Explore the past, present and future of Black cinema. We exist to protect the historical legacy and celebrate the future of Black cinema all over the world.
Black Movie Hall of Fame
Coming February 2026
Opening in the renovated Boone Theater in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the Black Movie Hall of Fame (BMHOF) will celebrate the legacy of Black cinema and those who shaped it—both on and off the screen.
This immersive experience will feature film, video, virtual reality, and traditional exhibits, alongside a 24/7 online platform for global access. The Boone Theater will also house the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, a music studio, digital media facilities, and office space as part of a multi-million-dollar effort to re-energize the district.
Our Founders
Shawn Edwards
Founder and Executive Director
Shawn Edwards is a journalist, TV and film producer and marketing and event consultant. As a nationally recognized film critic for Fox 4 News in Kansas City, Missouri for the past 25 years he has won numerous national awards including Best TV Film Critic twice by the LA Press Club’s National Entertainment Journalism Awards.Edwards co-founded the African American Film Critics Association in 2003. He is also currently serving his second term on the Board of the Critics Choice Association. Edwards created and executive produces the “Celebration of Black Cinema and Television” award show in conjunction with the Critics Choice Association which premiered in 2014 in Los Angeles at the House of Blues Sunset. The annual show airs nationally each February on STARZ and Nexstar stations.
Edwards began his producing career producing numerous TV shows and documentaries for FGW Productions and BlackTree TV, both based in Los Angeles in 2008. Edwards worked for Hidden Empire Film Group (“Traffik,” “Black and Blue,” “The Intruder” and “Fatale”), based in Los Angeles, as a Senior Marketing Specialist from 2016 to 2021. Edwards is now overseeing plans to build the Black Movie Hall of Fame which will be located in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, Missouri. The Hall of Fame, an idea Edwards created, will open in February 2026 in the Boone Theater with Edwards functioning as its executive director.
Edwards is a life-long lover of movies who began making his own films in the 7th grade. His passion for cinema, particularly the history of black film, is extraordinary and never dying. And his cinematic journey continues.
Tucker Lott
Chief Executive Officer
Tucker Lott received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bluffton College before beginning his career as a National Account Service Manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance. He also served as a Sales and Marketing Consultant for Minority Owned and operated businesses before becoming a partner at Performance Packaging Group, LLC. Lott is also the President and Founder of Tucker Lott Cards, LLC and the Founder and Creator of The Soul of Santa Brand. Lott is a creative writer and lyricist for The Soul of Santa Christmas Music, co-publisher of children’s books, a storyteller and screenwriter and co-owner of The Black Movie Hall of Fame. He is also an investor and mentor. As the Founder and CEO of The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation, he helped establish the first ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Historic 18 th & Vine Jazz District and at the Shops on Blue Parkway. Both of which have become an annual holiday tradition attracting thousands of people each year.
Celebrating International Women
“Black Girl” 1966 Trailer
A defining work of African cinema, Black Girl (La Noire de…) is the debut feature film by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène. The film follows Diouana, a young Senegalese woman who moves to France to work as a nanny for a wealthy white family, believing it to be the start of a better life. However, she soon finds herself isolated, mistreated, and stripped of her dignity, trapped in a world where she is valued only as a servant.
A powerful critique of colonialism, racism, and identity, Black Girl is a visually striking and emotionally devastating film that remains one of the most influential works in African and world cinema.
Six Reasons to Get Excited
A Legacy Set in Stone
The Black Movie Hall of Fame is more than a museum—it’s a movement. A place where the artistry, passion, and resilience of Black filmmakers are celebrated, ensuring their stories are preserved for generations to come.
Elevating the Black Film Industry
This landmark institution will serve as a beacon for Black cinema, amplifying the voices of creators past and present while providing a platform for the next generation of storytellers to shine.
Inspiring Future Filmmakers
From students to rising directors, the Hall of Fame will be a hub of inspiration, offering hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and industry connections that turn dreams into reality.
Unforgettable Experiences
Visitors will immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, private screenings, behind-the-scenes artifacts, and legendary film memorabilia, bringing Black cinema’s rich history to life in ways never seen before.
A Gateway to Opportunity
By partnering with industry leaders, the Hall of Fame will open doors for aspiring talent, creating new opportunities for funding, networking, and professional growth within film, television, and media.
Be a Part of History
As this vision comes to life, you have the chance to say “I helped build this.” Whether through support, collaboration, or simply sharing our story, you are a part of this legacy in the making.
Support Through Donation
Your donation helps the Black Movie Hall of Fame preserve, celebrate, and share the legacy of Black cinema. Every contribution — big or small — supports exhibits, educational programs, and community initiatives that honor the filmmakers, actors, and visionaries who shaped the culture. Join us in ensuring that these powerful stories continue to inspire generations to come. Give today and help keep Black film history alive.