Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center (BHERC) Honors Dr. Gloria Zuurveen for Community Service

The Southern Truth

By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief

 

The power of film was on full display recently at the S.E. Manly African American Short Film Festival, held at the Regal Theater in L.A. Live. It was a spectacle to behold—a story that demands to be told. Yes, this is a tale worth sharing, and at its heart is Sandra Evers-Manly, the visionary founder and creator of this extraordinary event.

However, her journey did not begin with such grandeur. It was thirty years ago when Evers-Manly first allowed her light to shine. As the founder and president of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), Evers-Manly reflects, “What began as a small four-hour program has blossomed into four days of compelling films and insightful conversations.”

Wow! Just imagine: a vision transformed into reality with limited resources. Black pride was on full display at the Regal Theater from November 15 through 17 and that pride was paraded in style. It was a powerful reminder that this is a story that must be told—one that began as a modest four-hour event and has now grown into one of the most significant film festivals showcasing Black talent across all genres.

“The BHERC has been fortunate to uplift, amplify, and empower Black filmmakers whose voices are desperately needed,” Evers-Manly shared. What an incredible initiative—a heartfelt conduit for Black artists in all forms. Evers-Manly doesn’t just talk; she walks the walk. Her commitment to supporting the underrepresented and uplifting those who have already achieved great things is evident in the honorees, including myself, who were honored during this momentous 30th anniversary celebration. Through BHERC, Evers-Manly has turned dreams into reality, providing a platform for Black filmmakers to thrive.

You can tell when a brand has been firmly established. Stepping into a room filled with creative filmmakers and industry professionals, it was clear that BHERC has become a household name. The acronym echoed like a drumbeat, inspiring creative energy and a sense of community. It was an unforgettable experience to be surrounded by such raw, God-given talent, all without a trace of arrogance. This Hollywood scene was one of family, brotherly and sisterly love, palpable in the air. I was honored to be celebrated alongside an illustrious group of individuals, all united by one common thread: Sandra Evers-Manly. Evers-Manly, a first cousin to the legendary civil rights leader Medgar Evers, epitomizes the spirit of her cousin, who sacrificed everything—including his life—to fight for the freedoms that many take for granted. Sandra embodies his legacy by standing in the gap for those whose voices might otherwise be silenced. Through her tireless efforts, she has ensured that Black filmmakers have a platform to share their stories.

At the heart of this celebration was the 30th annual S.E. Manly African American Short Film Festival. For over three decades, this festival has honored and supported Black artists and community leaders. Evers-Manly expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the filmmakers for sharing their unique perspectives on topics that are deeply personal and vital to them. Among those celebrated was Lyndon Barrios, the recipient of the President’s Award. A renowned director, animator, and artist, Barrios’ impressive credits include The Matrix Trilogy, Happy Feet, and The Thing. His innovative gum wrapper sculptures and stop-motion animations of historical figures have earned him widespread acclaim. He, along with his wife Janine Sherman Barrios, an award-winning writer and showrunner for Warner Brothers, were recognized for their creative excellence. It was a pleasure to sit next to the Barrioses at the Regal Theater, witnessing their love for one another and their dedication to their craft. Their presence, as well as the powerful display of Black love throughout the evening, was a testament to the strength of unity in the creative industry.

The theme of the evening—”A Great Day in Black Hollywood”—resonated deeply. Black Hollywood was born out of a desire to be recognized for creating top-quality work. Evers-Manly picked up the baton, fueling the charge to fill the void of underrepresentation in the entertainment industry. Today, she is a pillar of strength, building an empire that honors the Black community and offers a platform for voices that have long been overlooked.

Why? Because Sandra Evers-Manly dares. After over 40 years in corporate America with Northrop Grumman, she could have remained comfortably in the business world, but she chose to follow her passion and build an organization that would elevate the Black community through the medium of film. The images of Black people she saw on television were often distorted and negative, so she fought back, founding the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center to ensure that Black stories would be told with dignity, truth, and humanity. As Evers-Manly states, “Over time, our images have been overlooked and portrayed in the most demeaning ways. Dangerous myths and deadly misconceptions have plagued our portrayal. However, our goal at BHERC has always been to make sure that African Americans are depicted with dignity, truth, and humanity. I am so excited for everyone to experience this curated program of approximately 60 films that dignify and humanize our stories.”

The festival was a powerful showcase of preservation and elevation in Black filmmaking. I had the privilege of sitting next to Deborah Pratt, Director, Writer, Producer, and Novelist, who received the Ivan Dixon Award of Achievement. It was an honor to be in the presence of such a trailblazer. Pratt’s remarkable career began when she was just 20 years old and continues to this day. Notably, she co-created the iconic series Quantum Leap (1989), where she served as executive producer, showrunner, and head writer, and voiced the character Ziggy the Computer. Her pioneering work in entertainment has opened doors for creators, and she is now leading the charge for creator ownership of intellectual properties. Pratt is building a blueprint for trans media production in the entertainment industry, and she believes the evolving technology will serve as the foundation for the next generation of entertainment.

On the final afternoon of the festival, I had the privilege of hearing from Mr. Lawrence Tolliver, the subject of a powerful documentary about his life and the barbershop he co-founded in South Central Los Angeles. The film beautifully highlighted the pivotal role the barbershop plays within the Black community, especially in the lives of Black families. Featuring prominent figures from across Los Angeles, including retired California State Senator Rod Wright, Inglewood business owner Billy Campbell, and others, the documentary was a heartfelt tribute to Tolliver’s lasting contributions. To cap off the event, Tolliver treated the packed house at the Regal Theater to an impromptu alligator dance, leaving the audience in awe and bringing the S.E. Manly African American Short Film Festival to a jubilant close.