Our Judges
Ann Arbor Black Film Festival 2024
* A2BFF *
Ann Arbor Black Film Festival 2024 * A2BFF *
Our logo is derived from the salix nigra, Ann Arbor’s black willow tree. This tree was picked for its beauty and resilience.
The State Theater
A Historic Art Deco monument to Cinema in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, the State Theater has been recently refurbished to handle modern film exhibitions with quality and comfort.
233 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI
Third Mind Books
A brick-and-mortar bookstore & event venue located in Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in first editions and rare books of the Beat Generation and other notable movements.
118 E Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI
Lucille H. Porter
Dedicated to her memory…
The A2 African American Festival, originally named the African American Downtown Festival, was founded by Lucille H. Porter in 1996, the first black Ann Arborite to create, develop, and host a downtown festival that continues to occur on an annual basis. This big Ann Arbor block party raised money for the local community while honoring the history of black-owned businesses and homes that previously dominate the area around Fourth Avenue and Ann Street. We recognize the contributions of this trailblazer for without the A2 African American Festival, the Ann Arbor Black Film festival would not exist.
Lucille H. Porter was a graduate of the University of Michigan, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the founder/director of the non-profit agency called the Community Leaning Post to help children with their school work. Her memory is held dear by her family and friends and the community uplifting legacies that she has left behind.