Atlantic City Focus Salutes Robert Townsend, Lorenz Tate and Ben Vereen

WILMINGTON – The Wilmington Public Library hosted a star-studded evening of culture, history, and inspiration with "Fellas Night Out" on Friday, October 4, 2024, featuring three prominent Black actors, Robert Townsend, Lorenz Tate, and Ben Vereen. The event, moderated by Ryan Stewart, creator of the “Deep Conversations” podcast, brought a crowd eager to hear stories from Hollywood’s finest, as well as reflections on Black history and culture.

The event, part of the library’s ongoing series highlighting Black excellence, kicked off with an introduction by Jamar Rahming, Director of the Wilmington Public Library. Although one of the original speakers, actor Clifton Powell, was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the crowd was treated to a stellar lineup of Townsend, Tate, and Vereen.

"Y'all ready? We ready," moderator Ryan Stewart said, setting the tone for a vibrant evening.

A Night of Legends

Robert Townsend, best known for his role as Duck in The Five Heartbeats and as the director of Hollywood Shuffle, took the stage to reflect on his career, which spans more than 30 years. "I'm just a boy from the west side of Chicago. It's all about hustle and putting in extra work," Townsend said as he discussed his journey from the streets of Chicago to the heights of Hollywood. He emphasized his commitment to creating content that resonates with audiences and shared his mantra, "I try to create stuff people want to watch again and again."

Ben Vereen, the Broadway icon and Emmy Award-winning actor, took the audience on a trip down memory lane, speaking about his monumental role as Chicken George in the 1977 TV miniseries Roots. Vereen reflected on how the show opened the door to more honest conversations about African American history in a time when such stories were rarely told. "Roots opened a whole can of wonders for us to follow," Vereen said, crediting the show for highlighting the richness of African heritage.

Lorenz Tate, famous for his portrayal of Darius in the iconic Black romance Love Jones, was also on hand to discuss his career and the significance of telling authentic Black love stories on screen. “Love Jones has been etched as a cinematic treasure because of y’all,” Tate said, addressing the enthusiastic audience. He expressed his gratitude for sharing the stage with Townsend and Vereen, saying he, too, felt like a fan, eager to soak up their wisdom and experience.

Powerful Reflections on Black Excellence

As the conversation deepened, the speakers reflected on their careers, Black culture, and spirituality. Vereen, who is also an ordained minister, shared powerful messages about faith and resilience, encouraging the younger generation to look within to find their true path. "You are a Divine Child of God. Don’t let anyone take that away from you," Vereen urged the audience.

Townsend and Tate also discussed how they navigated the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Tate spoke about the cyclical nature of fame and how important it is to remain grounded. "When it's cold in Hollywood, it's like Siberia," he said, reminding the audience that resilience is key.

The night closed with a standing ovation as the audience celebrated the legacy of these Black icons. Each speaker emphasized the importance of storytelling, especially from the Black perspective, to preserve history and inspire future generations.

Upcoming Projects and Legacy

Townsend, Tate, and Vereen each shared exciting news about their upcoming projects. Townsend announced that he and Keenen Ivory Wayans are currently working on adapting The Five Heartbeats into a Broadway musical, much to the delight of the audience. Tate revealed that he recently finished portraying Motown legend Berry Gordy in an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, while Vereen spoke passionately about his role in the Underground Railroad-themed film Greyhouse, shot in Romania.

As the evening wrapped up, Stewart encouraged the audience to take pride in the achievements of these legendary Black figures. "This room is Black excellence, and we love y’all for it," Stewart said.

“Fellas Night Out” was a resounding success, providing a rare opportunity for the Wilmington community to celebrate and reflect on the cultural contributions of some of the most talented and influential Black figures in entertainment today.

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