The NBA Allstar week provided Laura Coates, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Sanaa Lathan, Candace Parker, Cheryl Miller, Cari Champion, and Jayne Kennedy to honor the iconic film and celebrate the milestones of Women In Sports. The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival marked a pivotal cultural milestone during NBA All-Star Week with a highly attended event at the Maybourne Beverly Hills, celebrating the 25th anniversary of ‘Love & Basketball.’ This impactful gathering brought together leading figures from film, sports, and media to emphasize director Gina Prince-Bythewood’s influential role in transforming women’s representation in cinema and athletics.
Moderated by CNN’s chief legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates, the event featured a compelling discussion with filmmaker Ms. Prince-Bythewood and an elite panel including actress Sanaa Lathan, WNBA legends Candace Parker, the iconic ‘Cheryl Miller, ‘ renowned journalist Cari Champion, and pioneer sports commentator Jayne Kennedy. The conversation highlighted the film’s lasting impact on storytelling and its essential role in elevating the profiles of female athletes across industries.
The event also presented special guest such as sports journalist Jemele Hill, actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, comedian Loni Love, actress Erika Ringor, and executive Tia Beauchamp, among others. who are contributors to the culture, community and industry leadership. Having support from CNN, TNT Sports, Black Girl Vitamins, OWN, Visit East Point, and Warner Bros. Discovery, the event showcased the strength and resilience of communities while fostering tremendous information through film, sports and media.
The 2026 Festival returns to Howard University in Washington, DC, on November 5– 7. Past honorees and speakers included Ryan Coogler, Ruth Carter, Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin, Colman Domingo, President and Michelle Obama, just to name a few.
HBCU First Look Film Festival Clip:
Expressing my opinion
Chief Editor