Black Women Film Network Announces 2026 Annual Summit Honorees Including S. Epatha Merkerson and Danielle Brooks

The spotlight is turning toward Atlanta this March as the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) prepares to host its 2026 Annual Summit, an event dedicated to celebrating the impact, leadership, and creative power of Black women across film, television, and digital media.

Set for Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, this year’s gathering carries the theme “Unbreakable Lens: The Power of Community.” The title couldn’t be more fitting. The summit is designed not only as a celebration of excellence but also as a place where mentorship, collaboration, and future-forward conversations shape the next era of storytelling.

At the center of this year’s celebration is a lineup of industry leaders whose work has helped redefine what representation and leadership look like in entertainment.

Veteran actress S. Epatha Merkerson will receive the On Her Shoulders Preservation Award, honoring a career that has left a lasting imprint on television history. Merkerson currently stars as Sharon Goodwin on NBC’s hit drama Chicago Med, part of the network’s long-running One Chicago franchise. Many audiences also know her as Lt. Anita Van Buren from Law & Order, a role that became one of the most enduring characters in primetime television.

As Merkerson approaches four decades in television, her legacy continues to grow. Her performance in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues earned her an Emmy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, and she has also received multiple NAACP Image Awards and two Tony Award nominations, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most respected performers.

Also being honored is powerhouse performer Danielle Brooks, who will receive the AcceleratHER Award. Brooks first captured audiences worldwide as Taystee in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, where her performance quickly became a standout within the ensemble.

More recently, Brooks delivered a commanding performance as Sofia in Warner Bros.’ film adaptation of The Color Purple, a role that earned her Academy Award, BAFTA, and SAG Award nominations. Her work across both stage and screen continues to expand the definition of leading roles for modern audiences. On Broadway, Brooks also received a Tony Award nomination for portraying Celie in the revival of The Color Purple.

In addition to Merkerson and Brooks, the summit will recognize several influential leaders shaping the industry behind the scenes:

Sheila Ducksworth, Executive Producer of Beyond The Gates, will receive the ProducHER Award.Angela Cannon, EVP of Networks and Content Strategy at UP Entertainment and GM of AspireTV+, will receive the PowerbrokHER Award.Felicia Pride, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the upcoming A Different World sequel, will receive the StorytellHER Award.Vanzil Burke, Founder of Burke Entertainment Partners, will receive the AmpliphiHER Award.

Beyond honoring these industry trailblazers, the summit will feature a slate of discussions aimed at equipping creators with tools and insights for today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Panels will explore topics such as monetizing content through brand partnerships, navigating the business and creative sides of documentary filmmaking, and examining the role media plays in mental health and cultural conversations.

Emerging technologies will also be front and center. Sessions like “Beyond the Buzz: AI Tools for Film and Digital Content” will explore practical ways creators can incorporate artificial intelligence into their workflows. Meanwhile, “Content Innovation: Microfilms + Microdrama” will take a closer look at the growing world of short-form storytelling and new distribution models.

Writers will also gain insight from “From Blank Page to Greenlight: The Writer’s Path,” a candid conversation about pitching, development, and navigating the road to getting stories produced in today’s competitive marketplace.

According to BWFN Board Chair Chiquita Lockely, the summit is designed to go beyond celebration and serve as a strategic space for the future of the industry.

“Our summit is about strategy as much as celebration,” Lockely shared. “We are creating a space where established powerhouses and emerging voices converge to exchange knowledge, build access, and shape the future of storytelling.”

Founded in 1997, the Black Women Film Network has become a vital platform for mentorship, advocacy, and professional development for women working across entertainment. Over the years, the annual summit has evolved into the organization’s flagship event, drawing creatives, executives, and rising talent from around the country.

The 2026 Black Women Film Network Annual Summit will take place Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta and is open to the public.

This year’s summit partners include NBCUniversal, AspireTV+, Amazon, and Fulton Films.

Those interested in attending can learn more and purchase tickets Here

Or visit blackwomenfilm.org.