The AMC CY3 Theater at the NCT Plex Cultural Center is proudly dedicated in honor of Bishop L. W. Francisco III and Dr. Natalie Francisco of Hampton, Virginia, celebrating their enduring commitment to Christian service, family, leadership, and the local and global community. Rooted in the Great Commission to “go… and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19, KJV) and the Great Commandment to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV), this dedication recognizes a legacy of faith that embraces people across cultures, communities, and generations. Through film, music, visual and performing arts, education, and storytelling, the theater serves as a place where cultural diversity is celebrated, minority voices and achievements are represented with dignity, families share meaningful experiences, history and heritage are preserved, and emerging generations are inspired to lead and serve. It honors the belief that representation matters, that every culture and community has stories worthy of being seen and heard, and that leadership is most powerful when it creates opportunities for others. May this theater stand as a living tribute to Bishop Francisco and Dr. Francisco—a place where faith meets culture, creativity strengthens community, diversity is celebrated, families are connected, leaders are developed, and the stories of yesterday inspire a greater tomorrow.

The decision to establish this dedication within the Dr. Anthony B. & Darlene Rodgers African American Cultural Center as a theater is especially meaningful to the vision of the NCT Campus Plex. We understand that stories have tremendous power.

A sermon can speak truth.
A song can carry hope.
A photograph can preserve history.
A stage can amplify a voice.
A film can allow millions of people to experience a story they may otherwise never encounter.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus frequently communicated profound spiritual truths through stories and illustrations people could understand. In a contemporary context, film and the arts remain powerful instruments for communicating ideas, preserving memory, creating empathy, inspiring imagination, and encouraging meaningful dialogue.

The AMC CY3 Theater, therefore, celebrates film, music, theater, visual arts, storytelling, and creative expression as opportunities to educate, inspire, preserve culture, strengthen community, and—when used faithfully—point people toward truth, hope, reconciliation, and purpose.