Future Forward
WHO’S NEXT CITY TOUR WITH JAMES WHITNER
Owner & Founder of The Whitaker Grp, James Whitner, hosted a 10-city series conversation welcoming people to join the discussions among innovators exploring the pulse and future of culture, community, art, and design, igniting a collective journey of discovery and inspiration.
With a goal of fostering meaningful relationships by inviting individuals to network and connect with each other, The Whitaker Grp will now open its spaces the last Saturday of each month at 10AM, local time. This initiative invites local leaders, creatives, and innovators to continue having these conversations and exchange ideas within our communities.
CHARLOTTE, NC
The Future Forward: Who’s Next City Tour kicked off in Charlotte, NC on 2.12, At the heart of the tour stop were Charlotte natives leading the conversation, delving into the core values, cultural importance, and ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving the rich history of the city.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
beSocial Charlotte
1519 Central Ave,
Charlotte, NC 28205
ATLANTA, GA
Atlanta infused the Future Forward: Who’s Next City Tour discussions with heartfelt passion. Natives of Atlanta led the narrative around what’s important to them, their cherished city, and its cultural heritage, one showcasing both traditional and contemporary works.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
A Ma Maniére
969 Marietta St NW #200
Atlanta, GA 30318
HOUSTON, TX
In this special edition of Future Forward for Valentine’s Day, Houston showed up in creating an unforgettable atmosphere for a pivotal tour stop. The diverse voices of Houston came together in an engaging and thought provoking conversation, weaving a dialogue of love and admiration for their city and its culture.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
beSocial Houston
818 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 104
Houston, TX 77024
TALLAHASSEE, FL
The Future Forward: Who’s Next City Tour made a significant impact during its stop at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, leaving a mark on the tour’s trajectory. With a focus on building a better future through the exchange of knowledge and personal experiences, James Whitner cultivated an environment brimming with inspiration. Here, the FAMU students shaping our cultural future came together to engage in meaningful discussions, reflecting on their diverse experiences.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
799 W Gaines St #117
Tallahassee, FL 32304
PITTSBURGH, PA
Wrapping up the first week of the tour at 38a, an art gallery space focused on serving Black, Brown, and minority creatives, James Whitner was thrilled to return to his roots in Pittsburgh. Ready to facilitate an illumination discussion in his own community, the impassioned voices of Pittsburgh steered the narrative with their perspectives on topics close to their hearts and essential to the progression of their city.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
38a
5929 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
HARLEM, NY
Week Two dawned with an enriching evening in Harlem, destined home to an upcoming A Ma Maniére location, igniting conversation that resonated deeply. Guiding the discourse was the esteemed journalist, Aria Hughes, steering the conversation into Harlem’s profound influence on culture, while community members contributed their unique insights and perspectives.
Next Virtual Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
CHICAGO, IL
In Chicago, natives took over the tour stop at Every Now and Then, a creative hub focused on supporting emerging artists across various disciplines. Driving the conversation was Joefreshgoods, who has firmly established a trail of success in the very streets of his city. Conversations echoed within the walls of Every Now and Then, amplifying the voices and narratives of the people propelling our culture forward.
Next Virtual Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
DETROIT, MI
Detroit locals gathered at Pensole Lewis College, the first and only HBCU in Michigan, where the atmosphere was charged with engaging dialogue. Joining them was President of Pensole Lewis College, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a multifaceted designer and dedicated educator with a story reflecting years of unwavering commitment and success within both his industry and local community.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 28th at 6PM
Pensole Lewis College
200 Walker St
Detroit, MI 48207
D.C.
As Future Forward made its mark in Washington D.C., renowned as the nation’s power hub and a melting pot of dynamic culture and history, the night held powerful discussions within the walls of A Ma Maniére. The voices of D.C, alongside Maurice and James Whitner, emerged as an instrumental force in moving our culture forward, adding valuable insights by sharing their experiences and stories.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
A Ma Maniére Living
1214 H St NE
Washington, DC 20002
BALTIMORE, MD
The Future Forward: Who’s Next City Tour concluded at Social Status Baltimore on 2.24, amplifying the discussions and narratives that embody the driving forces behind cultural progression. The night surged with compelling perspectives and stories, igniting sparks of inspiration and change.
Next Leadership Meeting: March 30th at 10AM
Social Status
904 S Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
If you missed the Future Forward tour events and are interested in joining the leadership committee for continued meetings in your city, please fill out the survey here.
For additional questions, please contact brand@thewhitakergrp.com.
