Black Film Space is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the pilot episode of Parks University.

Black Film Space's fiscal sponsorship program allows for members to use its 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt status to receive tax-deductible donations on the film's behalf and solicit charitable contributions throughout the production process.

Parks University has been chosen after careful evaluation from our board, and we believe it supports our mission to provide career advancing opportunities for Black filmmakers.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

PROJECT TYPE: Pilot
GENRE: Sci-fi/ Thriller
PROJECT STATUS: Pre-Production
CO-CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Melissa Quinones
CO-CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Antonio Leaks
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Louis Brown
CO-CREATOR/WRITER: Nava Goodman
CO-CREATOR/WRITER: Daniel Carter
HEAD RESEARCHER: Shannon Whitaker
HEAD RESEARCHER: Bilal Key

LOGLINE:

When Parks University faces a supernatural siege, a 14-year-old prodigy Hope must use her intellect and unearthly abilities to save her school.

Our project celebrates the magic of the HBCU experience by merging Black culture into the sci-fi realm. We aim to inspire those who haven’t seen themselves in magical settings, showcasing the power and beauty of Black magic through a narrative that blends the familiar with the fantastical.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to reimagine the HBCU experience through a magical and sci-fi lens, honoring Black culture and inspiring a new generation. Through Parks University, we celebrate the resilience, intellect, and unearthly abilities of our community, bridging the past and future in extraordinary ways.

Parks University is a sci-fi thriller steeped in history and built on the sacred grounds of a Historical Black College and University (HBCU). It hides a powerful secret within its walls. After a failed ritual, an ancient evil is unleashed on campus, trapping souls between dimensions. The balance of this sacred space is in peril, and the university’s leaders are powerless against this great evil.

It's now up to Hope Enoh, an extraordinary 14-year old freshman whose arrival is anything but coincidental. With unique abilities that may be the key to saving Parks University, Hope, her friend Pierce, and her roommate Missy, must face the malevolent force threatening to consume the HBCU. The fate of both the living and the dead rests in her hands, as she navigates a campus where history, spirituality, and supernatural danger collide.

Why NOW?

Parks University is based on the real-life HBCU, Lincoln University, an often forgotten trailblazer in Black history. LU deserves recognition and celebration for its remarkable contributions. Lincoln is the first degree granting HBCU in the country giving us the likes of: Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, Kwame Nkrumah (First President of Ghana) and Nnamdi Azikiwe (First President of Nigeria) and Lincoln University's very own child prodigy Dr.Jalaal A. Hayes, one of the youngest to earn a Ph.D in history.

There isn’t a show that currently represents the magic of HBCUs, and we’re here to fill that gap, celebrating our excellence and inspiring future generations.

This project is vital because when Black youth make mistakes, their faces dominate the media, but their successes get minimal coverage. Parks University is changing that narrative by telling more stories like the headlines below.

How Are We Different?

Parks University will take you on an adventure filled with hidden secrets and themes of camaraderie, belonging, heritage, and legacy. This series tells an untold story about our community—our child prodigies.

It's often said that college will be the best four years of your life, and we wholeheartedly believe this to be true. Through this series, we aim to showcase the rich history and vibrant community of our HBCU in a fun and creative way, blending elements of sci-fi and thriller genres.

To ensure our audience captures the important historical gems, we will include a short documentary segment, providing essential context and highlighting the significance and legacy of HBCUs in an engaging and innovative manner. This story aims to carve out new space in the media for diverse and groundbreaking narratives within the HBCU community. Join us in celebrating our excellence and inspiring future generations!

The Story of Our Creators

In 2020, the world faced a reckoning with long-standing injustices and a global pandemic, revealing deep divisions and highlighting the need for unity. Amidst this backdrop, Melissa Quinones and Antonio Leaks launched the Black Legacy Film Festival, celebrating black artists and their powerful expressions. Inspired by the festival's overwhelming support, they envisioned a show that would capture that magic, uncover little-known history, and inspire future HBCU students. Thus, the idea of "Parks University" was born.

This story of a magical HBCU through the eyes of a remarkable individual needed the right storytellers. Creatives who had experienced this magic firsthand were essential. Daniel Carter and Nava Goodman joined the team to help craft the story and build the world, followed by Bilal Hassan and Shannon Whitaker to research real historical events. All alumni of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black College and University, they brought diverse perspectives and experiences, aiming to capture the essence of their formative years. Louis Brown, a proud graduate of Rust College, joined shortly after as an Executive Producer to help bring the story to life.

Now, "Parks University" stands ready to share its powerful narrative with the world. We invite you to join us in bringing this inspiring story to life, celebrating the rich history and enduring spirit of HBCUs. Be a part of this magical journey and support the team in making this vision a reality.

What Phase Is The Project In?

We have completed our casting and are now seeking funding to begin production next month! While this is a highly competitive move, we are confident in the success of this incredible project and are excited to bring it to a screen near you.

How Will Your Contribution Help?

Filmmaking is expensive, but we believe this series has enormous potential for impact! Our primary needs are in production, post-production, and finishing services. When this project is completed with your help, we will send you an exclusive link to view the final result. The Parks University series is a 501C3, making your donation TAX DEDUCTIBLE! This is where we need your help!

SHARE & FOLLOW US

If donating is not in the cards for you right now, no worries! There are so many ways you can help! Like us on Seed & Spark, follow us on the Gram, or Facebook and share the campaign with your friends on social media!

Your support will play a crucial role in bringing this unique and impactful show to life. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

OUR TIERS

HBCU SUPPORTERS - $25

$25 A social media shoutout and follow from the Parks University social media page

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD - $50

$50 Thank you email with a special campaign sizzle reel for you to repost and to let the world know you’re part of our donor base

THE TUNNEL - $75

$75 Your name will be featured on our campaign website

THE YEAR BOOK - $100

$100 Join Parks University's Illustrious institution with your own yearbook photo. This photo will appear in our end credits

Write Your Name in History - $150

$150 5 Behind the Scenes photos to be digitally delivered after Production.

