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By Naomi K. Bonman

These last few years have been booming with African American writers in television. From ‘Empire’, ‘Star’, ‘Power’, ‘Dear White People’, ‘Insecure’, ‘Claws’, and ‘Luke Cage’, just to name a few, these shows all have one thing in common—they are ran by an African American.

To commemorate Black History Month, the Paley Center for Media Los Angeles gathered prominent, Black showrunners, creators and executive producers to discuss the current state of the industry. I was able to attend the panel discussion which I found to be very enlightening and informative. The panelists consisted of: Cheo Hodar Coker, Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner, ‘Luke Cage’; Courtney A. Kemp, Creator/Executive Producer/Showrunner, ‘Power’; Janine Sherman Barrois, Executive Producer/Showrunner, ‘Claws’; Karin Gist, Executive Producer/Showrunner, ‘Star’; Prentice Penny, Creator/Showrunner, ‘Insecure’; and Justin Simien, Creator/Executive Producer, ‘Dear White People’. The moderator for the evening was Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight host.

The discussion ranged from topics surrounding the increase of more African Americans and show business who are calling the shots to the content that we choose to put out there. It is refreshing to see more of our stories told BY US.

“We can now say that ‘I want more people of color as directors’,” Barrois explains. “’I want more people of color in editing jobs. You don’t have to say if they send you all white writers, “I’m not hiring all white writers’, why would I do that?”

The industry is now becoming more diverse to where opportunities are expanding for people of color. No more are we only considered as a possible option.

To listen to the discussion, please click below:

Listen to discussion here

LOS ANGELES, CA- The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) announced two exciting programming shifts this week, the addition of The Forgiven (Saban Films) as their new closing night selection, and the launch of their new #Talk4Reel panel series! Both moves are the perfect additions to an already must-see/must-do lineup of films, discussions, experiences and more!

“Our marquee film slate now stands anchored with the perfect beginning, middle and end,” shares PAFF  Director of Programming,  Asantewa Olatunji. ” Love Jacked” remains as our opening night, while The Forgiven gets added to closeout our festival experience. Nestled in-between is our centerpiece, which, this year, is a private screening event of 2018’s most anticipated film! Definitely not one to miss!” 

All marquee films will feature a star-studded red carpet, a full screening, an informative Q&A with filmmakers and talent, and a happening after-party.

2018 MARQUEE FILMS

OPENING NIGHT – LOVE JACKED

(World Premiere – 2017/Canada/South Africa/US)

Directed By: Alfons Adetuyi

Date: Thursday, February 8

Time: 6PM Red Carpet | 7PM Screening

A warm family comedy centered around Maya, a headstrong 28-year-old with artistic ambitions and her father Ed, who wants a dutiful daughter to run the family store. Ed is shocked when Maya, asserting her independence, decides to travel to Africa for inspiration and returns with a fiancé. Stars Amber Stevens-West, Shamier Anderson, Lyriq Bent, Keith David, Mike Epps, Marla Gibbs, Angela Gibbs, Demetrius Grosse and Nicole Lyn. Cast members will be present.

CENTERPIECE

**PRIVATE RED-CARPET SCREENING**

(2018/US)

Date: Wednesday, February 14

PAFF will host a private screening of 2018’s most anticipated film for PAFF founders, sponsors, partners, friends and esteemed influencers. Stay tuned to for more details!

CLOSING NIGHT – THE FORGIVEN

(US Premiere – 2017/South Africa/UK)

Directed By: Roland Joffé

Date: Sunday, February 18

Time:  5:45PM Red Carpet | 6:45PM Screening 

Academy Award® winner* Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana deliver riveting performances in this tense thriller based on real events. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Whitaker) is appointed to head a nationwide investigation, he’s summoned to a maximum-security prison by a notorious murderer seeking clemency (Bana). Inside the brutal prison walls, Tutu is drawn into a dangerous, life-changing battle with the cunning criminal in this captivating film from Oscar® nominated director** Roland Joffé. 

SPOTLIGHT FEATURES

Behind the Movement 

(2018/US/Narr)

Presented by  TVOne

Directed By: Aric Avelino

Date: Friday, February 9

Time: 7PM Red Carpet | 8PM Screening

Behind the Movement is a unique and fast-paced retelling of how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat launched the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film will reveal the untold story of how a group of everyday people decided this incident was the right time to take a stand for their civil rights and demand equal treatment.

King of the Stage: The Woodie King, Jr. Story

(World Premiere – US/Doc) 

Directed By: Juney Smith

Date:  Saturday, February 10

Time:  6PM Red Carpet | 7:15PM Screening | 9PM Lifetime Achievement Presentation

Woodie King, Jr. is an African-American director and producer of stage and screen, as well as the founding director of the New Federal Theater in New York City. The Pan African Film & Arts Festival will present him with their coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nothing Like Thanksgiving 

(World Premiere – US/Narr)

Directed By: Mark Harris

Date: Saturday, February 17

Time: 7:15PM Red Carpet | 8PM Screening

Having cancer and six months to live, sends Clayton Rockwell (William L. Johnson) a successful businessman, devoted husband and father on a journey to do the unthinkable. Clayton finds a replacement Wesley Madison (Richard Gallion) and grooms him to exactness to take over his business and family; all the while, Kenneth Swain (Darrin Henson) is working to take over his company. 

*Dates and times are subject to change. For an exhaustive list of screening events and experiences, click here:

https://www.paff.org/pdfs/2018/Screening_Schedule-2018-2.pdf.

PAFF LAUNCHES NEW #TALK4REEL PANEL SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS THAT AIM TO MOVE CULTURE AND CAREERS FORWARD!

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival has always been more than just movie screenings. It also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of industry powerhouses, community influencers, sports figures, cultural icons, thought leaders and disruptors who seek to educate, inspire and empower those who desire personal and professional elevation.

With that in mind, PAFF has officially launched its new #Talk4Reel panel series that makes necessary conversations happen… and when these conversations happen, you definitely want to be in the building! 

CHECK OUT OUR EXCITING #Talk4Reel LINEUP BELOW

Nate Parker Foundation Film Premiere Event

Sat, Feb.10 at 2:00pm-4:00pm

Through cinematic arts, the Nate Parker Foundation empowers young voices of African descent to advance social justice and revolutionize culture. Two films will be screened, #Hashtag and Baggage, followed by a discussion led by Nate Parker.

TV One: Social Justice Screenings and Community Forum

Sat, Feb.10 at 5:00pm

TV One will be screening two short films, Evidence of Innocence and Two Sides, followed by an intriguing panel discussion.

UMC Presents

Sat, Feb.10 at 8:00pm

A showcase of UMC original series featuring episodes and discussions with talent and content producers for four new shows.

Seed & Spark

Sun, Feb. 11 at 1:30pm

Join Seed & Spark founder, Emily Best, for a discussion on the future of filmmaking and distribution. Seed & Spark is an innovative new streaming service changing the way films are financed and distributed — equal parts streaming network and crowd-funding platform.  Screening films: Kingsley’s Crossing, Across the Track and Matter of Black.

The Quad – Presented by BET

Sun, Feb. 11 at 4:00pm

Exclusive screening of an upcoming episode BET’s hit series followed by a discussion with the cast and crew.

Black Studio Executives Talk

Thu, Feb. 15 at 7:15pm

The gates of Hollywood finally appear open to more diversity in its business suites as well as its content. Black studio executives participate in an informative discussion on green-lighting, producing and distributing Black content in the digital age. Moderator: Effie T. Brown (Producer); Confirmed Panelist: Moira Griffin (Fox) and more to be announced.

Sports and Activism Panel – Presented By NAMIC

Thu, Feb. 15 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Panelist: Marc Spears (SR. NBA Writer, The Undefeated), Galen Gordon (VP, Talent Management, NFL Network), Ramona Shelburne (Sr. Writer, ESPN.com) and LZ Granderson (Sr. Writer at ESPN and ABC Contributor).

Canal Street 

Fri, Feb. 16 at 7:00pm

A modern-day thriller telling the story of a teen, Kholi Styles, trying to get by in an unwelcoming new world. After the mysterious death of a classmate, all eyes fall on Kholi, and it’s up to his father, Jackie Styles, an up-and-coming lawyer from the slums of Chicago, to defend his son in court and battle an outraged public before time runs out. Jackie fights to keep his faith and prove his son is not the monster the world has made him out to be. Screening extended clips followed by discussion with director, cast and crew.

Talk4Reel: Secret Event

Sat, Feb.17 at 3:00pm

Extended movie trailer of a highly anticipated film followed by a discussion with the director, cast and crew. This is one major motion picture exclusive you won’t want to miss!

The Chi – Presented by Showtime

Sat, Feb.17 at 6:00pm

Exclusive screening of an upcoming episode of the SHOWTIME® Original Drama Series, THE CHI, from Emmy® winner Lena Waithe and Academy Award® winner Common. 

TRAFFIK – