THURSDAY 6/19
VBFF Juneteenth Beach Party
Date: Thursday, June 19th
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Location: Paradise Ocean Club, 490 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, VA
Featuring: Live Performance by 5 Starr!
5Starr offers an ultimate sound that’s replicable by no other. A collective of musicians, Chris Whitaker, Curdarius Swain, Jonathan Frazier, and Robert Wilkins, unite to create an exceptional experience for listeners. One can expect nothing less than a 5-star sound!
Admission: FREE
Sign the online guest list and receive a free gift at the party!
VBFF Juneteenth Concert
Date: Thursday, June 19th
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Continental Park Bandstand, 20 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, VA
Featuring:
- Violin Performance by Melanie The Violinist
- Drum & Dance Performance by The Day Program
The DAY Program Performance Ensemble, led by the accomplished Kam Kelly, brings the vibrant traditions of Guinea, West Africa, directly to your gathering. From mesmerizing drumming to high-energy dance performances, we tailor every experience to meet the unique needs of your event—whether intimate or grand. - Hip Hop Performance by Night Train357
Stephen “Night Train 357” Wilkes is a creative emcee that enjoys infusing wordplay with unique subject matter not often touched upon in the Hip-Hop community. Night Train 357 (Train) is the representative for the everyman. Not hood, nor rich – he’s in the middle, trying to make it through this world like everyone else. He tells stories with a twist, constantly reminding the listener how the average can become above average. He’s a breath of fresh air, a change from the mundane, and the cure for the common cool. - Blues Performance by Bobby Blackhat
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, blends the influences of Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont, and Delta style blues along with a little Gospel into a Toe Tappin’, Finger Poppin’, Hip Shakin’ Blues experience. You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show!
Bobby BlackHat, Virginia’s Blues Ambassador, award-winning recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, comedian, producer has been playing harmonica for over 50 years. Bobby is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service which included serving as Military Aide to the President and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism.
He has opened for music legends: B.B King, Taj Mahal, Delbert McClinton, Patti Labelle, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. He has also performed with Eddie Shaw, Kenny Neal, Ruthie Foster, Tas Cru, Jason Ricci, Slam Allen, Mick Kolassa, Fernando Jones, Memphis Gold, and Lurrie Bell. BlackHat is a judge for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
In 2017, Bobby won the USAA/We Are The Mighty Mission: Music nationwide competition. In 2016, the Bobby BlackHat Band advanced to the finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Bobby has won two Blewzzy Awards for "Song of the Year" (I Hear Mama's Voice, 2012 and Please Mr. BlackHat, 2015). He was also awarded two 2016 VEER Music Awards for "Best Blues" and "Song of the Year" (HRBT Blues).
"I bought my first harp after hearing Lee Oskar play with WAR in 1972. The sound of his harp just mesmerized me and I knew right then and there I was gonna be a harp player too."
FRIDAY 6/20
SATURDAY 6/21
Black Business Expo
Dates: Saturday 6/21 (10am – 9pm) and Sunday 6/22 (10am – 4pm)
Location: Hampton University Student Center 135 Marshall Ave, Hampton VA
The Hampton Roads Black Business Expo is one component of the 2nd annual Virginia Black Film Festival, which begins on Juneteenth and lasts throughout the weekend with Film Screenings, Expert Panels, Celebrity Guests, and an exclusive Awards Gala, in addition to the Black Business Expo. This entire event will be the place to celebrate Juneteenth in Hampton Roads and Buy Black, by supporting Black Businesses and Black Filmmakers!
The Black Business Expo will necessitate Saturday and Sunday (June 21-22nd) inside the American Theatre 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA 23663, co-located with the movie screenings and panels of the film festival. Load-in for exhibitors will take place on Friday (and Saturday for those exhibiting only on Sunday).
The exhibition hall consists of two adjoining salons; Salon A (closest to the main entrance) and Salon B. Each salon will feature rows of 6-foot tables with plenty of walking space between the rows. Backdrops and additional pop-up adornments for your booth are permitted and encouraged. Admission to the expo is free for the general public.
