BGV Takes the Love & Basketball 25th Anniversary Reunion!
On February 12th, 2026, the BGV ladies went to LA for HBCU First Look’s 25th Anniversary of Love & Basketball. It was an inspiring celebration of Black film, sport, and representation. The timeless film has been a classic within our community for generations and deserves every single flower! As a brand that actively sponsors women in basketball, we had to come out and show our support.
The panelists were nothing short of Black excellence, bringing together WNBA legends, media pioneers, and the visionary director behind the film.
Panelists
Cheryl Miller
Former WNBA player turned sideline reporter and sportscaster, Cheryl Miller has remained a powerful voice in basketball long after her historic playing career. She has worked with TNT Sports, NBA TV, ABC Sports, TBS Sports, and ESPN, continuing to shape how the game is covered and understood.
Candace Parker
Recently retired WNBA legend and one of the most decorated players in the sport, Candace Parker now serves as President of Adidas Women’s Basketball. She is also an NBA analyst for TNT Sports and host of the Post Moves podcast, where she continues to elevate conversations around women in sports.
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Iconic film director and screenwriter best known as the creator of Love & Basketball, Gina Prince-Bythewood has built a legacy of telling nuanced, empowering stories. Her work includes The Woman King, The Old Guard, and Beyond the Lights, each centering complex Black characters and groundbreaking narratives.
Sanaa Lathan
Acclaimed actress and producer best known for her role as Monica Wright in Love & Basketball, a performance that helped redefine how Black women athletes are portrayed on screen. With a career spanning film, television, and stage, she continues to champion complex, empowered roles for Black women in Hollywood.
Jayne Kennedy
Trailblazing media personality, actress, and sports broadcaster, Jayne Kennedy broke barriers as one of the first Black women to gain national recognition in sports journalism. Her work paved the way for generations of women in sports media, proving that Black women belong in every arena — on screen, behind the desk, and in leadership.
Cari Champion
Award-winning journalist and television host, Cari Champion has become a trusted voice in sports and culture. From anchoring ESPN’s SportsCenter to hosting in-depth conversations across major networks, she continues to advocate for equity in sports media while amplifying stories that matter.
Laura Coates (Moderator)
Legal analyst, attorney, and television broadcaster, Laura Coates serves as Chief Legal Analyst at CNN. Known for her thoughtful moderation style, she guided the conversation with depth, care, and insight.
Loni Love (Event Host)
Comedian, television host, actress, and author Loni Love brought energy and humor to the evening. Her presence kept the room lively while honoring the emotional weight and cultural importance of the celebration.
What Was Discussed
Throughout the evening, Laura Coates guided a powerful conversation that blended personal stories, industry realities, and reflections on representation.
Gina Prince-Bythewood shared behind-the-scenes insights into breaking barriers — from getting the film produced to ensuring the story remained authentic. Her commitment to telling a nuanced story about a Black woman athlete helped redefine what representation in sports films could look like.
Candace Parker reflected on growing up seeing herself in Monica, explaining how representation shapes confidence and possibility. Cheryl Miller and Candace also offered real-life perspectives on the challenges Monica faced in the film — being labeled “unladylike,” playing overseas, and balancing motherhood with a professional career.
Sanaa Lathan spoke about preparing for the role of Monica and why portraying a driven, complex Black woman athlete mattered. The panelists collectively gave Gina her flowers, with many expressing enthusiasm for a sequel.
Jayne Kennedy and Cari Champion provided a journalist’s perspective, discussing the difficulty of creating space in sports media as Black women. Cari emphasized that support from other women in the industry is essential — not just in media, but in every area of life.
A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the pressure women face to choose one path. Candace noted that society often expects women to pick between career, family, or personal fulfillment — yet every woman on that stage proved that we can define success on our own terms.
The evening was filled with genuine love and emotional moments as the panelists honored one another’s contributions. Event organizer Sheila Eldridge closed the night by presenting Gina Prince-Bythewood and Sanaa Lathan with awards, while Loni Love kept the room energized with laughter and joy.
BGV in the Building
After the panel, the Black Girl Vitamins team connected with attendees, conducted interviews, and distributed over 200 wellness bags filled with samples and educational materials. It was an opportunity not just to celebrate culture, but to continue our mission of supporting Black women’s health — on the court, on screen, and in everyday life.
Because wellness, like representation, is something we deserve to see, feel, and experience everywhere we go.