Main Stage

Pearl Fils-Aime also known as A Lady Named Pearl, is a fashion model, artist, and cultural leader whose work celebrates beauty, confidence, and self-expression. She launched her modeling career with the iconic Ebony Fashion Fair and has gone on to collaborate with major beauty brands while hosting and emceeing impactful events nationwide. As the founder of A Lady Named Pearl Foundation Inc., she is dedicated to uplifting women and girls through modeling, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With her vibrant energy and passion for natural beauty, Pearl brings authenticity and inspiration to the World Natural Hair Show stage.

Starting as a soulful midwestern emcee, AJ McQueen has evolved his lyricism, consciousness, and life experiences into his music. After finding his rhythm and style, AJ has developed a voice for the people. His musical inspirations range from 2Pac, Common, Nas, Lauryn Hill, and Bob Marley. With the purest intent of making an impact, AJ encourages freedom, the pursuit of truth, and raising others to their full potential through his music. As a lyrical painter given a world-sized canvas, his music is organic, transparent, poetic, challenging, and introspective — bringing a raw and captivating sound to Hip-Hop.

Angela Drew is a mother, author, and spoken word artist who has loved the rhythm of words for as long as she can remember. Born in Berkeley, CA, she began writing at age eight and has always understood that words have the power to soothe, stir, or solidify connection. Angela is the poet laureate of Modesto, CA, and the first-place slam champion of Modesto's 2021 ILL List 16. She has performed spoken word poetry across the country and is the author of ElderBerry Wine, a children's book written in poetic verse, celebrating the beauty and majesty of our elders.

Kamal Speaks is a world-renowned poet and spoken word artist celebrated for his evocative performances that delve into personal experiences and societal issues. His work addresses themes such as self-empowerment, community challenges, and the complexities of human relationships. Kamal has recently written a book, been featured on Revolt TV, and is working on a movie that includes several celebrities. He has worked with Yandy, Busta Rhymes, Michael Colyar, and many more. His commitment to addressing pertinent social topics has established him as a significant voice in contemporary poetry.

Story Teller Gordon is a Brooklyn-based, award-winning spoken word poet, storyteller, and community curator whose work blends performance, public health, and social commentary. He has performed at the Apollo Theater, Nuyorican Poets Café, SOB's, and appeared on Poetry Me Please, Voices in Power, and Write About Now. He has shared stages with Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated artists and worked with brands like Microsoft, Dove Men Care, Idealist, and TVOne. Gordon is the founder of FORM NYC and creator of An Evening with Storytellers. He is also a published author of Don't Speak for Me.

Vee Allen, poetically known as Lady Syren, is the embodiment of unapologetic feminine power with a ferocious delivery. This Philadelphia native is a multitalented writer, multi-platform host, curator, teacher, performance artist, keynote speaker, poet, and published author who stands at the intersection of creativity and empowerment. She has taken center stage at historical city events, political rallies, and festivals such as ODUNDE — the largest African American festival in America. Her biggest personal achievement is publishing her first book, Crowned in Melanin, an evocative collection of poetical musings exploring what it means to be Black in America while navigating her own womanhood.

King Malachi is a dynamic Southern Soul artist whose music fuses classic soul, R&B, Country Pop, and contemporary Southern Soul into a sound that is both timeless and modern. Hailing from Orangeburg and Marion, South Carolina, Malachi’s musical roots run deep. He grew up playing in school bands, singing in choirs, and performing with an acappella group called Phiness, experiences that sharpened his vocal control and harmony skills. Raised on a farm in a home where music mattered deeply, Malachi was influenced early by his parents. His mother was a legendary vocalist—a two- time Apollo Theater winner, lead church choir singer, and frontwoman of her own band—while his father was deeply rooted in blues music and worked as a show promoter. Together, their influence shaped Malachi’s sound and instilled in him a deep respect for musical craftsmanship. Known for his versatility, King Malachi can move effortlessly from gritty to smooth, delivering performances that are both high-energy and emotionally rich. He has shared the stage with artists such as Calvin Richardson, 803Fresh (“Mr. Boots on the Ground”), Mike Clark Jr., Future, Nellie Tiger Travis, and T.I. Whether performing in intimate venues or on larger stages, Malachi creates meaningful connections with his audience, leaving them feeling inspired, valued, and connected. Over the next 12–24 months, he is preparing to expand his reach through international touring and continued artistic growth