Sign the guest list to receive a free gift!
Bryan G Thompson
Date: Not specified
Time: Not specified
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Bryan G Thompson is an actor, producer, and public speaker known for the movies "Dirt", "Valentine's Date", "Rogue Cell 1 and 2", and "Thanksgiving with the Carters 1 and 2". He has appeared in over 20 films and has directed multiple genres, including Action, Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama, and Fantasy. His films can be viewed on major nationwide platforms such as Peacock, Pluto TV, Fox Soul, Tubi, and Maverick Black Cinema.
Born in Detroit, Thompson began his entertainment experience as a professional singer, touring in Asia before starting his own band in Quito, Ecuador. A US Army veteran, he first studied acting at The Actor's Place in Virginia and quickly found his niche in roles requiring action, fight choreography, and military themes.
Thompson is fluent in Spanish, conversant in several languages, and able to easily assimilate accents. He has won multiple awards including Best Actor (Noventa) at the Seoul Web Fest, Best Stunts (The Cell) at the Baltimore New Media Web Fest, Best Director (Noventa) at the Miami Beach Film Festival, Best Action Film (Dirt) at the Urban Action Film Festival (NYC), Best Short Film (Noventa) at the Miami Independent Film Festival, Best Feature Film (El Sueño) at the Festival de Cine Latinoamericano, and Best Directing (The Cell) at the Los Angeles Web Series Festival.
Bryan G Thompson is the founder of three Arts organizations, the Miami Web Series Festival (an in-person film festival showcasing web series and short films, est. 2014), the Virginia Black Film Festival (est. 2023) and the Black Arts Foundation (est. 2024).
Rel Dowdell
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 11am
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Rel J. Dowdell is an American screenwriter, film director, film producer, and film studies/screenwriting/English educator. Born and raised in Philadelphia, after graduating from the prestigious Central High School in Philadelphia, he received his bachelor's degree in English with magna cum laude honors from Fisk University (where he served as SGA President) and his advanced degree in film and screenwriting with highest distinction from Boston University. He won the top prize in filmmaking at Boston University's noted Redstone Film Festival in 1995. He is also a full-time university professor, Director of Film Studies, English scholar, and film historian. Additionally, he has done prominent and extensive interviews with veteran award-winning actors such as Ving Rhames, Keith David, Tony Todd, Roger Guenveur Smith, Larenz Tate, and Mykelti Williamson. In spring of 2023, he participated in a major interview on The 700 Club where he spoke about the impact of the casting of an African-American female actress in the remake of The Little Mermaid which was very well received and praised for Dowdell's remarks of inclusion and youth inspiration for African-Americans.
Dowdell's first feature film, Train Ride, received substantial critical acclaim. Produced with independent financing, the film was acquired and distributed by Sony Pictures in 2005 and was a tremendous financial success. Train Ride was ranked as one of the best American films that year as cited by veteran film critic Gerald Peary of The Boston Phoenix. The film also garnered high praise in film historian and writer Irv Slifkin's best-selling book, Filmadelphia: A Celebration of a City's Movies. Train Ride also won the honor of "Best Feature" at the American Theatre of Harlem Film festival in 2005. In addition, the film featured the last performance of acclaimed veteran actress Esther Rolle. The film also starred Wood Harris, MC Lyte, Russell Hornsby, Nicole Prescott, and the late, celebrated hip-hop artist Guru.
Veteran film critic Gerald Peary of The Boston Phoenix has compared Dowdell to John Singleton and Spike Lee in the way that his filmmaking blends urban storytelling and suspense to tackle relevant and universal social issues that are intimately intertwined with a powerful moral message. Peary stated in the July 17, 2005 edition of The Boston Phoenix that Train Ride was "one of the best American movies so far this year, on screen or on video."
