Imagine Atlanta in 2075. From politics to technology, to climate change, what will the city that’s been dubbed “too busy to hate” look like? That was the topic of discussion for  “Closer Look’s” August installment of Coffee Conversations held at #Dragon Con 2025. Host Rose Scott spoke with a diverse group of creatives from various genres about how art can explore future possibilities and solutions, as well as reflect present issues. They also gave their critique of AI’s influence on art. Lastly, guests and audience members brainstormed ideas for what a futuristic series set fifty years from now in Atlanta could look like. Guests included:

Dragon Con spokesperson Jo Garland

Katie Cook, a spokesperson from the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Dragon Con’s 2025 charity partner 

1. M. Davis, an Atlanta-based writer and director

Delilah S. Dawson, a New York Times-bestselling author 

Dr. Chateé Omísadé Richardson, a professor at Spelman, a growth facilitator and an  educational psychologist specializing in alternative history and diversity in speculative fiction 

Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish

Carlton Hargro, a writer and founder of 20th Place Media