What drew Wise in wasn’t just the story, but the emotional terrain it covered. “I feel like I’ve always had the capacity to subvert pain into something meaningful,” she explains. “This play is emblematic of that. It hits me on a soul level.”
That ability to balance emotional storytelling with moments of joy and levity is part of Evans’ vision. “This show is faith-based without being preachy,” he said. “We’re telling stories we know; with people we love. That’s the win.”
Markuann Smith doesn’t just act in “Godfather of Harlem”—he helped build it from the ground up.
“I’m not here to imitate Frank Lucas — I’m showing who he could’ve been. He could’ve been me. He could’ve been you.” — Rome Flynn on redefining a legend in “Godfather of Harlem”
“I wanted the music to feel like the voice in Bumpy Johnson’s head,” said Swizz Beatz. “What would the song sound like when he’s under pressure, when he’s winning, when he’s trying to hold everything together?”
“If it’s all my voice all the time, it can be monotonous,” Abraham said. “I’m really interested in how we can lift up other voices while challenging my dancers in new ways.” That diversity, he said, creates unexpected energy and connection on stage.
Goings said her earliest love for television came from the time she spent watching soaps with her elders. “I grew up watching the stories with my grandmother and great aunt,” Goings recalled. “That was our time together sitting on the couch, shoes off, just soaking it all in.”
“What these guys are really providing are blueprints for living,” said Hudlin. “As different as they all are, the one thing they share is a winner’s mentality.”
That sense of closeness has been especially important since the unexpected passing of Jackson’s brother Tito, who died suddenly following a heart attack. Jackson spoke about Tito with both pride and deep emotion.
While working on “BMF,” Hasbourne said the authenticity of the Atlanta set helped the story feel more grounded. “The set felt alive. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it was part of the character,” Hasbourne said. “That energy shows up on screen.”
Growing up in Los Angeles, Lo Williams never imagined she would one day help bring Disney’s “Frozen” to life onstage. Now, as Assistant Director of Children’s Theatre Company’s (CTC) original, non-replica production of “Frozen”, Williams is embracing the opportunity to help reshape a beloved story.
Speaking of resilience, Nolan praised Tiffany Haddish for creating a platform that uplifts others. “Tiffany gives back in so many ways,” Nolan said. “She’s real. She’s funny, talented, but she also cares deeply. That’s what makes this event so special.”
“You have to be okay with saying no. You can’t let people put you in a box,” LaTocha said.
Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor, Marla Gibbs, and Raamla Mohamed were honored at the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, with Tyra Banks receiving the inaugural Luminary Spotlight.
For Terrell Tilford, the intersection of art and entertainment is about more than creativity — it’s about healing, truth-telling, and community building.