HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Industry insiders say John Singleton’s work left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Among his many other contributions to cinema, particularly African-American cinema, Singleton was a big supporter of the American Black Film Festival.

Jeff Friday, the founder of ABFF, says Singleton’s legacy will be the numerous actors, producers, and filmmakers who he nurtured and brought into the movie business. 

“It wasn’t enough for him to be the only person successful,” said Friday. “He was trying to create a community of people, the school of Singleton, who were working, who were evolved, who were contributing to this industry in a very productive way. He knew the true power of a leader is who you bring with you.”

Singleton is credited with starting the career of many actors including Ice Cube, Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese Gibson, along with numerous producers and directors.

Friday says Singleton was also focused on bringing his community to the big screen. He wanted to introduce his Los Angeles to audiences.

“John knew cinema was his way of humanizing people from his community,” Friday said. “And allowing people to take a look at it but not from a voyeuristic standpoint, from a humanization standpoint.”

The American Black Film Festival will honor JohnSingleton at this year’s festival, June 12-16 in Miami.