Chris Glass

Last week, on a balmy Miami evening — under the masterful direction of @sidrasmithofficial — we gathered to celebrate the American Black Film Festival and a host of creative change-makers. Chief among them were the festival’s founders, Jeff and Nicole Friday, alongside the incomparable Larenz Tate.

The space was filled with Black excellence — storytellers, trailblazers, old friends, new friends. The music crooned, the mic was passed — adoration and accolades flowing freely. Libations thanks to @ms_ibest and @ibestwines followed by high fives and tight hugs. Food was shared as laughter rose into the night sky — and then it rained.

And Black folx did what Black folx do — #WineOutOfWater

Some stood in the rain and laughed, others huddled close and sang. It was a karaoke for the books. And a reminder of how far we’ve come, along with the power of community in pushing culture forward.

In a time when the world is at war, and the familiar face of bigotry haunts every corner, moments like these are, in fact, acts of rebellion. The very powers that would rob us of joy stand shocked by our audacity and resilience. As the heavens opened that night, I imagined the ancestors weeping wet, joyful tears — to cleanse us, to polish us, to ready us for the enduring road ahead. As the church folks say - weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning. Amen? Amen.

These moments also remind me of my own purpose — to create transformative experiences that increase access and opportunity for those traditionally left out.

Huge thanks to the team at #sohobeachhouse for your stunning hospitality, and to @carolsdaughter @myblockskin @drsummerallen @chicknjones for your generosity and to @hervemompoint and @ramzydabeast for the brilliant shots.

Here’s to Black brilliance, legacy in motion, and the spaces that hold us.

Happy Juneteenth y’all!

#ABFF #SohoHouse #CultureIsCommunity #BlackExcellence #hostwiththemost #Juneteenth #BlackJoy #BlackCreatives #BlackStorytellers