By Desa Philadelphia

On Thursday April 20, Dean Elizabeth Daley joined John Singleton’s mother Shelia Ward-Johnson in welcoming a packed house to a special screening of the series finale of FX’s Snowfall, which Singleton co-created. It was his last work before he passed away, at age 51, in 2018.

The screening culminated a year-long celebration of Singleton’s work that began in September.

“These last few months of showing John’s projects at the School of Cinematic Arts have been a journey of memories, adoration, inspiration, and admiration,” said Daley. “John’s films and episodic work hold reminders of his personality, his character, and his fierce talent. In addition to his family, John gave generously to his audiences, to the City of Los Angeles, and yes, to the School of Cinematic Arts. His legacy will always be revered here. He is, and will always be, an inspiration to all our students.”

Ward-Johnson told the crowd, that despite her son’s untimely death, he was someone who “got it all in,” meaning he had lived a full life.

Dean Daley also used the event to unveil plans for the John Singleton Lounge, an area outside the Dean’s suite in the School of Cinematic Arts building that will serve as a memorial to Singleton, and will be decorated with posters of his work. The Dean also encouraged guests to check out the Singleton exhibit in the Mary Pickford Lobby of the George Lucas building.

Following the screening, Snowfall’s main cast members—Gail Bean, Carter Hudson, Michael Hyatt, Isaiah John, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, and lead star Damson Idris—participated in a Q&A. They were joined by renowned writer Walter Mosley, who Singleton had personally asked to work on the show; Dave Andron, who co-created Snowfall with Singleton and Eric Amadio; and Tomas Voth, the show’s production designer. They spoke of having built personal relationships with Singleton, the way he encouraged their work, and the vision he brough to the show. Hyatt told the audience that Singleton’s presence was always felt. “We stood by and made sure that even when he wasn’t here, the right story was told,” she said.

John Singleton: A Celebration, ran from September through April and featured Singleton’s best-known work, including classics Boyz N The Hood, Poetic Justice, Rosewood and Baby Boy.

For more on the Snowfall series finale screening, click here to read The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage of the event. Fight On!