"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

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"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.

Overtown EatUp! is first and foremost a love letter to the “Harlem of the South ''and its profoundly important role in shaping the Miami of today.

Food is more than just sustenance; it's a story, a community, and a way to bring people together. In this episode, we take you to the heart of Overtown, Miami, where the annual Overtown EatUp! was in full swing, across the street from Red Rooster Overtown, as part of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Created, curated, and hosted by award-winning chef, TV personality, and cookbook author, Marcus Samuelsson, this walk-around tasting spotlights the local cuisine and culture that remain at the heart of the city’s Black history.

Samuelson's philosophy is simple: "Let's become good. Let's be part of the neighborhood. Let's employ people. Let's figure it out, and let's work." This episode explores how his dedication is not just about bringing a new restaurant to an area but about inspiring the next generation and making a tangible difference in people's lives. Marcus’ insights into gentrifying neighborhoods, the importance of being part of the community, and the impact of food on society are a central theme of this episode.

Attending the festival, we meet various chefs and entrepreneurs who are making waves in the culinary scene. From the creators of Jamaican tacos and oxtail burritos to a chef who pivoted during the pandemic to feed over 100,000 children and family members in the Bronx, these stories are not just about food—they are about resilience, community, and passion.

Walking around we couldn’t help but notice the young people wearing white chef coats working as members of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (CCAP), which teaches life skills through the kitchen to inner-city high school students. This initiative is proof that the culinary world is not just about cooking—it's about creating opportunities and fostering growth.

See the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community. It's a testament to how culinary arts can be a powerful tool for change.

Thank you to Marcus Samuelsson for inviting us and the team at Red Rooster Overtown for their hospitality!!

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: Inner Urban Zone by Alex Make Music

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

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"A ​friend ​of ​mine ​once ​told ​me, ​he ​said, ​'you ​don't ​build ​houses, ​you ​direct' ​because building ​a ​home ​is ​the ​same ​way ​that ​I ​direct. ​I ​don't ​know ​which ​comes ​first, if ​anything, ​I ​try ​to ​curate ​whatever ​it ​is ​I'm ​doing ​to ​create ​a ​transportive ​moment, ​or ​moments, ​multiple ​moments ​that ​take ​you ​someplace, ​and ​that's ​what ​sticks. ​That's ​what ​resonates. ​That's ​a ​goal, ​but ​that's ​intentional."  Eriq La Salle

Many of you will recognize my guest and friend, Eriq La Salle, from his long career in film and television. Reflecting on his journey from childhood dreams in Hartford to breakout Hollywood success, Eric shares behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic roles, including landing the role of the main antagonist, Darryl Jenks, heir to the Soul Glow hair product dynasty, in Eddie Murphy's Coming to America after a single audition, as well as  advocating for better Black representation during his groundbreaking portrayal of Dr. Peter Benton for eight seasons on the award-winning medical drama ER.

Alongside his acting career, Eriq is an accomplished author, having published novels and novellas in his Martyr Maker thriller series. His just released novel, Laws of Annihilation, is the 3rd installment in the series and "a brilliant and bloody cop thriller," says Adrian McKinty, a New York Times best-selling author of The Chain. 

We learn about Eriq's creative process writing complex novels that interweave social commentary with page-turning mystery. His reflections on spirituality and friendship reveal him as a deep thinker who brings heart to all his artistic pursuits. He also happens to be one of the coolest and most down-to-earth brothers I know.

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"My father said that when you look at the cultural traditions of people, the European cultural tradition is a generation makes a mask. They put it up on the wall, put a glass box around it, and they point to it and say that's the greatest mask that's ever been made. The African tradition is every generation makes their own mask. So what we see with this constant creativity, this constant improvisation is a very human, African, homo sapiens tradition of not taking something and classicizing it to the point that nothing can be created beyond it and the generations after just have to kneel. It's about moving the culture forward."  Raoul Roach

My guest is Raoul Roach, the son of the iconic and internationally revered jazz musician, Max Roach. Born in 1924, Max was firmly entrenched in activism, civil rights, and the social justice movement of the sixties and seventies. As a result, growing up, Raoul had a strong interest in social activism, being exposed to and mentored by some of the most pivotal black figures of that period, including Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, and Alvin Ailey.

Born and raised in New York City by age fifteen, Raoul was cutting his teeth working for his legendary dad, first as an office assistant, a roadie, and eventually Max's road manager, before ultimately producing several of his concerts.

As a 40-year upper echelon executive of the music industry, Raoul has worked with the biggest names in entertainment from Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Anita Baker. Raoul helmed the successful turnaround of Jones's Qwest Records as the organization's co-executive director.

Raoul also co-founded and pioneered Harry Belafonte's social justice entertainment enterprise, Sankofa.org, as the organization's co-executive director along with Gina Belafonte. Raoul executed the recruitment of artists and celebrities such as; Usher, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Jesse Williams, John Legend, Common, Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, Michael B Jordan, T.I., and many more in coordination with grassroots organizations and activists to produce, films, music videos, social media campaigns, PSA’s, concerts and major festivals. These initiatives raised resources for non-profit organizations as well as awareness to impact social movement and social justice.

Currently, Raoul is coordinating along with his siblings Max Roach 100, an 18-month international centennial celebration of his father's music and life that includes film, documentaries, social media, concerts, exhibitions, new and previously unreleased recordings. Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him. "American Masters – Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes" premieres Friday, October 6 at 9/8c on PBS.

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

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"It's hard to hire female chefs. It's hard to hire African American chefs because there's just not as many people interested in it, which I'm like, yeah, and that's why we need to promote it, and that's why we need to give them opportunities far beyond what might seem reasonable because we want them to be the heroes so everyone else can look up to them.  Then we can actually bring real diversity into our kitchens."  Curtis Stone

Curtis Stone is one of the busiest chefs in the country between running his restaurants, appearing in countless television shows like Top Chef Masters (host), Netflix's Iron Chef, and Fox's Crime Scene Kitchen (judge), being a New York Times best-selling author of six cookbooks, and growing Kitchen Solutions, a collection of top-selling and best-reviewed cookware on HSN.

Obsessed with food from a young age, Curtis credits his mom and grandmother as his cooking and baking mentors. Following his passion, he began his culinary career as an apprentice at the Savoy Hotels five-star restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Three years later at the age of 21, he moved to Europe and sought out Britain's most celebrated chef (often referred to as the first celebrity chef), Marco Pierre White, to further his education and classical training for eight years. During that time, he was approached to co-host a television show, Surfing the Menu, traveling around Australia visiting food producers and cooking their produce. The show caught the eye of US producers that led to another television gig, Take Home Chef, and a subsequent move to the US settling in Los Angeles.

Today, Los Angeles-based Curtis' Michelin-starred restaurants include Maude in Beverly Hills named for his paternal grandmother serving refined, seasonally-focused Southern Californian cuisine, and Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant in Hollywood named for his maternal grandmother where he partnered with his brother, Luke Stone, to create an old-world, European-style butcher shop and an elegant restaurant using fire-based cooking techniques. 

Please join me, your host, Brad Johnson, and Curtis on Corner Table Talk as we learn more about what motivates him beyond creating beautiful and delicious food, sharing his philosophy and knowledge, and how he directs his actions to bring joy and create a positive community around him.

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

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.