The Lineup · July 18, 2026 · NJPAC, Newark
The voices defining culture, television, and the conversation, together for one night.
Creator & Showrunner · Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Sascha Penn is an American television writer and producer, best known as the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the Starz crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan. He also co-wrote the 2024 film 1992 and is developing the franchise's upcoming prequel, Power: Origins.
Journalist · Host, The Joy Reid Show
Joy Reid is a best-selling author and political journalist who hosted the Emmy-nominated, NAACP Award-winning analysis show The ReidOut on MSNBC. She now hosts The Joy Reid Show, a video podcast launched in June 2025 through her own Image Lab Media Group.
Communications Exec · Former SVP, Peacock
Traci Saulsberry is a veteran communications executive who built and led Peacock's communications team as Senior Vice President. A former NBC vice president by age 27, she now works as a leadership coach, author, and brand consultant helping founders and executives sharpen their storytelling.
Actor · Founder, Microhouse Films
Taye Diggs is a Broadway and screen actor known for originating Benny in Rent and starring in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Best Man franchise, and the CW's All American. In 2026 he launched the vertical drama studio Microhouse Films.
Tony & Grammy Winner · Raq Thomas, Raising Kanan
Patina Miller is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer who won the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical for the 2013 revival of Pippin. She stars as Raq Thomas on Power Book III: Raising Kanan, after roles in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay films and Madam Secretary.
Actress · American Horror Story, Popular
Leslie Grossman is an American actress and frequent Ryan Murphy collaborator, best known for Mary Cherry on Popular, Lauren on What I Like About You, and multiple roles across FX's American Horror Story. The Los Angeles native married Power showrunner Sascha Penn in 2025.
Actor · Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Mekai Curtis is an actor best known for his starring role as Kanan Stark in STARZ's hit series Power Book III: Raising Kanan. A New Jersey native, his credits also include Arrested Development, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and Milo Murphy's Law.
Actor · "Michael," "How to Die Alone"
KeiLyn Durrell Jones is an American actor of screen and stage, known for playing Terrance in Natasha Rothwell’s Hulu comedy How to Die Alone and bodyguard Bill Bray in the 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael. His earlier credits include Succession and Better Call Saul.
Actor · Marvin in "Raising Kanan"
London Brown is an actor and stand-up comedian best known for playing Marvin Thomas on the Starz crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan. He previously starred as Reggie opposite Dwayne Johnson on HBO’s Ballers, and tours nationally as a comedian and impressionist.
Producer · Co-Founder, Microhouse Films
Shelby Stone is an Emmy Award-winning film and television producer, co-founder of Microhouse Films, and executive producer of the acclaimed Showtime series The Chi. Her work has earned recognition from the Emmys, Golden Globes, NAACP, GLAAD, and Peabody Awards.
Actor & Producer · Co-Founder, Microhouse Films
Troy Brookins is an actor, producer, and co-founder of Microhouse Films, known for his roles in All American, The Quad, Euphoria, and Young Sheldon. His work across television and film continues to showcase his versatility as both a performer and storyteller.
Director · Newark Office of Film and TV
Desiree Hadley serves as Director of the Newark Office of Film and TV, supporting productions and fostering opportunities within Newark's creative economy. With a background in journalism, public relations, and media leadership, she previously served as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Urban Girl Magazine.
Culture Expert · Queer Eye, Host of Karamo
Karamo Brown is the Emmy Award-winning culture expert on Queer Eye, host of the nationally syndicated Karamo, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of today's most recognizable voices in television.
Producer · 3x Tony Winner, Ragtime Revival
Lamar Richardson is a three-time Tony Award-winning producer whose work spans Broadway, film, and television. This year, he made history as the youngest Black lead producer to win the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for Ragtime.
Actor · Beauty in Black
Xavier Smalls is an actor and filmmaker known for his role as Angel in Tyler Perry's hit Netflix drama Beauty in Black. He has continued to build momentum with roles in Picture Perfect and Tyler Perry's Madea's Destination Wedding, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's emerging talents.
Mayor of the City of Newark
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka is the 40th Mayor of Newark and is currently serving his third term. A Newark native, educator, author, and nationally recognized leader in urban revitalization, Mayor Baraka has focused his administration on public safety, affordable housing, economic growth, education, and community development. Under his leadership, Newark has advanced major initiatives to reduce crime, address homelessness, expand opportunity, and strengthen the city’s arts and cultural landscape.
July 18, 2026
Limited seats at NJPAC Theater in Newark, New Jersey.