Dowdell's next feature film effort as writer and director was a drama entitled Changing the Game, which was shot in Philadelphia in the summer of 2010 and theatrically released in May 2012. The film stars Sean Riggs, Irma P. Hall, Dennis L.A. White, Brandon Ruckdashel, and Mari White. There were special appearances by the late, acclaimed actress Suzzanne Douglas, noted hip hop artist Sticky Fingaz, and Tony Todd. The film was cited by FilmFresh.com as one of the top three African-American films of 2012. The film also had a syndicated 3 out of 4 star critics rating when the film was broadcast on cable.
Dowdell's third feature film effort is a feature-length documentary entitled, Where's Daddy?, which was shot in Philadelphia in the winter of 2017 and was released in February 2018. The film examines perspectives on the child support system and the specific effect and consequences to African-American families, with emphasis on the experience of fathers as participants in the system. Some of the subjects in the film include hip hop artist Freeway and former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver Fred Barnett. The film has a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dowdell's latest feature film project is a documentary on history-making African-American collegiate educator Dr. Ira De Augustine Reid, who was one of the first African-Americans to receive tenure at a prestigious predominately Northern Caucasian institution in Haverford College in Haverford, PA. The documentary is titled Dr. Ira De A. Reid: Haverford College's Unsung Scholar/Activist. The acclaimed documentary features Dr. Cornel West, Haverford College's President Dr. Wendy Raymond, Dr. Roger Lane, Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, Dr. Marcel Gutwirth, and Charles Lawrence, esq. The documentary was released by distribution company Maverick Entertainment on various streaming platforms such as TUBI in November 2024.
Fatima Cortez-Todd
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 12pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Fatima Cortez-Todd is the wife of the late Tony Todd, Anthony Tiran Todd was an American actor known for his deep, gravelly voice and roles in horror films like Candyman and Final Destination. He also appeared in The Rock and had recurring roles in TV shows like Homicide: Life on the Street and 24.
A prolific artist in her own right, Fatima is a Nuyorican of an activist family and has devoted herself to being a cultural and human rights activist with experience as a community organizer, actor, producer, exhibitor and Founder of the Mariposa Center for Spiritual Education and Healing. Most recently her oral history (The Work is Unfinished) on her work in the civil rights and women's rights movements has been published and is housed at the Bancroft Library of UC Berkley. It is also available on the crmvet.org website.
She has been part of documentaries as “living history” and was featured as a participant in the BBC documentary “The March” about the March on Washington which premiered on PBS in August 2013. She was also featured in an Ann Curry PBS series “We'll Meet Again” episode #6 Freedom Summer.
Fatima and her late husband Tony Todd met at the University of Connecticut where they produced guerilla theater events. After her graduation she commuted to Trinity Rep Theater Conservatory (RI) to join Tony as he studied there for his MFA and she audited classes. He introduced her to the Rhode Island Feminist Theater with whom she toured for a year performing nationally and regionally primarily for women workers. When they moved to New York, she became a member of The Family Repertory Theater Company known for performing for prison inmates. She wrote and co-produced “Five out of Five” a rap music video by and for teens on sexual assault awareness and prevention (The NYWAR Acting Out Teen Theater).
After they moved to Los Angeles, she went to work at the American Film Institute distributing student films to US and international markets. LA Women in Film and Television recruited her for their Film Festival as Associate Artistic Director which led to her becoming Artistic Director to produce two film festivals for the SF branch. In 1992 she became the first Artistic Director the Pan African Film Festival for which she created their logo. In 1994 she would be the Director of Public Relations for the cultural festival (dance, music, theater, art) attached to the Gay Games, 18 events over 11 days. Returning to LA she became Production Coordinator for “Follow Me Home” filmed on the Morongo reservation; followed by Co-Producing “No Loans Today” a documentary on a pawn shop acting as a marginal bank in South Central which was selected and screened at the Sundance Film Festival.
An invited speaker on many issues, she was a speaker at the Hollywood Women’s Political Caucus - Mobilization for Women’s Lives at Rancho Park, gave the keynote at the 20th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and the U.S.C. Law School Conference “Reconstructing Motherhood” (subsequently published in the first U.S.C. Review of Law and Women’s studies) and delivered the Keynote speech for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington in LA.
