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The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is marking a major milestone in 2026 and they’re doing it with one of Hollywood’s most respected powerhouses at the helm. Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning actress, director, and producer Regina King has been announced as the official Ambassador for the festival’s 30th anniversary, returning to Miami Beach from May 27–31, 2026, under the theme “The Homecoming.”

King’s relationship with ABFF is as deep as it is enduring. Her first appearance dates back to 1997, when the festival was still the Acapulco Black Film Festival. Over the years, both have evolved King into a defining creative force in Hollywood and ABFF into a global hub for Black storytelling. As Festival Ambassador, she will open the celebration and participate in a featured “Creator Conversation with Regina King,” spotlighting her continued commitment to authenticity, artistry, and representation.

“ABFF has championed countless artists and storytellers, growing into a powerful global platform,” said King. “What Jeff and Nicole Friday have built over 30 years has made a lasting impact across our industry. Returning feels like a homecoming a celebration of our creativity, resilience, and excellence.”

Festival founders Jeff and Nicole Friday, who lead NICE CROWD, describe King’s ambassadorship as a full-circle moment. “She represents everything this festival was created to celebrate—artistry, integrity, and excellence,” they shared.

With a career that spans from 227 to If Beale Street Could Talk, Watchmen, and her groundbreaking directorial debut One Night in Miami, King continues to blaze new paths for Black women in film and television. Most recently, she directed and executive produced Netflix’s Forever alongside showrunner Mara Brock Akil, which has already been renewed for a second season.

ABFF 2026 promises to honor the festival’s rich history while looking ahead to its vibrant future celebrating the creators, stories, and voices that continue to shape the culture.

The post Regina King Named Festival Ambassador for ABFF’s 30th Anniversary Celebration appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

If you’ve needed a rental car in the past few years, chances are high that you’ve considered using Turo.

Originally, Turo launched as an app that allowed people to rent out their cars when they weren’t using them. Over time, however, people began to use the service to create their own rental car fleets, similar to Airbnb hosts owning multiple rentals in which they’ve never lived.

BLACKWEEK returned to the Tribeca section of Manhattan with the theme of “Welcome to the Culture Economy.” Thousands gathered to gain knowledge, community, and to network with like-minded individuals.

As the second BLACKWEEK took over Spring Studios from Oct. 6 to 9, people lined up for knowledge and advice. Speakers included Don Lemon, Charlamagne the God, Will Lucas, Lena Waithe, and a trove of others offered the game to those interested in getting it.

“One of the biggest goals for BLACKWEEK was to stay authentic, to being a true conference to bring people together,” said Megan Segarra, one of BLACKWEEK’s organizers. “And I think a lot of conferences pretend, like, they’re actually doing that, but what they’re really trying to do is amplify themselves, make money, do whatever.”

Segarra was confident that the goal of this year’s BLACKWEEK was met, as evidenced by the smiling faces seen throughout the event.

“This year’s theme was ‘Welcome to the Culture Economy’ ’cause there is no economy without culture,” she said. “It is truly an intersection. And so, to ensure that our talks amplified it as a true mission was our goal. 
And I think we delivered on that with our programming.”

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JoJo Simmons, chief brand officer of 3isFor, reality TV personality and podcast host (For Good Podcast), moderated a panel.

“I’m taking away everything from it,” Simmons said of BLACKWEEK. “I’m listening to everybody. I’m seeing what everybody’s got going on. Obviously, super-excited to be here to do my podcast live, but just hearing everybody else and what they have going on and other things that the Black people are doing, it’s an amazing feeling, man. Especially me being Black myself, obviously, and being amongst people that just appreciate what I bring to the space is me appreciating what they bring to the space as well.”

The importance of Black people and their inventions was on the mind of comedian Godfrey, who hosted a show for up-and-coming comics. But he was also ecstatic about the purpose of BLACKWEEK.

“Well, anything Black is important, especially with business and tech,” he explained. “That’s important for us, ’cause we’re always left out of a lot of these things. And which is still sad till this day.”

After naming several inventors and their creations, Godfrey took issue with the mindset of racists who still hold a grudge and still consider us less than them.

“What are you talking about? Why are we getting left out of technology? We are a technology. Built the pyramids. What are we talking about here? 
Mathematics and all that sh** is what we created. So these things are important, that we need it for people to have opportunity, that don’t get opportunities.

“It’s just tired. 
Enough of that. Enough of you not liking us ’cause of what we look like. You know what I’m saying? 
So these types of events are very important. I’m glad to be part of it, and I hope it continues to expand.”

BLACKWEEK did more than bring together business leaders, creators, and innovators. It may have advanced the careers of several people who came looking for knowledge while also speaking to others who need an assist in reaching their goals.

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As many search for ways to connect with nature and live more sustainably, one TikToker is showing her followers that living off-the-grid is not only possible but affordable. 

Daja Hansel-Coates, who goes by the username @ihopeyoufindserenity on social media, relocated to southwestern Costa Rica 3 years ago with the plan to build a tropical sanctuary for herself. 

“In 2022, I did something that most people would consider completely crazy. I started living alone in an off-grid property that I purchased in rural Costa Rica,“ the digital creator said in a TikTok video, noting that she only had $50 to start the project. 

@ihopeyoufindserenity

My story and imperfect journey to off-grid living. Link to my GoFundMe is in my bio

♬ sonido original – ihopeyoufindserenity

Through various photos and videos, followers can see the structure evolve from a basic frame to a fully functional cabin, primarily built with assistance from volunteers. On the property, there’s a farm where Coates grows food and cares for animals.

Besides sharing her journey with over 200,000 followers, Coates hosts “Inner-Child Healing and Liberated Daughter retreats” where guests can experience a lifestyle that features locally sourced foods and eco-friendly materials. 

“I’m proud of all the things I’ve been able to do in the last 3 years, especially all of the people I’ve hosted and held in the space,” Coates captioned a TikTok video. 

The influencer, who partly supports herself by teaching English to residents, notes that living as an expat in Costa Rica has its downsides. She has experienced racist microaggressions in her adopted hometown. 

Additionally, tropical storms have battered the cabin, and termites have destroyed some of the cabin’s wooden beams. The soon-to-be mother recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with repairs, which will enable her to continue hosting retreats and gatherings that promote emotional healing.  

“My Inner Child Healing Retreats offer a nurturing space to explore deep emotional healing through play, rest, guided practices, and nature immersion,” the social media influencer writes on her website. 

Visit the website to learn more about Find Serenity retreats or how you can support rebuilding efforts. 

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