Dr. Bernice King, Alexis Feaster, Jetalli Bellanton

As the countdown to Martin Luther King Jr. Day officially began, Dr. Bernice King set the tone for the week with intention, humanity, and storytelling—hosting a powerful screening of Hoops, Hopes & Dreams, a film she serves on as Executive Producer, presented by Andscape.

Following the screening, Dr. King joined a thoughtful and dynamic panel conversation moderated by Tinisha L. Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer at The Walt Disney Company. The discussion also featured Producer Alexys Feaster and Executive Producer Dr. Jatali Bellanton, offering audiences insight into both the creative vision and cultural responsibility behind the film.

Hoops, Hopes & Dreams opens with a moment that immediately reframes history. Former UN Ambassador Andrew Young reminisces about his younger days on the basketball court, recalling a point guard with a strong left-handed jump shot. “Later,” he says, “I realized it was Martin Luther King Jr.” Young’s reflections portray Dr. King not only as a leader, but as a teammate—a people person, always willing to defend others and connect through shared experience.

The film continues to humanize Dr. King through stories that extend beyond the pulpit. Journalist Jemele Hill appears in the film, noting that former President Barack Obama also knew his way around the basketball court—reinforcing the idea that basketball has long been a universal language of leadership, access, and community.

One of the film’s most resonant themes is that basketball is truly a worldwide sport, and the court itself becomes a place of teamwork, strategy, and trust. More importantly, it underscores a core truth about Dr. King’s approach to leadership: he met people where they were. If that meant being on the basketball court to reach a certain crowd, that’s where you’d find him. If it meant a pool hall, shooting pool and building conversation—that’s where he would go. His love for basketball simply made that connection even more authentic.

By presenting these lesser-known dimensions of Dr. King’s life, the film moves him beyond the stillness of statues and soundbites. It shows him as a full, complex Black man—diverse in interests, relational in nature, and deeply invested in human connection. This is the kind of storytelling that belongs in our school systems, ensuring history remains alive, relatable, and honest for future generations.

During the evening, Dr. Bernice King issued a clear call to action: a challenge for individuals to donate $100 to The King Center, helping preserve the legacy and ensure that real Black history is never erased or lost.

Looking ahead, MLK Week continues with impactful programming, including Nothing to See Here: Watts Beloved Community Talks, featuring a talkback with T.I. Harris, and culminating on Sunday, January 18, with the MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards—a celebration rooted in truth, legacy, and collective responsibility.

In every way, Hoops, Hopes & Dreams reminds us that change begins where connection lives—and that meeting people where they are has always been the heart of the movement.

SOURCE Upscale Magazine

Patton opened up about her transformative role in Finding Faith, a new film that delves into pain, healing, and spiritual awakening.

Catching up with Paula Patton is always a pleasure. The last time we met was years ago when Robyn Thicke made the introduction and her glow hasn’t dimmed a bit. But this time, our conversation wasn’t just light-hearted—it was profound.

A Role That Mirrors Real Life

In Finding Faith, Patton plays a woman fighting through emotional darkness—and the parallels to her real-life journey are striking.

“I didn’t go through exactly what Faith did,” she shared, “but I’ve known pain. I’ve numbed it with alcohol. And when I stopped drinking seven years ago, I had to strip away everything—the career, the friends, the ego—and truly understand my worth.”

For Paula, this wasn’t just another role. It was personal.

The Healing Power of Performance

“This film was cathartic,” she explained. “There were moments where I had to revisit parts of myself that I thought I left behind. But doing that brought me healing.”

Her performance is more than acting—it’s a reflection of growth and self-restoration. She channels past struggles into every scene, offering authenticity that resonates on screen.

Mental Health in the Spotlight

We touched on a topic that’s becoming more urgent in the entertainment world: the mental toll of embodying heavy roles. Paula is all for having therapists on set.

“When you’re acting for 15 hours a day, it becomes more than just a job—it’s energy you carry with you,” she said. “Any support that helps artists stay grounded and emotionally healthy is essential.”

Her perspective brings attention to the importance of mental wellness in an industry that often demands emotional labor.

A Message of Hope and Redemption

Patton hopes Finding Faith connects deeply with viewers—especially those struggling with guilt, loss, or spiritual doubt.

“It shows that there’s a way through,” she said. “That God is always waiting. Prayer, faith, and grace can carry you through anything.”

It’s a film with heart, soul, and purpose—crafted not only to entertain but to heal.

An All-Star Cast with Depth and Chemistry

Paula also gave a heartfelt nod to her co-stars, including Demetrius Grosse and Stephen Bishop.

“Demetrius is incredible—so strong, grounded, and gentle. He acts from the gut,” she said. “And Stephen… well, audiences will see how his role unfolds. We had great chemistry across the board.”

In Theaters for a Limited Time

With Finding Faith, Paula Patton proves that vulnerability is her superpower. She delivers a layered performance that may very well be the most defining of her career.

Don’t miss the chance to witness this unforgettable role—Finding Faith hits select theaters June 16th and 17th only.

Let’s show up, show out, and let Hollywood know we’re here for powerful stories with purpose.

The Voice Behind the Lens