Among her many honors include recognition by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Willie Brown, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP, the NYC Task Force Against Sexual Assault, the LA Weekly as “local hero” for co-founding the Multicultural Alliance for Reproductive Rights and by the Smithsonian Institute as “living history” at the Voices of the Civil Rights Conference in New Orleans,1986 for her civil rights work with Louisiana CORE for which she received the Key to the City of Jonesboro, LA 2011 and certificate of recognition from the Mayor of New Orleans 2014.
She has been part of the Civil Rights Movement Veterans Speakers Bureau since 2003 speaking to middle and high school students and is part of their roundtable discussions recorded and archived for the past few years.
Dr. Karen Ward & Dr. Debra Haggins
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 1pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Dr. Karen Ward has more than 30 years of experience in writing, directing, acting, and producing in the area of theatre. She has acted on professional stages across the country and has written songs from various musical genres. She has published in the area of communication and written plays for local and national arenas. She coordinates the major ceremonies for the University and serves as a dramatic and political critic.
In 2008, the Reverend Dr. Debra Lynn Haggins was named university chaplain and pastor of the historic Memorial Church at Hampton University; the first female to hold this position in the university’s history. As university chaplain, Haggins serves in a dual capacity, as campus minister and as executive secretary of the nationally acclaimed Hampton University Ministers’ Conference-Choir Directors’ & Organists’ Guild Workshop. Haggins previously served as the interim pastor of the historic Queen Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Prior to that, she served as assistant to the chaplain and faculty advisor to the Student Christian Association at Hampton University.
Rev. Haggins has had a successful professional career with the Virginia Beach City Public School System and the Norfolk Public School System. Chaplain Haggins has earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Early Childhood Education from Paine College in Augusta, Ga where she joined the sisterhood of the Eta Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She received the Master of Science degree (M.S.Ed.) in Secondary School Administration and the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAS) in Higher Education Administration, both from Old Dominion University. She earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in theology from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. In May of 2017, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education Leadership and Management was conferred upon her from Hampton University. In 2021, Dr. Haggins earned the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology where her field of emphasis was Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation. Debra Haggins is the mother of Brian, Steven, and Bradley Haggins.
Ebonee J. Pope – Visionary Filmmaker and Creative Strategist
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 2pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Ebonee J. Pope is a dynamic entrepreneur and a driving force in the world of creative services, with over 15 years of experience shaping brands, crafting compelling narratives, and captivating audiences. As the owner of Enjenuity Media, LLC, she has helped businesses and organizations across diverse industries elevate their presence through innovative social media strategies, digital marketing, and cutting-edge video production.
A seasoned filmmaker, Ebonee has written, produced, and directed films in the documentary, narrative, and short film space, spanning genres from horror to comedy to faith-based storytelling. Her work consistently pushes creative boundaries, delivering powerful visual experiences that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression. Ebonee’s expertise in blending compelling narrative structures with striking visuals has made her a sought-after creative mind in the industry.
With a deep love for comic books and filmmaking, Ebonee is now set to bring the world of comics to life on screen, channeling her creative vision, passion for storytelling, and commitment to innovation. She believes in the power of characters and visuals to inspire and connect, making her the ideal creative force behind this comic book-based film.
Whether working on major media campaigns or launching innovative projects in the world of film, Ebonee’s infectious enthusiasm, combined with her strategic insight, sets her apart as a leading voice in the industry. Her ability to bring bold ideas to life ensures that every project she touches is destined for success.
BK Fulton
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 3pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
BK Fulton is a modern renaissance man. He believes in authentic expression, high integrity, and moral leadership. While many know him as the former President of Verizon, since his retirement in 2015, BK has turned full media mogul producing more than 20 films, 19 books, and four number-one Broadway shows including The Piano Lesson with Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks. The play was nominated for two Tonys and remains the highest-grossing Broadway revival of all time.
