SPELHOUSE HOLLYWOOD: The Gala That’s Become a Movement
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on August 15, 2025 By Sharon Washington The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California stands as one of Hollywood’s most revered institutions—where red carpets meet real power, and the worlds of entertainment, politics, and culture collide in dazzling harmony. Since its grand opening in 1955, this legendary hotel has been the heartbeat of awards season, hosting the Golden Globe Awards for more than half a century and bearing witness to some of the most unforgettable moments in entertainment history. From presidential visits to iconic performances by legends like Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston—whose final, soul-stirring performance took place within its storied walls—the Beverly Hilton is not just a venue; it is a sanctuary of excellence, a monument to dreams realized. To host an event at the Beverly Hilton is to dare greatly—to step into a space reserved for legends and to claim your place among them. It requires more than resources; it demands vision, fearlessness, and a belief so unshakable it bends reality. This is a space where only the bold thrive, where legacy is not inherited but earned through conviction, creativity, and an unrelenting commitment to greatness. In 2021, Raynal Haris of The PTAH Collective—one of the most gifted visionary architects in the creative world—walked into that hallowed space not with a résumé, but with a dream. With no invitation, no fanfare, and nothing but faith, he requested a meeting, holding in his hands the blueprint for SpelHouse Hollywood—a groundbreaking gala designed to celebrate and elevate students, alumni, and supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities making their mark in the entertainment industry. It was more than ambition. It was a historic act of courage, a declaration that HBCU excellence belonged at the epicenter of Hollywood power. But Raynal was never truly alone. His seemingly solo entrance was a masterstroke of strategy. Once the door opened, he revealed the brilliance of The PTAH Collective—renowned lawyer, Harvard professor and constitutional scholar Ronald Sullivan, Hollywood writer and original visionary of SpelHouse Hollywood Adisa Iwa, and storytelling titan Ajamoo KMT, the creator of HBCU Superheroes, a saga populated by 177 original characters poised to transform the very foundations of superhero storytelling. Each a proud Morehouse graduate. Together, they weren’t just a team—they were a movement of intellect, artistry, and unapologetic Black excellence. Their unified presence sent a clear message: this wasn't a pitch. It was history in motion. After a series of intense meetings and coast-to-coast flights, The PTAH Collective did what few believed possible—they secured the Beverly Hilton as the official home of SpelHouse Hollywood. Since then, the gala has evolved into a profoundly necessary cultural force—especially in an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion face systematic dismantling. Held annually on the Wednesday before the BET Awards, SpelHouse Hollywood has become a standing-room-only affair where Black brilliance isn’t marginalized—it’s magnified. It’s a vital hub where visionaries meet gatekeepers, where internships are unlocked, deals are inked, introductions become alliances, and generational legacies begin. What started as a spark has become a cultural inferno. Once attended by a select group of alums from Spelman and Morehouse representing Netflix, Amazon, Lucasfilm, Paramount, and other Hollywood titans, the event now draws a global constellation of creatives, executives, producers, and storytellers. From indie filmmakers and digital disruptors to award-winning legends, aspiring students, and influencers, SpelHouse Hollywood has earned its place as one of the most powerful and purposeful events in entertainment. Its success is undeniable—but its soul is its purpose: to create a world where Black storytelling is not just included, but centered, celebrated, and sustained. On October 17, 2025, SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta returns to the cultural capital of the South for its second awe-inspiring installment. Following its groundbreaking debut in 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia, The PTAH Collective has answered the call to make this celebration of Black excellence a true bi-coastal phenomenon. Aligned with SpelHouse Homecoming—a legendary weekend that draws over 100,000 Spelman and Morehouse alumni, students, and supporters—SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta has become one of the most coveted events on the calendar. Inquiries began flooding in as early as December 2024, affirming what the culture already knew: this isn’t just an event. It’s a movement reshaping the narrative. This year, SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta will serve as the official unveiling of Unplugged—a bold, genre-defying horror franchise written and produced by members of The PTAH Collective. Set against the eerie backdrop of a remote retreat, Unplugged follows seven HBCU students as their peaceful getaway descends into a supernatural nightmare. But this isn’t just a trailer debut—it’s a bold stake in the ground. In the very space designed to spotlight unapologetic Black creativity, the Collective will begin its campaign to secure a distribution deal and launch a franchise poised to shake the horror genre to its core. It’s not just a film. It’s the birth of a cultural phenomenon – Maurice, a new-aged killer set to make his mark among the horror legends! Equally monumental, SpelHouse Hollywood: Atlanta will introduce the East Coast to the long-awaited launch of HBCU Superheroes. Already valued at over $1 billion by major toy companies, this groundbreaking franchise will unveil its first wave of independently produced toys and merchandise—a bold, self-funded marketing move that underscores the Collective’s commitment to creative sovereignty. For anyone invested in the future of storytelling, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. This is not just about superheroes—it’s about power, representation, and rewriting the rules of an industry that too often closes its doors to Black brilliance. HBCU Superheroes is also seeking a home! In the months leading up to these landmark events, members of The PTAH Collective have taken their story on the road—attending film festivals, and speaking at universities, cultural institutions, and creative hubs across the nation. Their journey has inspired thousands, offering students and aspiring creatives direct access to the very spaces that once seemed out of reach. And now, for those ready to take the next step—whether to attend this invite-only experience or to host The PTAH Collective in your city—an extraordinary opportunity awaits. To request an invitation to SpelHouse Hollywood or to bring The PTAH Collective to your campus or community, email contactus@theptahcollective.com. Witness the movement. Join the legacy. Be a part of history in the making. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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