Hillman Grad was founded by actor, producer, and Emmy^® Award-winning writer Lena Waithe to empower and provide industry access to underrepresented artists and amplify the stories of diverse and historically marginalized communities across film and television. Hillman Grad projects include The Chi – Showtime’s longest-running Black drama series; Universal Pictures’ Queen and Slim, BET’s Twenties; Netflix’s The 40-Year-Old Version, Dear White People and Beauty; Disney+’s Chang Can Dunk; and the Emmy-nominated HBO Max documentary Being Mary Tyler Moore. At the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Hillman Grad premiered two award-winning features: A Thousand and One (Grand Jury Prize, U.S. Dramatic Competition) distributed by Focus Features, and Kokomo City (NEXT Audience Award, NEXT Innovator Award), distributed by Magnolia Pictures.

Hillman Grad operates as a boutique creative imprint for Waithe, while also housing the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab and Rising Voices – signature initiatives that provide mentorship and funding opportunities to emerging creatives. Now in its fifth year, the Mentorship Lab and Rising Voices have become driving forces for systemic change and equitable access, launching the careers of numerous writers, directors, actors, and executives, creating industry-wide impact.

In 2024, Waithe expanded Hillman Grad’s storytelling platform with the launch of Legacy Talk, an award-winning podcast series that offers a curated and deeply personal look into the careers of iconic Black trailblazers across the entertainment industry. The podcast is now in its second season.