He is currently a team member for the 2024 Broadway revivals of The Wiz and The Outsiders (nominated for 12 Tonys, winning 4, including Best Musical). Both The Wiz and The Outsiders were also nominated for Grammys in 2025. His Mr. Business children’s books are being considered for a movie, and HBO Max and Warner Brothers have released a documentary about his MoviePass business venture, entitled MoviePass, MovieCrash. The film was named one of the best documentaries of 2024 by Rolling Stone Magazine.
BK and his wife - Jackie Stone - are also philanthropists giving to causes that develop and expose young entrepreneurs to leaders from around the globe. A native of Hampton, VA, BK is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, Harvard, and the New School as a Sloan Fellow and New York Law School. He is also a Smithsonian Laureate Medal winner, a Business Leaders History Maker, winner of a Nonfiction National Book Award, the Renaissance Award in media, and winner of the Oscar Micheaux Award for Excellence in Film Making.
BK sits on several boards including, TowneBank, the Library of Virginia, Advantage Testing Foundation, Lewis Latimer House Museum, The National Center of Women’s Innovations, and the Richard Hunt Legacy Foundation. His professional memberships include the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Writers Guild of America, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Alpha Beta Boule, the Executive Leadership Council, and the Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
Bill Stephney
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 4pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Producer and Music Supervisor Bill Stephney, originally a multi-instrumental musician and pioneering college radio deejay, is the man who brought Public Enemy and Def Jam to the radio and worked with Reginald and Warrington Hudlin, Spike Lee, John Singleton and Chris Rock to place music in their movies.
Previously chief executive for Def Jam Recordings, SOUL Records, and Stepsun Music, he has produced artists from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Public Enemy to singer-actress Vanessa Williams and famed social satirist and comedian Paul Mooney. While leading Def Jam, he was responsible guiding the careers of LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Slick Rick, Oran “Juice” Jones, Alyson Williams, The Junkyard Band, and 3rd Bass.
Stephney has supervised music production for such films as Boomerang starring Eddie Murphy, the Robin Harris-inspired animated feature Be Be’s Kids, The Great White Hype, Clockers, Crooklyn, The Ladies Man, Down To Earth, and Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson.
Shortly after penning the script for Do The Right Thing, Spike Lee reached out to Stephney, seeking a main theme that would drive dramatic action throughout the film. Stephney and Public Enemy delivered the anthem “Fight The Power.”
Stephney has produced three acclaimed documentaries: Battlesounds, Kaepernick & America, which was an “Official Selection” at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and nominee for Critic’s Choice Documentary Award for Best Sports Documentary, and Philly On Fire, which was awarded the Library of Congress/Ken Burns Prize in October of 2022.
He is also an adjunct professor at NYU/Tisch’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music and serves on the advisory board for Fairleigh Dickinson University’s School of the Arts.
Bill Stephney has also served as the chair of the New Jersey State Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and has overseen federal committee reports related to education reform, immigration reform and state incarceration policy.
Grant Housley
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 5pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Grant Housley, Writer/Director/Filmmaker and proud Chicago native. It was on Chicago’s Southside where his dreams of becoming a filmmaker first started but it was his physical abilities that took him out of the projects to Florida State University to play football. Almost immediately, his football career was cut short with a knee injury that placed him right back on Chicago’s Southside. While in recovery, his passion for scriptwriting and filming re-emerged so he began screenwriting and directing classes at Columbia College. A college professor guided him to a fellowship program at Universal Studio in Los Angeles, California where he met the President of Production James Brubaker and his career in California began.
Grant continues to lengthen his already impressive resume with projects that he has collaborated with some of Hollywood’s elite ranging from short films, television projects to feature film development. As well as directed music videos with Grammy-nominated artists. In addition, he has developed scripts for television and film and is the creator, director and producer for the hit television movie Going for Broke.
Grant’s talents have afforded him career changing opportunities to work at two of the biggest world-renowned major studios, Walt Disney Studios and his current place of employment, the iconic Paramount Studios, where he is one of the Mastering Department Managers for the Studios Worldwide Technical Operations. Working with these historic institutions has allowed him to work on some of the biggest blockbuster films and critically acclaimed television series in the world.
