Soul Power is a 2008 documentary film about the Zaire 74 music festival in Kinshasa which accompanied the Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight boxing championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in October 1974. The film was made from archival footage; other footage shot at the time focusing on the fight was edited to form the film When We Were Kings.

*Pre-Show DJ Set provide by Dammit Wesley – 6:30pm – 7:10pm.

Dammit Wesley is a multidisciplinary artist, graphic designer, DJ, and events curator whose work explores themes of race, identity, and American consumerism through painting, printmaking, digital design, and immersive experiences. Blending fine art with contemporary culture, his practice spans visual storytelling, creative direction, music, and community-centered programming. Whether behind the decks, curating events, or creating artwork, Wesley is committed to fostering connection, conversation, and bold creative expression.

Post-Film Discussion with Panelists:

Jasiatic Usher is a Charlotte-based multidisciplinary creative, cultural curator, and community builder whose work exists at the intersection of music, art, food, culture, and social connection. She is the founder and creative force behind Su Casa, Charlotte’s long-running Afro-fusion dance party, which she originally launched as a house party before growing it into a beloved cultural gathering celebrating the sounds and traditions of the African diaspora.

More than a dance party, Su Casa has become a platform for artists, musicians, DJs, vendors, and creatives to connect, collaborate, and build community. Her influence on Charlotte’s independent creative and nightlife scene has been recognized for more than a decade, with her work inspiring generations of local artists and cultural organizers. She is also the creator of Liberation Dinners and has been involved in plant-based food pop-ups, food history education, and transitional plant-based coaching.

JJ Rose is a multi talented Congolese American artist, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Charlotte. He is a singer, rapper, and also plays a variety of instruments. Music has been a passion of his since childhood, and has played a huge role in developing him as a person. He has been releasing music over three years, with his first project “Rebel with a Reason” was released in 2023 , and his latest project  “Tales of a caterpillar” was released in 2026 . He also is a member of an upcoming band in Charlotte called Tyvola, as well as T.$.T, which is a rap group making waves in the city. His goals are to not only to create the best work possible as an artist, but also help create change his community in Charlotte and back home in the Congo.

Lashawnda Becoats is a woman of business, storyteller, over 50 model, entrepreneur, and the founder of Run Toward Your Life®, a lifestyle brand built around one simple idea: life is meant to be lived boldly, authentically, and on your own terms. 

Her own “run toward your life” moment came during the pandemic, when Lashawnda decided it was time to stop escape the rat race about run toward freedom. She packed her bags, moved to Grenada in the West Indies, and walked away from her career as Editor-in-Chief of Pride Magazine in Charlotte, North Carolina, to create a life that looked and felt more like her. 

Today, Lashawnda uses her platform to encourage women—especially women over 40—to rethink what aging, success, beauty, relationships, and freedom can look like. From proudly rocking her naturally gray crown and traveling the world to sharing style, laughter, life lessons, she has built a community around showing up as yourself—without apology. 

In addition to Run Toward Your Life®, Lashawnda works professionally as a brand manager bringing her background in media, storytelling, communications, and brand development to her work. 

Thierry “TK” Kabuya is an entrepreneur, U.S.–Africa strategic partnerships advisor, and Founder and Owner of Kingdom of Legends LLC, a creative media and entertainment company focused on developing culturally authentic stories for global audiences. He is the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of The Shadow of Coltan, a Congolese-created graphic novel and developing animated property that brings attention to child labor, exploitation, and the human stories behind the critical minerals that power modern technology.
With a background in technology and cybersecurity, Thierry also works in African strategic partnerships and business development, helping connect companies, institutions, and opportunities between the United States and Africa. His work sits at the intersection of business, technology, storytelling, and social impact, with a particular commitment to elevating African stories and perspectives.

Moderator: Eric Ndelo is a Charlotte-born Congolese-American creative, entrepreneur, and the founder and creative director of DRC ApeParel, a global streetwear and lifestyle brand rooted in Congolese culture, Pan-African identity, and social consciousness. A graduate of North Carolina State University with degrees in Digital Media Production and Electrical Engineering, Ndelo uses fashion, design, and screen printing as tools for storytelling, cultural connection, and social awareness. His work has helped establish DRC ApeParel as a distinctive voice in Charlotte’s creative community, celebrating global street culture while amplifying stories from Africa and the African diaspora.

Promotional Support from DRC ApeParel.