Dream Con Spotlights Black Icons in the Entertainment Industry

During Black History Month, we celebrate how Black artists have influenced and achieved greatness in culture, media, and entertainment. At Dream Con, where fans and creators come together to honor storytelling and imagination, we’re spotlighting entertainers whose work resonates far beyond the screen or stage. Here are three dynamic figures who are shaping the future of entertainment with talent, passion, and purpose. Each of them brings a unique voice and perspective to their craft, reminding us why representation matters now more than ever.

Miles Caton

In film and music, Miles Caton stands out as one of the brightest new talents. His breakout acting role in Sinners (2025) earned him the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer and a BAFTA Rising Star nomination, a significant achievement for a young artist early in his career. 

Caton isn’t just an actor - he’s also a singer and songwriter, having released his debut single “This Ain’t It” and co-written the track “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” for Sinners. He began performing at a young age, gaining attention on shows like Little Big Shots and The View, and first drew viral attention with his powerful rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” 

Hailing from a musical family - his mother is gospel singer Timiney Figueroa-Caton - Miles represents a new generation of Black performers blending music and storytelling with authentic heart.

Coco Jones

From her beginnings as a Disney alum, Coco Jones has blossomed into a Grammy-winning powerhouse in both R&B and acting. She won Best R&B Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards for her hit “ICU,” a song that helped cement her status as a major voice in contemporary music. Her platinum-certified work has topped charts and earned widespread acclaim, and her soulful, emotive style blends vintage soul with modern pop sensibilities. Jones has also built an acting career, notably gaining acclaim for her role as Hilary Banks in the Bel-Air reboot. 

Recently, she delivered a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem, as part of the pregame festivities at Super Bowl LX — a global platform that underscored her cultural impact and connection to Black heritage and history. 

Jones’s journey from childhood performer to multifaceted artist reflects resilience, versatility, and pride in her roots.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Renowned for his ability to imbue each role with depth and intensity, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is now considered one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation. He earned a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in Watchmen and has appeared in major films from Aquaman to The Matrix Resurrections, showcasing his range from blockbuster action to dramatic storytelling. 

Beyond film, Abdul-Mateen continues to expand his influence into television with his starring role as Simon Williams/Wonder Man in Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man series for Disney+, which debuted in early 2026 and brings a fresh take to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work highlights both the prominence and versatility of Black actors in genre storytelling and mainstream media.

During Black History Month, artists like Miles Caton, Coco Jones, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II serve as reminders that Black creativity is a potent force influencing current culture and future imagination. Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence but also the broader impact Black entertainers have on fans and communities worldwide. At Dream Con, we celebrate their journeys, their voices, and the inspiration they offer to all who dream big and create boldly.

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