Grant also shares his experiences and lends his professional talents in classrooms, conferences and workshops around the world. Be it Phoenix, Miami, London or Abuja if there is a filmmaker seeking knowledge, Grant will lend his time. Grant has dedicated the last 12 years to building one Africa’s foremost film schools, The Del-York Creative Academy where he serves as the Executive Vice President. The film school hosts an impressive four-week intensive program for hundreds of students from multiple countries within Africa to learn the nuances of filmmaking from Hollywood professionals. Grant has been instrumental in creating an invaluable experience for both students and staff by insisting on a hands-on, collaborative and interactive approach to learning.
Trent Garrett & Jacob Young
Date: Saturday 6/21
Time: 6pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
About Trent Garrett – Founder, Next Generation Storytellers
Actor in the film industry for 15+ years. His first TV break was on ABC’s “All My Children” in 2011, as Asher Pike, where he appeared in 91 episodes. During his film career, he earned major roles on hit TV/film sets, such as the Disney Channel series “Andi Mack” for his role as Bowie Quinn. He played Wes on the ABC series “Splitting Up Together” and John on the sitcom series “Maggie,” which premiered on Hulu and Fox’s “New Girl.”
Garrett's filmography includes movies like "Boost" as Austin Banks, Jason in "Pocket Listing," and Larry in "Martial Science." His TV journey included roles in the series "Make It or Break It," playing Brad, and Parker Freeman on the TNT drama series "Animal Kingdom." Netflix’s Army of Thieves, Amazon’s “Hanna,” HBO’s “Here and Now,” and Hulu’s “Maggie,”
Trent has developed a deepening passion for taking his skills into the classroom, where he and the NGS are focused on helping students explore and implement the filmmaking process from start to finish.
“I didn’t have these opportunities when I was a kid, growing up in Virginia. There was no Pathway for me to Hollywood. We are coming here to change that for the next generation of storytellers.” ~ Trent Garrett - Co-Founder of Next Generation Storytellers
About Jacob Young – Founder, Next Generation Storytellers
Jacob clinched the coveted Emmy® award and was Emmy® nominated seven (7)-times marking a lifelong goal in his illustrious acting career. His exceptional portrayal as JR Chandler on ABC’s "All My Children”, a role that he contributed to crafting, earning him the prestigious Annual Prism Award®. This award, as industry insiders would know, celebrates authentic depictions of addiction, substance abuse, and mental health in the world of entertainment.
Jacob resonates with his voice through "Real Conversations with Jacob Young", a monthly podcast that dives deep into genuine, heartfelt dialogues. Remember Lumiere from Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway? That was Jacob. And not just any Lumiere, but the one who rekindled the Broadway spirit, catapulting the show back to the top 10 must-watch musicals. From sharing screen space with giants like FOX Searchlight, AMC, and Disney+ to featuring on platforms such as ABC, CBS, VH1, MTV, E! Entertainment, Hallmark, and Lifetime, Jacob's journey has been nothing short of cinematic brilliance. If you think he’s just acting, think again.
Over the last decade, Jacob has seamlessly transitioned to the other side of the camera, showcasing his prowess as a TV and film producer. He has evolved into a multifaceted artist with a tremendous passion for the craft. His dedication has manifested into stellar performances but has also paved the way for budding talents, proving that he's not just a star but a guiding constellation in the entertainment galaxy.
Jacob has been an avid supporter of Boys Town, a non-profit that offers life-changing youth care and health care services, since 2019. His collaboration has led to heightened awareness of the diverse services offered by Boys Town. His advocacy extends to commercials, social media collaborations, and notably, his podcast.
“It’s amazing when young minds are able to actually physicalize and experience what they thought was totally unachievable” ~ Jacob Young - Co-Founder of Next Generation Storytellers
SUNDAY 6/22
Bam Johnson
Date: Sunday, June 22nd
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
A seven-time sport karate and kung fu world champion and two-time All-American champion, “The Bam” is the creator of Wushudo Universal Martial Arts. “The Bam” is widely known for starring as himself on the WMAC Masters television show and Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes.
