Between the Lines: The Best Man: Unfinished Business with Malcolm D. Lee

Looking to add to your summer reading list? Join us for the launch of The Best Man: Unfinished Business by Malcolm D. Lee, writer and director of the critically acclaimed feature film debut, The Best Man. The first in the trilogy written with Jayne Allen, The Best Man: Unfinished Business follows Harper, Jordan, and Robyn as they try to establish lives away from the hurts of the past and come to realize that some love is impossible to break. Moderating the conversation is author, actress, host of Sirius XM's “Bevelations," and Harlem's own Bevy Smith, who coined the phrase "It gets greater later."

A book signing will follow the program along with a tasting by Sable bourbon, launched in 2024 by Harold Perrineau, Malcolm D. Lee, Morris Chestnut and Taye Diggs.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED Events are free, but due to space constraints registration is requested. We generally overbook to ensure a full house, so we recommend that you arrive early.

Malcolm D. Lee is a writer, director, and producer whose directorial work includes his critically acclaimed feature film debut, The Best Man, as well as Girls Trip, Night School, and The Best Man: The Final Chapters. His company, Blackmaled Productions, is dedicated to telling diverse stories that contribute to changing and amplifying narratives of people of color.

Jayne Allen is the author of the bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted novel series and The Most Wonderful Time. Allen crafts transcultural stories that touch upon contemporary women’s issues.

Bevy Smith, Quintessential Harlem girl, Gracie Award winner and life-long New Yorker Bevy Smith is the host of Sirius XM’s “Bevelations” on Radio Andy. Once a wildly successful luxury fashion publishing exec, Bevy shifted her professional goals over a decade ago to pursue a life in front of the camera. A pop culture aficionado and fashion expert, Bevy served as moderator of Bravo TV’s revolutionary “Fashion Queens," and was a former co-host on the nationally syndicated “Page Six TV.” Always pushing the boundaries Bevy has embarked on a new acting career and has appeared as fan favorite Aunt Tammy on the first two seasons of the Prime Video series HARLEM. Smith’s debut book “Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie” which details her transition from a fashion advertising executive into a media personality was published through Andy Cohen Books. Bevy’s debut TED Talk in April of 2022 breaking down her greatest #bevelation, It Gets Greater Later™, has garnered over 7 million views, translated into multiple languages and was in the Top Three TED Talks of 2022.

Accessibility requests can be made by e-mail YWNjZXNzaWJpbGl0eSB8IG55cGwgISBvcmc=.

Copies of The Best Man: Unfinished Business will be available for purchase from the Schomburg Shop in Harlem.

The beloved characters from The Best Man movies and hit television series reunite for a sexy and soulful, heartbreaking and hilarious reckoning of love.

Recently divorced and fresh off a Pulitzer Prize win, Harper Stewart is in a new era. He’s working on a movie and living the ultimate bachelor life in his Brooklyn penthouse. But still, something is missing. What else explains the stubborn creative block? The carousel of women? And seventh-wheel status with his friends?

Jordan Armstrong had to flee New York. First, to give herself distance from Harper and, second, to escape the corporate grind. In her beachfront Malibu property, the façade of a “healed” Jordan flourishes. Yet she finds herself unmoored. Despite the physical distance, she still feels Harper’s magnetic pull.

Meanwhile, in Ghana, Robyn has gone full bohemian restaurateur. She has finally found peace and won’t let another man ruin it—that is, until a handsome local entrepreneur commands her attention. But it’s all too much change for her daughter, Mia, and when she secretly calls Harper with an emergency Robyn would rather hide, their world is shaken and relationships are tested once more.

Book one of The Best Man trilogy follows Harper, Jordan, and Robyn as they try to establish lives away from the hurts of the past and come to realize that some love is impossible to break. With support from their close-knit crew of chosen family—Quentin, Shelby, Lance, Murch, and Candace—they fight for a future that proves one’s second act can be the extended chapter worth it all.

Sable bourbon was launched in 2024 by cast members of The Best Man film, Harold Perrineau, Malcolm D. Lee, Morris Chestnut and Taye Diggs. Sable means “black,” symbolizing the depth, richness, and beauty of connection— the enduring bonds that define both meaningful relationships and this exceptional bourbon. Sable Bourbon is crafted using a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, resulting in a bold 94 proof spirit. Its tasting notes feature a deep golden brown color, with enticing aromas of burnt sugar, pear compote, allspice, and nutty marzipan. On the palate, it delivers rich flavors of dense mocha and dark chocolate fudge, culminating in an oak-forward finish with a medium-spice finish. Follow Sable Bourbon on Instagram (@sablebourbon) and Bespoken Spirits (@bespokenspirits).

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GUESTS Please note that holding seats in the Langston Hughes Auditorium is strictly prohibited and there is no food or drinks allowed anywhere in the Schomburg Center.

E-TRANSPORTATION NYPL policy prohibits electric transportation devices (e.g., motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards) from being brought into or stored at library sites for any length of time, as this is the best way to keep our spaces & people safe.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Programs are photographed and recorded by the Schomburg Center. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Leah Drayton at bGVhaGRyYXl0b24gfCBueXBsICEgb3Jn.

Please note that professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.

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