The Beverly Hilton Hotel came alive on November 1, 2024, as The Merge Summit took center stage, bringing together a global gathering of individuals eager to learn from and connect with top artists, executives, and industry insiders. Founded by Dr. Holly Carter, President and CEO of Relevé Entertainment, The Merge Summit has established itself as a premier educational and empowerment experience where men and women of faith explore the intersection of spirituality and entertainment. Co-founded by Robi Reed and co-chaired by Traci Blackwell, the summit showcased a dynamic range of master classes, workshops, and live entertainment that resonated with attendees.
Master Classes that Inspired and Empowered
This year’s summit offered a stellar lineup of master classes that left attendees motivated and informed. The day began with “The Business of the Business,” featuring a distinguished panel of industry heavyweights, including Traci Blackwell, Amber Rasberry, Nkechi Carroll, Odetta Watkins, Will Catlett, and Eric Dean Seaton. Each shared invaluable insights on building sustainable careers in film, television, and emerging media, tackling challenges, and adapting in a constantly evolving entertainment landscape.
In “Brother 2 Brother Conversation,” Black men were invited into a powerful and honest discussion about identity, health, and wellness. Spearheaded by the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) and powered by AHF, the session was led by Melvin Robert, Dr. Lamman Rucker, Chris Spencer, Norm Nixon, and Dr. Carl Millner. This conversation encouraged participants to foster unity, reduce health stigmas, and build supportive, holistic bonds among Black men.
The “Moment with a Mogul” session featured Lemuel Plummer in conversation with Nick Cannon. Plummer, a trailblazer behind one of the largest Black-owned streaming platforms, shared his journey of transforming his vision into a media empire. His candid discussion on trials, strategies, and successes offered attendees rare insights into entrepreneurial media leadership.
One of the day’s many enlightening sessions included “Journey of a Song: Songwriters, Artistry, and Publishing,” which took attendees deep into the world of music creation. Led by Jon Platt, Warryn Campbell, and Nisan Stewart, this master class offered a rare look into the songwriter-publisher relationship and the elements that make a song timeless. From advice on collaborating to insights into music publishing, this session encouraged attendees to embrace their creativity while understanding the business side of the industry.
A Celebration of Disney’s Tiana
Another exciting and heartwarming moment of the summit was “Celebrating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney Parks,” featuring Carmen Smith, Nzinga Blake, and the inimitable Jenifer Lewis. In a standout moment, Lewis serenaded the audience with “Dig a Little Deeper,” performing her iconic song while joyfully interacting with the crowd. The session celebrated the cultural impact and authentic storytelling behind Disney’s new Tiana attraction, and Lewis’ spirited performance highlighted the importance of meaningful representation in entertainment.
A Spiritually Profound Conclusion
The summit’s closing session, “Entertainment and the Prophetic,” left an indelible mark on attendees. Actress Edwina Findley led a panel featuring Derek Luke, his wife Sophia Luke, Prophetess Shanna Meneghin, and Prophetess Crystal Tolbert. The discussion explored how to hear and follow God’s guidance in the entertainment industry. Derek Luke shared his journey of faith, moving through the audience to testify about the role of divine obedience in his success, both in his acting career and his life as a family man. This spiritually charged session underscored the transformative power of faith and purpose.
Empowerment Through Purpose and Passion
The Merge Summit 2024 was a testament to Dr. Holly Carter’s vision of blending faith and the arts. Attendees left the Beverly Hilton feeling inspired, enlightened, and equipped to pursue their dreams through the lens of faith. Through master classes, live performances, and deeply personal testimonies, the summit proved once again that it is more than an event—it’s a powerful movement for faith, purpose, and empowerment in the entertainment world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Business of the Business: Industry leaders shared strategies for success and adaptation in entertainment.
- Brother 2 Brother Conversation: A space for Black men to connect, discuss wellness, and reduce stigmas.
- Moment with a Mogul: Lemuel Plummer’s story of building a Black-owned streaming platform inspired entrepreneurs.
- Celebrating Tiana: Jenifer Lewis and Disney’s team highlighted the impact of representation in entertainment.
Written by Mark Winkler
