Thursday, July 9 | Volume 40 No.17

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026

Mara Brock Akil Needs $50M Budget to Make a “Girlfriends" Film Based on the Early 2000s TV Sitcom

NATIONWIDE Mara Brock Akil, creator and showrunner of the early 2000s TV sitcom Girl- friends, is working to bring the beloved series back as a feature film. She has the story and original cast ready, but she says the project needs a $50 million budget before moving forward.

Akil revealed during the July 2 episode of the podcast Question Everything that she is looking for funding to make the film happen. The planned movie would bring back Joan, Toni, Maya, and Lynn for a new story set in Los Angeles.

The original stars, Tracee El- lis Ross, Jill Marie Jones, Persia White, and Golden Brooks, are all open to returning, according to Blex Media. However, Akil said studios have shown interest but have not provided the financial support she believes the project requires.

“I need the money that I need, and if it's not going to be there, I can't keep knocking on every door,” Akil said. “I have to sort of move on. But when that money comes, or a new idea comes for a lesser amount, if I can't do it right, why am I doing it?”

Akil compared the potential film projects after Girlfriends, includ- ing The Game, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and Forever. She also recently released her first novel, The 2026 Lifetime Achieve- ment Award winners are: Dr. Judy White, Ed.D. ., retired Riv- erside County Superintendent of Schools; Emmett Terrell, retired Deputy Superintendent of Po- mona Unified School District: Dr. Norman Towels, retired Assistant Superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District; and the The 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award winners are Vernon Jackson and Bishop Kelvin Sim- mons for their commitment to service.

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Black Leadership Council room at the historic Mission Inn awarded to Marion Black, Jr. and Hotel & Spa in Riverside.

The Revelation of Dionne Daph- ne, and said she trusts the process while waiting for the right oppor- tunity to make the film.

Reggie Webb for their enduring contributions to the Inland Empire community. Marion Black's wife, Charlotte, was also recognized with the prestigious Yellow Rose Award for her service, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others. "Collectively, the honorees have dedicated decades to expanding educational access, improving stu- dent outcomes, mentoring future leaders, and creating opportuni- ties for underserved communities throughout Southern California,” said Phi Upsilon Chapter Presito the cultural impact of Sex and civic leadership and community dent Terance Williams Jr. the City, saying both shows cre- ated a strong connection with audiences. She said she does not want to rush the project or make something that does not meet the expectations of longtime fans.

Girlfriends aired for eight sea- sons on UPN from 2000 to 2007 before its sudden cancellation left the story unfinished. The show reached its 25th anniversary in 2025, and the original cast reunion in a Pattern Beauty commercial renewed interest among fans.

• Akil has continued creating
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The 2026 Trailblazer of the Year Award winners are Dr. Theresa Price and Dr. Eric Bishop, Ed.D., for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to edu- cational excellence and commu- nity empowerment.

The 2026 Legacy of Impact Award winners are posthumously

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DAR Convenes in Washington portunity for our members to come together to celebrate our country's rich history, share ideas, and mark their past year in service. With our nation commemorating its 250th anniversary this year, DAR chap- ters have been sharing the history of those inspiring individuals who contributed to American inde-

More than 300 guests attended the sold-out event, arriving in Harlem Renaissance-inspired at- tire that transformed the Grand Parisian Ballroom into a Roaring Twenties scene.

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come," said Storage.

At the Opening Night Ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, Ameri- ca's 250th anniversary and DAR's role in commemorating it were a prominent part of the festivities. Pamela Rouse Wright, Honorary DAR President General and cur- rent National Chair of the DAR

KC KCAA 1050 pendence," said Ginnie Sebastian America 250! Committee high-

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Storage, DAR President General. "Service to our country is at the heart of everything DAR does, and it is always uplifting to wel- come thousands of Daughters to our historic headquarters in Wash- ington, D.C. Working together, we are dedicated to advancing historic preservation, education, and patriotism for generations to lighted the many ways that DAR members have been preparing for this milestone year including community events, travelling ex- hibitions, and other efforts that promote the organization's mis- sion pillars.

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