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ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

ABFF Founder Jeff Friday speaks to the importance of creating & maintaining safe spaces for Black artists.

Home matters too.

📸: @kelbpics @redcarpetimages

#ABFFHonors #ShowUpForBlackEvents #essenceblackwomeninhollywood #naacpimageawards #betawards

One of the more interesting things I’ve noticed after spending 30 years building a cultural institution is watching how people assign value.

Many people will spend freely on luxury items, entertainment, travel, and experiences they perceive as status symbols, yet still ask brands they claim to support for complimentary access.

If we truly want our brands and institutions to grow, thrive, and endure, we have to invest in them the same way we invest in everything else we value.

Getting in free doesn’t make you important. Sustaining the culture does.

- Jeff Friday

One of the more interesting things I’ve noticed after spending 30 years building a cultural institution is watching how people assign value.

Many people will spend freely on luxury items, entertainment, travel, and experiences they perceive as status symbols, yet still ask brands they claim to support for complimentary access.

If we truly want our brands and institutions to grow, thrive, and endure, we have to invest in them the same way we invest in everything else we value.

Getting in free doesn’t make you important. Sustaining the culture does.

- Jeff Friday

I’m so glad to share this lovely news! The 30th anniversary of ABFF in Miami Beach, attendees will receive a signed copy my memoir, It’s Never Too Late. ❤️📚😘

It’s a special gift to their Industry Pass holders. I’m their 2025 ABFF Honors Hollywood Legacy Award recipient, and now they do me great honor this year by supporting my book and sharing it! 💐❤️🎁

This new memoir is important to me...it’s important that the message is shared. As community we learn, grow and connect through stories. And honey God has truly turned my sad story into blessed life journey! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️

This memoir Celebrates over 30 years of faith, storytelling, legacy, and culture that has shaped into an unforgettable piece of history...thanks to all of you! 😘

#marlagibbs #itsnevertoolate #ABFF2026 #amistadbooks #harpercollins

Can You Be Nice In Hollywood? Jeff Friday, NICE CROWD CEO and ABFF Founder speaks on the importance of your reputation in Hollywood.

#autumnduraldarkapaw #jefffriday #thinkpiece #oped

Can You Be Nice In Hollywood? Jeff Friday, NICE CROWD CEO and ABFF Founder speaks on the importance of your reputation in Hollywood.

#autumnduraldarkapaw #jefffriday #thinkpiece #oped

Can You Be Nice In Hollywood? Jeff Friday, NICE CROWD CEO and ABFF Founder speaks on the importance of your reputation in Hollywood.

#autumnduraldarkapaw #jefffriday #thinkpiece #oped

Can You Be Nice In Hollywood? Jeff Friday, NICE CROWD CEO and ABFF Founder speaks on the importance of your reputation in Hollywood.

#autumnduraldarkapaw #jefffriday #thinkpiece #oped

Can You Be Nice In Hollywood? Jeff Friday, NICE CROWD CEO and ABFF Founder speaks on the importance of your reputation in Hollywood.

#autumnduraldarkapaw #jefffriday #thinkpiece #oped

You just had to be there, ABFF Since 1997!

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

When we founded the American Black Film Festival, the vision was simple: create a space where our stories, our voices, and our talent could be celebrated and discovered.

We Are ABFF Day is a reflection of that vision coming to life through the incredible community that has grown with us over the years. The filmmakers, the artists, the partners, the audience—you are the reason this festival continues to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The legacy of ABFF is built by all of us. 🖤🎬

#WeAreABFF #ABFF2026

A major publication asked: "Why do you need a Black film festival?" The answer: "Because Hollywoodn't."

We create our own validation, pay, and celebration. We do it ourselves.30 years of why! Join us this May in Miami Beach for The Homecoming.

#FilmFestivals #Hollywood #RepresentationMatters #ABFF2026

Jeff & Nicole Friday, Co-Founders of @nicecrowdevents , sit down with Higher Learning hosts Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay to talk all things ABFF 2026 and the 30th anniversary homecoming in Miami Beach.

Take a listen—or watch—on your favorite podcast platforms. Available now. 🎙️

#abff2026 #higherlearning

Van and Rachel sit down with Jeff and Nicole Friday, founders of the American Black Film Festival to discuss their success in the space, community and shifting the narrative for Black creatives.

Look out for the @americanblackfilmfestival happening May 27th-31st, 2026 in Miami Beach!

#higherlearningpodcast #abff

Honored to stand beside my brother Bill Duke today and pay tribute as a speaker at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony.

A true icon. A visionary.A mentor. Aloyal friend!

50 years of excellence.

Congratulations Bill and happy 83rd birthday!

#BillDuke #hollywoodwalkoffame

What a night to remember ✨ TheNICE Crowd co-founders Jeff & Nicole Friday hit the red carpet alongside their honorees — and we’re beyond grateful for the vision that made moments like this possible. Cheers to 10 years of celebrating Black excellence at ABFF Honors 🖤🎬 #ABFFHonors

I woke up today feeling incredibly proud.

As many of you may have seen, Sinners, the latest film from Ryan Coogler, has just broken records with 16 Academy Award nominations. It is an extraordinary achievement and one that immediately made me reflect on why the American Black Film Festival exists.

Long before Sinners and long before the global acclaim, Ryan first stepped onto the ABFF stage as a young filmmaker with a short film called Fig, which went on to win the HBO Short Film Award at the 2011 American Black Film Festival. That moment was not about trophies or headlines. It was about opportunity, belief, and creating space for talent to grow.

Ryan’s success is entirely his own, earned through vision, discipline, and relentless creative drive. ABFF’s role has always been to provide access and encouragement at an early stage, trusting that gifted storytellers will take it from there.

ABFF is about building careers, giving Black storytellers access, community, and a real shot at longevity in film and television. When one of our alumni reaches a moment like this, it reinforces the importance of investing in artists early, before the world is watching.

This is a proud day for Ryan and his family. A proud day for ABFF. And a reminder of what is possible when belief meets opportunity.

With sincere gratitude,

Jeff

I woke up today feeling incredibly proud.

As many of you may have seen, Sinners, the latest film from Ryan Coogler, has just broken records with 16 Academy Award nominations. It is an extraordinary achievement and one that immediately made me reflect on why the American Black Film Festival exists.

Long before Sinners and long before the global acclaim, Ryan first stepped onto the ABFF stage as a young filmmaker with a short film called Fig, which went on to win the HBO Short Film Award at the 2011 American Black Film Festival. That moment was not about trophies or headlines. It was about opportunity, belief, and creating space for talent to grow.

Ryan’s success is entirely his own, earned through vision, discipline, and relentless creative drive. ABFF’s role has always been to provide access and encouragement at an early stage, trusting that gifted storytellers will take it from there.

ABFF is about building careers, giving Black storytellers access, community, and a real shot at longevity in film and television. When one of our alumni reaches a moment like this, it reinforces the importance of investing in artists early, before the world is watching.

This is a proud day for Ryan and his family. A proud day for ABFF. And a reminder of what is possible when belief meets opportunity.

With sincere gratitude,

Jeff

I woke up today feeling incredibly proud.

As many of you may have seen, Sinners, the latest film from Ryan Coogler, has just broken records with 16 Academy Award nominations. It is an extraordinary achievement and one that immediately made me reflect on why the American Black Film Festival exists.

Long before Sinners and long before the global acclaim, Ryan first stepped onto the ABFF stage as a young filmmaker with a short film called Fig, which went on to win the HBO Short Film Award at the 2011 American Black Film Festival. That moment was not about trophies or headlines. It was about opportunity, belief, and creating space for talent to grow.

Ryan’s success is entirely his own, earned through vision, discipline, and relentless creative drive. ABFF’s role has always been to provide access and encouragement at an early stage, trusting that gifted storytellers will take it from there.

ABFF is about building careers, giving Black storytellers access, community, and a real shot at longevity in film and television. When one of our alumni reaches a moment like this, it reinforces the importance of investing in artists early, before the world is watching.

This is a proud day for Ryan and his family. A proud day for ABFF. And a reminder of what is possible when belief meets opportunity.

With sincere gratitude,

Jeff