THE SUB - $250

$250 Digital art commissions for Parks University

THE QUAD - $500

$500 Personalized Shout Out during the actual Production will be delivered digitally & posted on Parks University social media pages.

THE CAFE - $750

$750 You'll received a special Thank You in our End Credits

HOMECOMING - $1,000

$1,000 You will receive an invitation to the Parks University set

AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE - $1,500

$1,500 Access to a personal 24 Hour Viewing Link before the Premier

GREEK LIFE - $2,500

$2,500 2 Comp Tickets to the premiere and Black Legacy Film Festival Premier (Travel and Housing Not Included.)

SPRING FLING - $5,000

$5,000 You will receive a Parks University encased Jersey + a private 30 minute Zoom with the co-writers and co-creators

RECONSTRUCTION ERA - $10,000

$10,000 Bragging Rights! You will receive an extra role on Parks University + Access to a personal 24 Hour Viewing Link before the Premier

TEAM

MELISSA QUINONES,(Co-Creator & Executive Producer)

Melissa Quinones is a New York native who graduated from Lincoln University, the first HBCU, with a degree in Mass Communications, concentrating in Broadcast Journalism. She has worked for companies such as BET, Warner Brothers, Apple TV, FOX 5, NBC, and HOT 97, and on various scripted shows including White Collar, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gotham, She's Gotta Have It, Feud, Severance and more.

Melissa has also worked on music videos like SZA’s "Drew Barrymore" and Bon Jovi’s "Scars on This Guitar." At the age of 23, she managed an international language school in China, where she also worked as a freelance reporter, voice-over actress, and was featured in commercials. Additionally, Melissa is the Co-Founder of the Black Legacy Film Festival, established in 2020 for HBCU filmmakers.

ANTONIO LEAKS, (Co-Creator & Executive Producer)

Whether it is music, theater, design, or video production, Antonio is an artist encouraged to create without limits. Born and raised in Sacramento, Antonio is dedicated to creating opportunities for Black and Indigenous people of color, and intrigued by the possibility to create new experiences for audiences. Founder of the Black Legacy Film Festival and host of the Day Ones podcast, he is driven to highlight stories of inspiration and awe. He also created Outside the Lines productions, focusing on experimental and authentic storytelling on film.

LOUIS BROWN, ( Executive Producer)

Louis Brown is a producer, writer, and director whose credits span from Twitch to Paramount Pictures. After obtaining his bachelor's degree, Brown received his master's in producing for film and television. With an extensive background in both scripted and unscripted programming, Louis offers a unique sense of storytelling and collaboration. Other network credits include Facebook Watch, HBOMax, A&E, Fox, NBC, and BET+.

NAVA GOODMAN, (Co-Creator, Writer)

Nava Goodman is a gifted Actor,Singer, Writer and Filmmaker originally from Worcester Massachusetts. Nava holds a Clinical Psychology degree from Lincoln University, the first degree granting HBCU. Nava the singer made her debut in 2022 with her first RnB single entitled “Coffee". Nava has written, directed, produced and acted in various works of her own, as well as collaborative projects with USC Film School, The School of Theater, Film and Media Arts -Temple University, For Actors By Actors, Bill Duke and Eric Bellinger to name a few. As a Person, Educator and Aunt, Nava is committed to better and strives to ensure that her works remind her people of how amazing they are and while encouraging generations to come.

Daniel Carter, (Co-Creator, Writer)

Daniel “DJ” Carter was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. DJ’s parent’s come from a Jamaican and American background. Graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 2005 and later that year began his journey as a undergrad at Lincoln University (Class of 2009) with a major in Accounting and minor in Business management. Starting off with spoofs, music videos and short skits, Daniel found his passion for acting and writing while on Lincoln’s campus and has stared in different playwrights through the campus. Between 2009 and 2010 Daniel Co-wrote and Executive produced Lincoln University’s first sitcom “In The Life of Tone” which received a great reception across campus and catching the eye of NBC Philadelphia for a feature on the evening news. Since Daniel has worked on different projects including HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, The Smurfs as well as producing music videos, writing and producing short films and staring and producing his own Podcast Both Sides with Dj and Hanee.

SHANNON WHITAKER, (Head Researcher)

Shannon Whitaker, the Head Researcher, was born in Brooklyn, NY. As a child he was inquisitive, noticing the myriad of cultural and religious practices observed in Crown Heights. Shannon received his bachelors in World Religions from Lincoln University in Pa. Throughout his time studying he became intrigued by the rich history of HBCUs and spent his summers going on cultural immersion trips. Now, Shannon is a proud elementary school teacher, teaching kids to take pride in education and learning new things. “I’m a life-long learner! It was a no brainer when I was asked to join the Parks University team. It was an honor to research the history of Black Americans and HBCUs that were incorporated in this story.”

BILAL KEY, Head Researcher

Bilal Hassan Key is a Queens native and a proud graduate first degree granting HBCU Lincoln University, PA Class of 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Bilal has always taken a great interest to HBCUs since graduating from Lincoln University, Pa. He currently serves as the President for the Lincoln University Alumni NY Metro Chapter. Bilal has represented the Lincoln University NY Metro Chapter at HBCU fairs throughout NYC, financially supports the chapter $100K student endowment, participated in suit and toy drives. He is also an Ambassador for the HBCU Green Fund an initiative to establish a revolving fund which will allow HBCUs to borrow from for energy efficiency and sustainability projects on campus.

Parks University

Team Leaderboard

Team Members