The Black Movie Hall of Fame is proud to announce its Inaugural Induction Gala, set to take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the newly restored Boone Theater (it’s future home) in the heart of the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. That evening the BMHOF will induct three icons of cinema Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson and Melvin Van Peebles.
Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier (1927–2022) born in the Bahamas was an actor, director, and diplomat who became a groundbreaking and influential figure in Hollywood. He was the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor and was known for challenging racial stereotypes with his powerful and dignified screen presence.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson (1924–2021) was an American actress whose distinguished seven-decade career was defined by her powerful portrayals of strong, dignified Black women. She was known for her selective approach to roles, refusing parts that perpetuated negative stereotypes and instead choosing characters that brought complexity and depth to the Black experience.
Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles (1932–2021) was a fiercely independent and innovative filmmaker, actor, playwright, novelist, and composer. Often called the “godfather of modern Black cinema,” he was a diverse creative force who challenged stereotypical portrayals of Black people and proved the viability of independent Black filmmaking. He is credited with igniting the Blaxploitation era of filmmaking with his 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” His work profoundly influenced later generations of filmmakers, including Spike Lee, John Singleton and Ava DuVernay.
2022 Inductees
“The inaugural inductees were all selected because they are connected to the Kansas City area,” says Shawn Edwards. “We felt that since the Hall of Fame will be located in Kansas City we should honor our hometown cinematic trailblazers first.”
Oscar Micheaux
(Buried in Great Bend, Kansas): The grandfather of black cinema. The first black person to direct and produce a feature film — “The Homesteader” in 1909. Credited with directing, producing and distributing more than 40 movies.
Hattie McDaniel
(Wichita, Kansas): The first black person to win and Oscar. Won Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mammy in “Gone With the Wind” in 1940.
Gordon Parks
(Ft. Scott, Kansas): Pioneering filmmaker, photographer and novelist. Directed “Shaft” which popularized the Blaxploitation genre in 1971 and broke ground with his seminal film “The Learning Tree” in 1969.
Tressie Souders
(Frankfurt, Kansas): The first known black woman to direct and produce a feature film — 1922’s “A Woman’s Error.”
Janelle Monae
(Kansas City, Kansas): Actress, singer and fashionista.
Kevin Willmott
(Junction City, Kansas): Oscar winning Screenwriter and Director.
Don Cheadle
(Kansas City,Missouri) : Actor and Director.
Harry Belafonte
Played notorious real-life Kansas City gangster Seldom Seen in Robert Altman’s “Kansas City.”
Chadwick Boseman
Played legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, who got his start on the Kansas City Monarchs before breaking MLB’s color barrier, in the movie “42.”
Forest Whitaker
Played famed saxophonist and Kansas City native Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood’s “Bird.”
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