Beyond the screenings and panels, the American Black Film Festival creates opportunities for meaningful connections through networking events and mixers.
Among them was Strong Black Lead’s Netflix Celebration of Black Television Soirée, which brought creatives together to celebrate the impact of Black television. Some guests included Christopher Meyer, Logan Browning, Michelle Buteau, and several members of the All American cast.
Kareem Grimes and Michael Evans Behling. Photo Credit: ABFF
The following day, the All American cast took part in the festival panel, The Final Game: Inside the Legacy of All American, celebrating the series’ final season. Before the panel, Michael Evans Behling, Bre-Z, and Greta Onieogou reflected on a farewell that was both emotional and rewarding.
“I was personally crying the entire time, but I think there was a lot of pride in what we accomplished.” Greta shared. Michael Evans Behling echoed those sentiments.
“It was great to be with a lot of people we spent so much time with and wrapped it up.”
For Bre-Z, who portrays fan-favorite Coop, the experience was equally emotional.
Bre-Z at ABFF. Photo Credit: ABFF
“There was a lot going on, and even though it was the final day, it still felt like a full work day.”
The cast also reflected on the personal growth they experienced throughout their time on the series. Michael shared that he learned to extend grace to himself and be more patient over the last eight years. Greta shared that sentiment, adding that she’s learned to extend that same grace and patience not only to herself, but to others as well.
Bre-Z spoke about how closely her own journey mirrored Coop’s.
“I started the show when I was 30, and I’m about to be 39,” she said. “I saw myself as Coop saw herself. A lot of the things she was going through, I was going through.” Looking back on the experience, she described the show as more than just a job, saying it was a struggle, but ultimately a learning experience and a class.
As the conversation shifted toward what comes next, Greta spoke about another creative passion she hopes to continue pursuing. Having recently released her short film Vipers, she expressed excitement about expanding her work behind the camera.
“Producing is something I’m actually very passionate about,” she said. “Vipers was a passion project, and I would love to do more of that in the future.” However, she emphasized that acting remains her primary focus.
It’s evident that All American’s greatest legacy may not only be the stories it told, but also the relationships it fostered along the way. Both our conversation with the cast and Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Soirée served as reminders that Black television is more than entertainment. It allows audiences to see themselves in unique stories that matter.
The final season of All American will premiere on Monday, July 13, on The CW.
