Why We Can’t Stop Watching: TV One Brings True Crime To The American Black Film Festival’s DC Pop Up

True crime superfans turned out for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Pop Up Tour in Washington, D.C., packing the room for a deep dive into the genre that keeps us up at night. TV One was on the scene, hosting a conversation about Black true crime and why authentic storytelling matters.

Allison McGevna, iOne Digital VP of Content, moderated the panel — “TRUE CRIME OBSESSED: Why We Can’t Stop Watching Black Stories” — featuring Allison Simmons, True Crime executive producer at TV One; Vince Velazquez, retired detective and host of ATL Homicide; and MaRah and Taz of the Sistas Who Kill podcast.

The conversation explored how Black true crime has evolved, the importance of telling these stories with cultural care and context, and why representation matters on both sides of the camera.

Presented by TV One, the true crime panel discussed how the network is centering stories that reflect Black communities with hit series like ATL Homicide and the new Fatal Attraction: I’d Kill to Be You, while championing the next wave of storytellers shaping the genre. “TV One and ABFF both represent the communities that we all live in,” said Velazquez.

The ABFF Pop Up Tour came to D.C. for the first time ever, kicking off the 2026 tour in the nation’s capital. It was a space to spotlight Black stories on screen and behind the scenes, taking the spirit of ABFF on the road to audiences across the country.

Taking place during ABFF’s 30th anniversary year, the three-day D.C. experience ran Sept. 25-27 at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market. From opening night to the final screening, the weekend brought together film, craft, and conversation.

Attendees watched standout features including the Grand Jury Prize-winning Three Colors: Pan-African and Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story. In addition to TV One’s true crime panel, attendees caught a short film showcase and talks covering everything from screenwriting to wealth-building. Fans also enjoyed a Brown Sugar screening with actor Taye Diggs himself, plus the romantic comedy That’s Her, starring Kountry Wayne, Coco Jones, Tabitha Brown, and Loretta Devine.

The ABFF Pop Up Tour rolls on in New York City, Atlanta, and Houston. Catch the tour — check here for upcoming pop-up dates.

Tune in for your true crime fix on True Crime Mondays only on TV One.