Black Women Film Network to Honor Merkerson, Brooks, Pride

The Black Women Film Network (BWFN) will host its 2026 Annual Summit on Saturday, March 21, at Atlanta’s Loudermilk Center. The event celebrates and advances Black women in film, television, and digital media, bringing together industry professionals and emerging talent.

This year’s summit theme is “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community,” emphasizing collaboration and collective strength within the entertainment industry.

Honorees

Six industry leaders will be recognized for their contributions. S. Epatha Merkerson will receive the On Her Shoulders Preservation Award for her extensive television career, including roles in Law & Order and Chicago Med. Danielle Brooks will be honored with the AcceleratHER Award, acknowledging her work in television, film, and theater, highlighted by her recent performance in The Color Purple. Felicia Pride will receive the StorytellHER Award for her writing, showrunning, and producing, including leading the sequel to A Different World. Sheila Ducksworth will be presented with the ProducHER Award for her leadership in television production, including her role as President of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture and executive producer of Beyond the Gates. Vanzil Burke, founder of Burke Entertainment Partners, will receive the AmpliphiHER Award for amplifying diverse stories and creators. Finally, Angela Cannon, EVP of Networks and Content Strategy at UP Entertainment and General Manager of AspireTV+, will receive the PowerbrokHER Award for her work in shaping content strategy and expanding programming for diverse audiences.

Summit Programming

The summit will feature discussions on various aspects of the entertainment industry. Panels will address topics such as branded content as a funding strategy, documentary filmmaking and distribution, mental health in media, and the process of bringing a script to production. Sessions will also explore emerging technologies, including AI tools for film and digital production, and new monetization opportunities in short-form storytelling.

About the Black Women Film Network

Founded in 1997, the Black Women Film Network provides mentorship, advocacy, and industry access for Black women in entertainment. The annual summit is the organization’s flagship event.

Partners and Tickets

The 2026 summit is presented in partnership with NBCUniversal, AspireTV+, Amazon, and Fulton Films. Tickets are available for the public.