"A Conversation With Phylicia Rashad" [ABFF, 2014]

New York City plays host to the American Black Film Festival [ABFF] this weekend.

The ABFF is an event dedicated to showcasing stories by and about people of African descent. It is the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and television enthusiasts with four days of films, panels, parties and more.

From the star-studded opening night screening to the closing “Best of the ABFF” Awards Ceremony, the event is committed to the belief that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Current Hollywood darling Taraji P. Henson (Empire, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Hustle & Flow) is this year's well-deserved ambassador.

"I want to thank [founder] Jeff Friday and everyone at ABFF for the honor of serving as your 2015 ambassador," Henson said in a statement. "It is a privilege to join my fellow filmmakers to celebrate and support Black artists and the artistry that resides in all of us."

This year's event features a conversation with Henson moderated by Gayle King, include an old-school themed kick-off party with DJ D-Nice, Vin Rock, Doug E. Fresh and more, the official New York premiere of the movie Dope, a look back at John Singleton's classic 1992 film Boyz N The Hood (followed by a Q&A with the director) and much more.

Visit the festival's official site for tickets (still available), schedule and more.