One-on-One with 2020 Guest Ambassador Anthony AndersoN
Our 2020 CCBFF Ambassador was Anthony Anderson! Compton native and one of Hollywood’s hottest artists and comedians Anthony Anderson spoke with Hip Hollywood correspondent Jasmine Simpkins about his career and experiences within the entertainment industry.

Panelists

Anthony Anderson
2020 Ambassador
Actor

Jasmine Simpkins
Hip Hollywood Correspondent
A Discussion on Mental Health and Entertainment with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF)
Panelists

Daphne Maxwell Reid
Actress and Comedian, “Aunt Viv” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Dr. Robin L. Smith
National Television Personality, Author, Ordained Minister, Licensed Psychologist

Felicia D. Henderson
Award-Winning Television Producer and Screenwriter

Moderated by
Dr. Joe Johnson
Speaker, Trainer and Author
2020 Harlem Lights Award
Panelists

Mehcad Brooks
Actor
2020 CCBFF Harlem Lights Award Honoree

Julius Tennon
JuVee Productions
President, Development and Production
2014 CCBFF Harlem Lights Award Honoree
Elevating Your Profile w/ Film Connx's Carolyn Pitt and Austin Film Society's Martin Jones
Panelists

Desirae A. Jones
CCBFF Director of Programming and Public Relations

Martin C. Jones
Austin Film Society
Director of Austin Studios

Carolyn Pitt
Film Connx Founder and CEO
Healing Starts at Home: How the Johnsons are Taking Back Their Power by Prioritizing Mental Health
Panelists

Desirae A. Jones
CCBFF Director of Programming and Public Relations

Emjay Johnson
Cast Member on “Love and Hip Hop: Miami,” Musician, Entrepreneur

Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson
Director and Principal Psychologist – The Diane Morgan Group

Dr. Joe Johnson
Speaker, Trainer and Author

Shay Johnson
Urban Model, Reality Television Personality, Fitness Guru
2019 CCBFF PANELS
The Power of film to impact change
Following a presentation of her short film Illegal Rose, Harlem Lights Honoree and Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper and CCBFF Ambassador and Actor Sherri Shepherd (Brian Banks), will be joined by Royce Brooks, executive director, Annie’s List, a statewide political organization that works to elect progressive women to office in Texas. These powerful, Black women will embark on a discussion surrounding the intersection of race, film and politics and the importance of using the art of film to influence change.

Panelists

Deborah Riley Draper
2019 CCBFF Harlem Lights Award Honoree and Filmmaker

Sherri Shepherd
CCBFF Ambassador, Actress and Comedian

Royce Brooks
Executive Director
Annie’s List

Moderated by
Zakiyah Larry
Quest Media
Getting to the Green Light
Diversity is the buzzword circulating through Hollywood, however, the path to leveling the playing field is an arduous road. This panel will offer insights to aspiring and up-and-coming filmmakers on overcoming adversity, cutting through the clutter and discovering the path to getting your film noticed.
Panelists

Liliana Granados
Creative Executive
JuVee Productions

Elon Washington
Development Manager
Monkeypaw Productions

Shayla Cowan
Chief of Staff
Will Packer Productions
and Will Packer Media

Moderated by
Desirae Jones
CCBFF Director of Programming and Public Relations
Black Woman Rising
Meet talented creatives who are rising in the film industry. Be one of the first to preview their work and learn about their journey to the top.
Panelists

Munirah Jones
Creator of “Junt Land” series on OWN

Tia Williams
Creator, Writer and Director of “Gentrified”

Tasha Edinbyrd
“Take Back The Crown” Executive Producer

Seckeita Lewis
Producer, “Jerico”

Jabree Webber
Creator, “It Happened One Night”
Textures & Tones
Earlier this year, Black actors throughout the industry began an online discussion about the lack of proper training among stylists and makeup artists in the film and television industry as it relates to styling Black talent.
Their cries were heard across the globe and this panel is designed to educate talented Black hairstylists and MUAs on the opportunities that exist within the film industry. The discussion will feature Black women who have forged their way into Hollywood after joining IATSE and the IATSE Local 484 will discuss the path to join the union and the opportunities that exist throughout Oklahoma and Texas.
Panelists

Nikki Bell
Dept: Lead and Hairstylist
IATSE Local 798 in Atlanta

Tasha Edinbyrd
“Take Back The Crown” Executive Producer

Laura King
Business Manager
IATSE Local 484

Moderated by
Zakiyah Larray
Quest Media