"I'm an activist with an artistic mask on." Jeff Friday

The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place in Miami, June 12-16, 2024. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a stellar lineup of films, panel discussions, parties, workshops, and masterclasses. Notable attendees include Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington, and Issa Rae.

I sat down with my long-time friend, Jeff Friday, a trailblazer in the world of black cinema and the mastermind behind ABFF to share the festival’s evolution from Acapulco to Miami, his passion for black culture, and his desire to advance opportunities for black filmmakers.

Our discussion includes Jeff’s perspective on the current state of black cinema. He expressed concern about the challenges facing black filmmakers today, particularly the shift away from diversity in Hollywood and the impact of streaming services on the theatrical business. Despite these challenges, Jeff remains optimistic and committed to supporting black filmmakers and promoting their work.

Jeff's company, formerly ABFF Ventures and now Nice Crowd, specializes in developing and marketing festivals and live experiences highlighting BIPOC culture and achievements. Jeff's vision for Nice Crowd includes creating events that promote black culture and community in various settings, from film festivals to wellness retreats.

A graduate of Howard University with an MBA from NYU's prestigious School of Business, Jeff’s numerous accolades include NYU’s Global Trailblazer Award for Entrepreneurial Innovation, and being named one of Hollywood's Top 50 Power Brokers by Black Enterprise. He has received keys to Miami, Miami Beach, and Newark, which also proclaimed his birthday “Jeff Friday Day.”

Jeff Friday's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact that one person with keen instincts can have on an entire industry.

HOW WE MOVE. Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion, and highlighting some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.

WATCH on our YOUTUBE channel or SPOTIFY and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Don't worry so much, stay positive, move forward, enjoy life. It's a gift, an astonishing, beautiful, absurd gift. Be kind and be curious. Chandelier, Baby!"
Billy Dee Williams

These words, spoken by screen legend and multi-talented Billy Dee Williams, offer a simple yet profound mantra for navigating the complexities of daily life embracing the sparkle and light of life.

In his recently released memoir and New York Times bestseller, What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life, Billy Dee offers insights into a life well-lived where life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Kindness and curiosity are his cornerstones and viewed not just as moral obligations, but as tools for personal growth and happiness. They are the lenses through which we can view the world in all its splendor, and absurdity, and find joy in the most unexpected places. I had the pleasure of taking the journey with Billy Dee as I listened to his reading of the audio version of the book.

Growing up in Harlem in a tight-knit family, directly across from Central Park, his home life was full of cherished memories. On-screen, Billy Dee epitomizes effortless cool. So much so that if you were ever dressed a certain way and thought you were looking good, your friends might say “Oh, you're Billy Dee now.” He makes the ladies swoon and finds the humor in his charm, never taking himself too seriously.

With eight decades of performing on stage and screen, strikingly handsome and debonair, Billy Dee has played iconic roles such as Louis McKay in Lady Sings the Blues, opposite Diana Ross, and Gayle Sayers in Brian's Song earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – 1972. He broadened his international fanbase appearing as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise. Billy Dee started acting on Broadway at the age of seven and is recognized for his outstanding performances in Fences and as Martin Luther King in I Have a Dream. As an accomplished painter, his paintings are included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Gallery, Washington DC, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, New York, the African American Museum, New Orleans, and the Museum of Jazz, Kansas City.

Join us as we discuss his memoir as well as various topics related to Billy Dee’s life and career including , the importance of family, the challenges of being a black leading man in the entertainment industry during his rise, the impact of his father's hard work, and character, his passion for painting and the importance of individualism. He shares stories of his friendship with James Baldwin and his perspective on aging, the value of staying positive, and the joy of sharing one's passion with the world. It was an honor to spend some time with this youthfully exuberant legend whose walking cane demonstrates his robust, never-ending quest for exploration.

Chandelier Baby!

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"As people of color, we’ve always dealt with crisis but what has never stopped is our capability to invent. We created some of the best dishes during the roughest times. We created some of the best art. Art, where does hip hop come from? It comes from struggle. We created some of the best music during these times. So, I think if you want to create a business, you cannot do it without walking through the struggle.” Marcus Samuelsson

When you think of the culinary world, few names resonate with the dynamism that Marcus Samuelsson brings to the table, curating and cooking his way through the complexities of identity, heritage, music and art, and community, to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Busy as ever, Marcus opened two restaurants recently in New York City, Metropolis within the Perelman Performing Arts Center on the site of the World Trade Center, and Hav & Mar in Chelsea where the New York Times journalist, Pete Wells, review noted the diversity of staff and clientele he found to be a rarity. In the cultural hub of Atlanta, Marcus Bar and Grille made its debut, and expanding to his first restaurant in Africa, located on the top floor of East Africa’s tallest building, experience Marcus Addis, he and wife, Maya’s, homecoming restaurant located in vibrant Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

As one of his driving passions. Marcus delves into the essence of philanthropy, emphasizing that it's not always about writing checks. It's about being present, sharing knowledge, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. His approach is a lesson in how we can all contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Hear how Marcus uses his platform to uplift communities, champion women of color in the industry, and inspire the next generation of chefs.

As I spoke with Marcus, it became clear that this is a dialogue about life, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's about the courage to dream, the resilience to overcome, and the joy of sharing one's passion with the world, a testament to how culinary arts can be a powerful tool for change.

HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places and things that have her attention.

Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Produced by Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.