To celebrate the return of the Black Love classics series, presented by TECO, this year the Theatre will host a Franklin Street Block Party from 1:00 to 3:00pm followed by the opening screening of Soul Food.

The Block Party is FREE and open to the public, and will feature local, Black-owned food trucks and vendors, plus music, giveaways, activities and information from neighbors and community partners including:

• 101.5 The Vibe
• Afribera Fashion
• Baton Roux Authentic Cajun Cuisine
• Black Girl Hula Fitness
• Black Orchid Nursery
• Chef Shakespeare Caribbean Food
• City of Tampa Soulwalk
• Cultur’ Chic Boutique
• Elijah Lee Fashion
• Photographed By Roshni
• POParazzi Twinz Popcorn
• Posh Wicks
• Smudged Life Energy & Wellness
• Sula Too Publishing
• Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival
• Tampa Snow Shave Ice
• Trap Dawg Grilled Hot Dogs
• YUPPI Wings & Sides

For its third season, the series will begin a week early in order to feature five films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – that explore stories centered around the theme of “Faith, Food & Family” as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.