The film adaptation preview of “Stronger,” written by Howard alumna Brandi Forte premiered at the Blackburn Center this past Saturday, raising conversations about mental health, resilience and Black love.
Adapted from the novel “Stronger” by Howard alumna Brandi Forte, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2000, the film follows Dream Angelou, a single mother redefining her path as she navigates through her career, motherhood and trauma. “Stronger” seeks to uncover the complexities of mental health and addiction, offering a raw and heartfelt portrayal of these often unspoken struggles within the Black community.
Directed by Emmy-nominated Harold Jackson III, “Stronger” boasts a cast led by Leslie Black, who plays Dream. She is joined by Adrian Lockett, who plays Dream’s husband, Kenya Harris, and rising star Quenton Alexander, who stars as her budding romance, Roca. Together, they bring the complex relationships of Dream and those around her to life on screen.
For Forte, the journey to creating “Stronger” wasn’t what she initially imagined. She said the inspiration behind the novel was just life.
“Life. Life literally happened. I was writing a romantic novel. I thought it was going to be a beautiful ‘Love Jones’ type of piece. Until I lost my husband in 2017. I felt like God was calling me to write our story unapologetically.” Forte said. “Nobody originally believed in my project. I gave it 60 days. Then I created my own team.”
The movie is set in Washington D.C., primarily along Georgia Avenue, capturing the cities, “Chocolate City” era. Joseph Williams, who plays a therapist in “Stronger,” described the film’s portrayal as “so colorful, it’s so bright. It’s so Black.”
Forte’s path to becoming an accomplished author and filmmaker started at Howard, where she honed her writing skills as an editor of the lifestyle column for The Hilltop. She published her first book, “Half Chicken Half Scholar,” a tale about a group of young Black women’s path toward self-discovery, at 22.
Forte spoke on the significance of her premiering her film at Howard during Black History Month.
“It means power. It means strength. It means creativity. It means boldness. I’m using my voice through film,” she said.
The film’s prevailing themes of Black love and mental health seamlessly collide, with Williams offering a powerful perspective on love and imperfection.
“I think imperfection is part of love. I believe that as a human being who desires love, who deserves love, we learn to work around and try to heal those [mental health challenges] as we walk in those relationships,” Williams said.
Following the film’s preview premiere, audience member Erica Rield said she felt empowered by the film.
“I feel inspired. Listening to the crew [talk] about the motto ‘if you build it they will come,’ and how [Forte] took an idea and actually built something from it to tell her story. She let other people know they’re not alone out here,” Reid said.
Music Director Ańtone “Chooky” Caldwell also reflected on the film’s cultural significance. He said it pays “compliments [to] Black girl magic.” He hopes the film will catalyze aspiring young Black women filmmakers.
Forte is set to return to Howard for another screening in June while the short film undergoes quality control. Filming will also resume in June, with plans to expand the story even further and an investors meeting to discuss the project’s future.
Meanwhile, “Stronger 2” is already written, diving deeper into Dream’s life and the next chapter of her story.
Forte reminded Howard students of their limitless potential, encouraging them to embrace the opportunities before them and recognize their power in shaping the legacy they will leave behind.
“The sky is not even the limit. You are at the Mecca. The most important, pivotal university,” she said. “Remember everything you plant right now is preparing you for the future.”
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
