Netflix celebrated the upcoming drama series FOREVER ahead of its launch that was on Thursday, May 8th. The cast and crew attended a special screening of the first episode at TUDUM Theater followed by “FOREVER MARKET” in partnership with Black On The Block.
Cast in attendance included Lovie Simone (Keisha), Michael Cooper Jr. (Justin), Karen Pittman (Dawn), Wood Harris (Eric), Xosha Roquemore (Shelly), Marvin Winans III (Jaden), Niles Fitch (Darius), alongside creator Mara Brock Akil. Additional notable attendees included: Lena Waithe, Yvette Nicole Brown, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Dr. Wendy Osefo, Amari Marshall, Susie Fitzgerald (Executive Producer), Shana C. Waterman (Executive Producer), Reina King (Executive Producer/ Director), Anthony Hemingway (Executive Producer), Erika Harrison (Executive Producer/ Writer), Sara E. White (Executive Producer/ Director) and more.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, kicked off the screening with an introduction to FOREVER and invited Creator, Showrunner, and Writer Mara Brock Akil to the stage to introduce the first episode.
The night ended with a celebratory and immersive “FOREVER Market” in partnership with Black on the Block – a dynamic Los Angeles founded organization dedicated to uplifting black-owned businesses through curated community gathering events. The “FOREVER Market” brought together the LA community, celebrating local vendors and mirroring the series as a true love letter to the city.
“FOREVER Market” Food Vendors Included: Marathon Burger, Simply Wholesome, Happy Ice, and The Cupcake Junkie. Guests were able to receive giveaways including FOREVER-inspired jewelry from Asanti by Koi, Forever Rose Candle Co., and custom cushions from The Pillow Lab. See all the fun inside…
Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr. and Mara Brock Akil
Karen Pittman
Lovie Simone
Michael Cooper Jr
Marvin L. Winans III
Wood Harris
Dallas Dupree Young
Eddie Osefo
Xosha Roquemore and Lovie Simone
Xavier Mills
E’myri Crutchfield
Dr. Wendy Osefo
Barry Shabaka Henley
Alli Galo
Judy Blume’s groundbreaking 1975 novel, Forever, is being reimagined for a new generation by Mara Brock Akil. It’s an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
(Photos by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images for Netflix)
