Celebrating Black Creativity: How YouTube Sensation RDC World Transformed Texas with Dream Con in Three Days

From Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 the Cesar Chavez Convention Center in Downtown Austin became the eye of a pinnacle event: Dream Con '24. Organized by the internet phenomenon and influential social media group, RDCWorld1, (6.7 million subscribers on YouTube) this sixth annual convention drew over 23,000 attendees, as noted by founder Mark Phillips. RDCWorld consists of 7 members by the names of Mark Phillips, Affiong Harris, Leland Manigo, Desmond Johnson, Ben Skinner, Dylan Patel, and John Newton.

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

RDCWorld established Dream Con in 2018, hosting its inaugural event at the Waco Convention Center in Waco, TX, with only 1,000 attendees. Since then, the convention has grown exponentially, establishing itself as the only Black-owned anime and gaming convention in Texas.

Stars Align at Dreamcon

This year's convention was star-studded, featuring appearances from celebrities and creators such as Berleezy, King Vader, AMP, Sexyy Redd, EARTHGANG, Cordae, Leon Thomas, and many others. 

The event commenced on Friday with an opening ceremony, where Berleezy’s podcast, the  "SPEAKEEZY Podcast," launched with creators and SOMEBROS members, PG and Joe. The first live episode was filled with skits and engaging discussions, and even saw Berleezy humorously attempting to call fellow YouTuber CoryxKenshin, much to the delight of the audience.

Building on the excitement of the opening ceremony, the three-day convention offered attendees a diverse lineup of unforgettable events, ranging from engaging panels to dynamic live entertainment shows. Highlights included Berleezy hosting a lively game of Family Feud and RDC World presenting their unique spins on Jeopardy and Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader. 

The con also featured celebrity-packed sports events, such as the Creator League Showdown. On Friday, the Dodgeball Tournament saw RDCWorld face off against SOMEBROS, Faze, and Team Ray while Saturday featured the Creator League Basketball game, coached by Mark and AMP member Duke Dennis, with Dennis’s team clinching the win.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet their favorite creators during meet and greets and shop from various vendors, creating a vibrant marketplace for businesses and fans alike.  Beyond the panels and celebrity appearances, the event offered a virtual job fair in partnership with the career advancement platform Pearl, providing many with valuable opportunities to connect with potential employers such as Nintendo, Twitch, YouTube, Rockstar Games, and more. 

Voices of Dreamcon: Real Dreams Change The World

Dream Con also spotlighted artists and attendees, emphasizing the impact of the convention on their lives. BabyyBasquiat, a rising hip-hop artist hailing from Orange County, California shared, “I gained a lot of, not only perspective but hope in general. Growing up in the anime community, it wasn’t always like this. We didn’t have Dream Con 10 years ago; we had bullies. So, to just be in a place like this, to know it exists at all, it fills me with pride and hope in my people and everything we strive for.”

RED X was founded in August 2022.

Stated by RED X member, JuanxJulio, “RED X is the one-stop shop for everything creative.”

Based on feedback from congoers and my own experience, Dream Con emerges as a crucial space for Black creatives. This convention not only celebrates culture, creativity, and community but also provides a platform for personal connection and inspiration. For "Blerds" and fans alike, Dream Con elevates anime and gaming, offering inspiration and a chance to connect with a community that shares and celebrates your passions, while staying true to yourself.

Meeting content creators like Berleezy, Britani, and RDCWorld members was a transformative and personable experience for many attendees, myself included. It ignited a spark, shifting mindsets, and helping us discover our true purposes in life.

Dream Con co-founder and RDCWorld member, John Newton summed it up perfectly at the closing ceremony, “I thought this was going to be an anime thing only, but it’s expanded into a universe.”

Until Next Year

With the success of Dream Con 2024, anticipation for next year’s event is already building, promising even more innovation and celebration.

Thank you, Dream Con.