Hillman Grad

On this week's episode of Legacy Talk, Lena sits down with visionary filmmaker, Gina Prince-Bythewood. From Love & Basketball and Beyond the Lights to The Old Guard and The Woman King, she’s shattered barriers and created authentic, compelling narratives that center Black women’s experiences. Through her dedication to representation both on screen and behind the camera, she’s paved the way for future generations of filmmakers and proven that stories by and about us deserve to be told on the grandest scale. WATCH: https://lnkd.in/gCFfjcWy LISTEN: https://lnkd.in/gABcwqQJ

Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe, in partnership with Lemonada Media , is OUT NOW on all platforms! For our first episode, Lena sits down with Sheryl Lee Ralph, a true national treasure whose impact spans generations. Her legendary career includes unforgettable performances in "Dreamgirls," "Moesha," "Sister Act 2," and most recently, Quinta Brunson's acclaimed "Abbott Elementary." But her influence extends far beyond entertainment. Through her D.I.V.A. Foundation and DIVAS Simply Singing fundraisers, Ralph has become a powerful advocate for women, girls, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her tireless commitment to empowerment and social change has transformed countless lives. WATCH: https://lnkd.in/gdhCdmpN LISTEN: https://lnkd.in/gABcwqQJ

We are thrilled to partner with Lemonada Media to launch Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe. This show is so much more than just a series of interviews, it is a celebration of the stories and voices of some of the most renowned Black leaders in entertainment — it is real, unfiltered conversations about their journeys, challenges, and the legacies they have built. Premiering November 12, the series will feature thought-provoking conversations with iconic Black creators and industry leaders including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mara Brock Akil, Jenifer Lewis, and Debbie Allen. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gABcwqQJ Watch: https://lnkd.in/gPsbQ4dN https://lnkd.in/gRqA5CvJ

✨🎬 CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS 🎬✨ We're excited to announce Season 5 of Rising Voices! We've had the privilege of working alongside Indeed and 271 Films for the past four seasons to create 40 incredible short films. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjAdGXTH

Another vision unlocked. I loved pitching this idea to Paramount of a reunion rooftop event reminiscent of my NEW YORK Summer Fridays era, but let’s do it for The Chi! We curated The Chi Summer Reunion, an odyssey of Black joy and a space to be free. Hosted by the show creator Emmy Award-winning Lena Waithe, w/ cast panel ft Jacob Latimore, Luke James, and fan favorite Rolando Boyce. With a surprise performance by the electric Durand Bernarr. Additional cast appearances: Joel Steingold, Nia Jervier, Cortez Smith. Thank you Gregory Heller and Glenn Payne for your partnership. The creative industry came together to celebrate our shared journeys, collective resilience, and unyielding spirit, THE CHI way. I have to always give proper respect to those that lean in as we come together as a team to do this work! Like Prince, I truly ADORE Najma Nugent + Jennifer Pauline. Photos: Chrris Lowe

I created an event that honored Debbie Allen and it was featured on Essence and picked up by The Hollywood Reporter. I had a vision and created Hillman Honors | Women on the Rise which was a panel + brunch that honored female space makers who are shifting the landscape in entertainment. The event was hosted by Gia Peppers and was a call-to-action for all of us to support and champion the roles of women who are change agents & disrupting the industry. THE LEGENDARY HBCU ICON "DEBBIE ALLEN" also moderated the panel ft: A.V. Rockwell, D. Smith, Jojo T. Gibbs, and Lena Waithe. I am forever grateful for these moments. I could not have pulled this concept off without these two brilliant women by my side Najma Nugent & Jennifer Pauline. Thank you for being the connective tissue. And as a creator we must protect our peace, visions, ideas, keep our feet on the ground, stay planning, executing, and eliminating distractions. Let me be your example of obedience and faithfulness. I hope this message makes it to the people that need to see it. Photos: Chrris Lowe

HILLMAN GRAD BOOKS is here! We are proud to introduce these voices to our community and we're grateful to Elaine Welteroth for joining us on this special evening. Thank you to our talented authors for trusting and going on this journey with us. Special thanks to Zando for being incredible partners throughout this process. OCEAN’S GODORI by Elaine U. Cho, out April 23rd. Preorder: https://lnkd.in/gSaUcH9R HOW TO TELL WHEN WE WILL DIE by Johanna Hedva, coming September 2024 WHAT I MUST TELL THE WORLD by Jay Leslie and illustrated by Loveis Wise, coming October 2024 OLD SCHOOL INDIAN by Aaron John Curtis, coming January 2025

We come bearing good news that we’re GLAAD about. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and the entire community for our GLAAD Media Awards nominations! 🏆 THE CHI nominated for OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES. 🏆 KOKOMO CITY nominated for OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY. Ceremonies for the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2024 and in New York City on May 11, 2024.

Excited to share that two of our projects are nominated for Film Independent Spirit Awards! A THOUSAND AND ONE nominated for: BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE: Teyana Taylor BEST FIRST FEATURE: A.V. Rockwell KOKOMO CITY nominated for: BEST DOCUMENTARY: D. Smith Complete list of nominees: https://lnkd.in/gS5i7wCf

Today is #GivingTuesday! 🌟✨ As you consider ways to create impact with your giving, we ask you to consider making a donation to the Hillman Grad Foundation. The Hillman Grad Foundation is committed to fostering diversity and representation in Hollywood. Through our Mentorship Lab and Rising Voices programs, we provide invaluable mentorship to emerging writers, actors, directors, and producers to ensure they have the tools and support needed to elevate their careers. 🎬🔋 Every dollar you contribute goes directly to creating opportunities for these incredibly talented individuals who have often been overlooked. Donate now at hillmangrad.com/foundation 🙏🏽💜