Willie “The Bam” Johnson is the owner and president of The Bam’s Kung Fu Academy in Laurel and Rockville Maryland. In 1991, Johnson made history as America’s first nationally-ranked Triple Crown martial arts champion. Only three years later, he had the distinction of being the first African-American to be ranked number one in kung fu forms and weapons. In addition to these accomplishments, he has earned fifth- and seventh-degree black belts in karate and kung fu and studied several other arts such as jujitsu, Thai boxing, boxing, wrestling, tai chi, and kickboxing. Johnson received the title of Grand Master in 1995 and is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
A graduate of the Beijing Physical Culture Institute of China, Johnson has nearly 40 years of training in the martial arts. He has appeared in four films, including Super Fights and Major League II, 16 stage plays, 11 television shows, and two videos. He has also had more than 30 articles published in leading martial arts magazines and been featured on the cover of Black Belt Magazine, Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated, and Martial Arts Training.
Johnson was the action designer of the 2025 film “Blowback” (starring Clifton Powell), in which he also plays two different characters. The film is an Official Selection at the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Toledo (Spain) Action Film Festival.
LaVerne Daley
LaVerne Daley is an Award-Winning Business Strategist, sought-after Speaker and Community Leader with over 20 years’ experience guiding market expansion strategies for corporations & non-profits from 0 to 100m+ revenues. She is the Chief Strategist for the Miami Web Series Festival, an international film festival with global reach (est. 2014).
LaVerne and her L Global team help leaders realign to vision, meet and exceed revenue goals through executive coaching and consulting services in public relations, sales/marketing/branding, strategic planning, client service training, infrastructure reorganization, strategic partnering and human capital management including board development.
Throughout her career, LaVerne has guided market strategies for both start-up and established entities across multiple industries.
As a top performing executive at local and global organizations, she led cross functional teams to record setting sales, service & profitability goals while personally securing contracts in technology, consumer products, manufacturing, film, fashion, retail, legal, pharmaceutical, accounting/finance sectors.
LaVerne is passionate about helping organizations build their global brands. She strongly believes people who are optimally engaged in work/life choices serve as the ultimate revenue drivers for their organizations.
Her innovative marketing, leadership, strategic partnering, performance measurements, board engagement and branding methodologies have resulted in numerous personal and team awards including 5 Peak Performance Awards, Individual Awards for Highest Revenue Production, and Outstanding Service Excellence awards.
Recent accolades include recognition in Florida’s Sun Sentinel Legacy Magazine as one of “South Florida’s 50 Most Powerful & Influential Black Business Leaders of 2018”.
She is a sought-after Subject Matter Expert, Speaker and Consultant in marketing/sales development, engagement, leadership, client servicing/development, communication, human capital management and strategic planning.
Her Growth Strategies Consulting, Executive Coaching, Branding “Your Life, No Borders” L Global enterprise, is dedicated to delivering best in class solutions and service, worldwide.
In addition to career accomplishments, LaVerne remains dedicated to many charitable activities including United Way/Mission United, Kiwanis Club, 211 Broward, Chapman Partnership For Homeless (S. FL), Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Miami VFA’s (Veteran Film Awards), National Sales Network, Cystic Fibrosis and the Sickle Cell Foundation, serving as Board Chair, Member, Speaker, Advisor and Volunteer.
She serves on the Advisory Board for Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach campuses-and has led multiple panel discussions/seminars for each location.
LaVerne’s lifelong passion for The Arts is summarized in her frequent comment, “Art is LIFE”. She is instrumental in development, strategy and distribution of film, fashion, art and music related projects for global audiences.
Tim Reid
Date: Sunday, June 22nd
Time: 3pm
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
Gaining fame on TV first, he was born Timothy Lee Reid on December 19, 1944, in Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Coming from a troubled, impoverished childhood, he straightened out his life enough to attend Norfolk State College (now University) and graduate with a business administration degree. Married to wife Rita, whom he met at college, the couple went on to have two children, Tim Reid II and Tori Reid, both involved in the entertainment field.
