Ryan Coogler to Receive ‘I Aspire’ Global Impact Award at ‘Salute THEM Awards’

Acclaimed writer, director and producer Ryan Coogler will receive the inaugural HBCU First LOOK ‘I Aspire’ Global Impact Award presented in partnership with Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts.

This presentation holds profound significance for the Howard University community, as it celebrates not only Ryan‘s groundbreaking contributions to global cinema but also honors his powerful creative partnership with the esteemed late Chadwick Boseman, an alumnus of Howard University.

Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman’s contributions to “Black Panther” set new industry standards for representation, while also becoming an emblem of cultural pride, ambition, and artistic excellence.

This aligns perfectly with the HBCU First LOOK Festival‘s commitment to “Elevate Future Storytellers.”

Get ready for the 15th Anniversary of Cafe Mocha awards ceremony and celebration – where SOUL meets Solidarity.

Other Honorees include; Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and more.

Taking place November 6th at the Howard Theatre, located at 620 T St. NW, Washington, D.C., from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, we will be highlighting the trailblazers and pioneers that are making an impact in OUR community.

For 15 years, Café Mocha has honored over 250 awardees, from celebrities to everyday gamechangers who unselfishly serve their community and live by the mission of the Mocha Cares Foundation “when you are blessed, be a blessing to others.”

2025 Salute THEM Honorees:
Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award–winning Actress
Ryan Coogler, Acclaimed Writer, Director and Producer
Marsai Martin, Actress & Producer
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (TX-30)
Edna Kane Williams, AARP EVP & Chief Diversity Officer
Virginia Ali, Co-Founder, Ben’s Chili Bowl
Angel Gregorio, Entrepreneur & Advocate
Kenny Lattimore, Grammy-nominated R&B Singer-Songwriter

Registration for the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is open.

Secure your tickets to the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, for a weekend of fun, networking opportunities, film screenings, workshops and more!

Yes, Marsai Martin will be there with other guests including Loni Love, Lynn Whitfield, J. Alphonse Nicholson, LaRoyce Hawkins, and more! Take advantage of these amazing career opportunities and get your tickets!

Register for the “HBCU First LOOK Film” festival.

Paramount is making an appearance at the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival and is bringing an amazing opportunity for students to the festival.

Happening in the ‘Beyond the Lights’ Elevation Lounge, The Storytellers Lab x Martha’s Vineyard, an immersive 9-month fellowship program created by Paramount, will be recruiting for their program.