The House of Afros, Capes & Curls hosts AfroCon Omaha, a day of immersive entertainment and enriching activities that blends the magic of Black culture and Nerd culture for attendees of all ages. This extraordinary, family-friendly event takes place at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus, 32nd & Sorensen Parkway Omaha, NE 68111, in building #24, the Center for Advanced & Emerging Technologies Building. AfroCon offers a diverse range of activities designed to connect people with like-minded individuals, forge new friendships, and support talented independent artists and businesses led by people of color.
From engaging panel discussions, workshops, and cosplay contests to a bustling vendor market, food trucks, kids activities, board games, and new this year, Esports gaming and tournaments, the event welcomes fans from all fandoms and all ages. Special guests for this year’s panels and workshops include New York Times bestselling author Lacey Lamar, board game designer Marcus Ross (whose current “The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book” game is available exclusively at Target), and Mister K from “Mister K’s Clubhouse,” Omaha’s only live-action, educational preschool series. Also presenting this year are acclaimed poet Zedeka Poindexter, award-winning playwright Peggy Jones, bestselling author and playwright Kim Louise, YouTube boardgaming enthusiasts Our Family Plays Games, and Sensiil Studios, Iowa & Nebraska’s first Black comic book company.
“Omaha is blessed with so many creative and talented people that have grown up or been connected to our community, and as our community of nerds expands we want to highlight that talent,” said Jade Rogers, founder and chief innovation officer for The House of Afros, Capes and Curls. The 5th Annual AfroCon Omaha is generously sponsored by the Weitz Family Foundation, The African American Unity Fund through Omaha Community Foundation, and Webberized Podcast Production.
The House of Afros, Capes & Curls connects people from diverse backgrounds and builds community based on a shared love of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, and Afrofuturism, while providing a safe space to explore the artistic, literary, and historic merits of geek culture. We believe that the idea of Black Futures or Afrofuturism can only be understood when we examine and celebrate Black culture and history. The House creates a platform for exploring past, present, and future creativity, invention, and technology. The House of Afros, Capes & Curls is also a weekly observational podcast about all of the things that make this a glorious time to be a connoisseur of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, superheroes, books and Black culture. We can all find refuge in the house and be free to be the geeks we are without ethnic boundaries!
Event Highlights
Panel highlights and community stories at AfroCon Omaha illuminate the intersection of culture, imagination, and innovation. Inclusive programming and activities AfroCon Omaha curates panels, workshops, and contests that celebrate Black futures and Afrofuturism through storytelling, design, and play. Attendees can explore indie artistry, engage with creators, and learn about making and presenting culturally informed work. New this year are Esports gaming tournaments, expanding the event’s appeal to digital-age fans and competitive players, alongside traditional activities like board games, cosplay, and vendor markets that spotlight Black-owned businesses and creators.
Key Participants and Voices
- Lacey Lamar, New York Times bestselling author
- Marcus Ross, board game designer (The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book), exclusive Target release
- Mister K, host of Mister K’s Clubhouse
- Zedeka Poindexter, acclaimed poet
- Peggy Jones, award-winning playwright
- Kim Louise, bestselling author and playwright
- Our Family Plays Games, YouTube boardgaming enthusiasts
- Sensiil Studios, Iowa & Nebraska’s first Black comic book company
AfroCon Omaha emphasizes safe, welcoming spaces that foster collaboration across diverse backgrounds. By featuring independent Black artists and vendors, the event helps sustain community-led creativity while offering educational and entertaining experiences for families. Jade Rogers frames the purpose: expanding the Nerd community and highlighting local talent connected to Omaha’s broader cultural landscape.
Logistics, Access, and Sponsorship
The event takes place at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Sponsorships from family foundations and local organizations support programming, logistics, and community outreach, ensuring that AfroCon remains a bookmark in the regional calendar for fans of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and Black culture. AfroCon’s overarching mission is to celebrate Black culture and history through exploration of past, present, and future creativity, invention, and technology-an embodiment of Afrofuturism in action.
AFCON Omaha blends immersive experiences with a vibrant marketplace, where attendees can meet independent artists, discover Black-owned brands, and connect across generations through shared passions.