions (Vendor Floor 2)

Making Magic and Myth - Afrofuturism Novel Reading and Learning How to Tell Your Story

Rhythm & Noise Productions (Vendor Floor 2)

How to go from idea to show. Understanding the ins and outs of independent genre filmmaking.