Dream Con Celebrates the Black Trailblazers in Entertainment for 2025

For Black History Month, we’re highlighting three incredible trailblazers who are making their mark on the entertainment industry with their talent and dedication: 

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an Afro-Latino actor, playwright, and director. He’s known for his work in movies such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and his roles in TV series such as Fear the Walking Dead and Euphoria. He has also voiced Norman Osborn in the animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. 

‍

Domingo has received critical acclaim and recognition for his recent role in his self-produced independent film Sing Sing (2024) and two NAACP Image Awards: one for his role in The Color Purple (2023) and Rustin (2023). Domingo’s work reflects his commitment to representing Black LGBTQ+ stories in the industry, empowering these communities to advocate for social justice and equity. 

DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise is known for her dynamic role as Nola Darling in the series She’s Gotta Have It (2017-2019), recognized for portraying a complex, Black female character who is unapologetically herself. The role earned her a nomination at the Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Actress in 2019. 

‍

More recently, Wise has starred in films such as Imaginary (2024), Jurassic World Dominion (2022), The Harder They Fall (2021), and Fatherhood (2021). Historically, she has gravitated to roles that explore the complexities of Black life and actively supports and collaborates with other Black artists both in front of and behind the camera. 

Shaboozey

A rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, Shaboozey blends diverse genres like hip-hop, country, and rock to create a unique sound. At the recent 67th Annual Grammy Awards, he received five nominations for his work: Best Country Song, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, and Best Country Solo Performance for his single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, and Best Melodic Rap Performance for his feature in “SPAGHETTII” from Beyoncé’s most recent album Cowboy Carter. He was also nominated for Outstanding New Artist at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. 

‍

Shaboozey’s impressive rise to fame in country music, historically dominated by white artists, is a significant step towards greater representation and inclusion in the industry. His success has shown that Black artists can thrive in any genre, challenging traditional boundaries and opening doors for future generations.

‍

Next article: Dream Con Celebrates the Game-Changers in the Gaming Industry for 2025!