Tim worked for Du Pont Chemicals in Chicago for a period of time in the late 60s. His first taste of the limelight came around the turn of the 70s when he met an insurance agent named Tom Dreesen, and the two decided to form a comedy nightclub act called "Tim and Tom". At this juncture, Tim decided to focus completely on acting, took up drama classes, and worked as a comic. TV and commercial work started coming his way, finding regular placements on a number of variety series that starred Frankie Avalon, The 5th Dimension singers Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., and Richard Pryor in the late 70s.
Making early appearances on such TV shows as "That's My Mama," "Rhoda," "Fernwood Tonite," "Lou Grant," "What's Happening" and "Maude," Tim received his star-making break after nabbing the cool and very hip role of "Venus Flytrap" on TV's WKRP in Cincinnati (1978). It is this radio disc jockey character for which Tim is still best known. Other TV series came his way, including his regular teacher role in the Lynn Redgrave sitcom Teachers Only (1982) and as Lt. Marcel "Downtown" Brown on Simon & Simon (1981)
Now firmly established, Tim started taking more control over his career. He went on to front the series Frank's Place (1987) in which he also executive-produced, received an Emmy nomination, and co-starred with his second wife Daphne Reid before playing a criminology professor in the comedy Snoops (1989), which also co-starred Daphne as his wife, and the more popular Sister, Sister (1994), wherein he starred alongside Jackée Harry as an adopted dad of identical twins Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry-Housley.
Tim and Daphne went to co-founded their own production studio (New Millennium Studios), the first ever built in his native state of Virginia. The short-lived program Linc's (1998), starring both Tim and Daphne, was the first to come out of the studio. Over the years, Daphne has been a frequent partner to Tim both in front and behind the camera lens, as actress and co-producer. Together they appeared in the TV movie Alley Cats Strike (2000) and the films Troop 491: the Adventures of the Muddy Lions (2013) and By the Grace of Bob (2016).
Toning down his slick facade over the years, the handsome, mustachioed actor has dedicated himself to films and other projects that have raised social issues as well as increase black awareness. He directed and starred in a hip-hop update of the Pygmalion story with the comedy For Real (2003), which was made at his studio (Daphne was executive producer). The film opened the fifth anniversary of the Hollywood Black Film Festival.
In addition to recurring roles on Treme (2010) and That '70s Show (1998) and guest appearances on such shows as "Touched by an Angel," "That's So Raven," "The Soul Man," "Limitless," "Grey's Anatomy" and "My, Myself and I," Tim has graced such films as Trade (2007), The Cost of Heaven (2010), Tri (2016) and 93 Days (2016).
Charity Awards Gala
Date: Not specified
Time: Not specified
Location: The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA
The Awards Gala is the culminating event of the Virginia Black Film Festival. Taking place at the historic American Theatre, this event features a star-studded extravagant celebration of talented creators and their supporters.
2025 VBFF Visionary Award Recipient: Media mogul BK Fulton, CEO of Soulidifly Productions and original founder of Moviepass. The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in both art and business.
2025 VBFF Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Actor and film director Tim Reid, best known for his roles in Frank’s Place, That ‘70s Show, Sister Sister, Simon & Simon, and WKRP in Cincinnati.
Distinguished Guests: Grant Housley (Paramount Pictures), Bill Stephney (Boomerang, Do the Right Thing), Trent Garrett and Jacob Young (Next Generation Storytellers), Fatima Cortez Todd (widow of the late Tony Todd), Ebonee Pope (Enjenuity Media), Dr. Karen Ward, Dr. Debra Haggins (Hampton University), and film professor Rel Dowdell (Hampton University). VBFF founder, actor, and director Bryan G Thompson.
Host: Television host April Woodard of Coast Live, Channel 3. April Woodard immerses herself in a diverse range of stories, and her unique talents continually play a key role in scoring some of TV's top interviews. Woodard's trademark is gripping reports on a variety of topics, ranging from children battling disfiguring diseases to red carpet interviews with such stars as Michael Vick, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mo'Nique, Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and former First Lady Laura Bush, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
JUDGES
PARTNER EVENT
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