The African American Film Critics Association is donating $25,000 to the Black Film Hall of Fame, supporting efforts to preserve and celebrate the history and contributions of Black cinema.
The donation reflects AAFCA’s broader commitment to supporting institutions dedicated to preserving Black storytelling and recognizing the artists, filmmakers, and cultural figures who have helped shape the film industry.
“Supporting the Black Film Hall of Fame with this modest gift fits perfectly with our organization’s goals to align with institutions that serve to preserve Black storytelling content,” AAFCA President Gil Robertson IV said in a statement.
Founded in 2003, the Black Film Hall of Fame is based in Kansas City, Missouri, where it operates as a museum and multicultural cultural center focused on preserving and celebrating Black cinema. The institution works to highlight the history of Black filmmaking and the contributions of those who have helped advance representation in the industry.
For AAFCA, the partnership represents an opportunity to support that preservation work while recognizing the important role film critics have played in the history of Black cinema.
The African American Film Critics Association is the largest collective of Black film critics in the world. Founded to promote diversity and excellence in film criticism, the organization presents annual awards and hosts special events honoring achievements across the entertainment industry.
AAFCA critics have also played a role in bringing greater attention to films, filmmakers and performances that have historically received limited coverage from mainstream entertainment media.
Shawn Edwards, executive director and film critic for the Black Movie Hall of Fame, welcomed the donation and described the relationship between the two organizations as a natural fit.
“The Black Movie Hall of Fame is beyond thrilled by the generosity of Gil Robertson and AFFCA,” Edwards said in a statement. “It’s a natural partnership as AAFCA and its roster of film critics represent one of the least talked about but most important aspects when acknowledging the history of Black cinema. For decades, Black film critics championed Black movies at a time when they were largely overlooked by the mainstream press. We look forward to building a lasting relationship with AAFCA and its membership.”
The $25,000 contribution comes as organizations across the film industry continue to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural history and ensuring that the work of Black filmmakers and performers remains accessible to future generations.
For AAFCA, the donation extends its mission beyond reviewing and recognizing films to actively supporting institutions working to document and preserve the legacy of Black cinema.
The partnership also underscores the connection between film criticism and cultural preservation, with critics helping document the significance of films while institutions such as the Black Film Hall of Fame work to preserve that history for years to come.