The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and Better Brothers LA are gearing up to celebrate Pride Month with their annual luncheon on June 1. This event is dedicated to recognizing films and TV series that are instrumental in enhancing visibility for LGBTQ communities. One of the key highlights of this year’s event is the honoring of the outstanding Paramount+/Showtime limited series Fellow Travelers for its representation of gay life and its inclusion of Black LGBTQ characters and storylines. AAFCA will be presenting the Social Impact Award to this critically acclaimed show, which has been deemed as one of the best shows of the past TV season.
An Inclusive Narrative in Fellow Travelers
Fellow Travelers, based on the bestselling novel by Thomas Mallon, revolves around the lives of two principal characters, Timothy Laughlin and Hawkins Fuller (portrayed by Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey), as they navigate the social and political implications of their relationship. The series also features Jelani Alladin as Marcus Gaines and Noah Ricketts as Frankie Hines, offering a unique portrayal of Black LGBTQ characters within the narrative. According to Better Brothers LA co-founder Scott Hamilton, “Fellow Travelers deserves recognition for its representation of the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, especially highlighting the experiences of Black individuals.” Hamilton also praises the actors for their ability to humanize their characters and shed light on the intersectional struggles faced by Black and queer individuals.
Celebrating Black Music Month
In addition to the Pride celebration, AAFCA will be hosting its fifth annual Black Music Month celebration on June 8 at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. The highlight of the event will be a screening of the Oscar-shortlisted documentary *Little Richard: I Am Everything*, which provides an intimate look into the life and legacy of the late rock ‘n’ roll icon. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a panel discussion featuring the acclaimed director of the film, Lisa Cortes, along with Black Music Month founder Dyana Williams, Amazon Music executive Phylicia Fant, and veteran multi-hyphenate Erica Grayson.
Events like the AAFCA luncheon and Black Music Month celebration play a crucial role in recognizing the impact of diverse storytelling in film and TV. By honoring projects like Fellow Travelers and documentaries like *Little Richard: I Am Everything*, these celebrations not only highlight the importance of representation but also showcase the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy within communities.
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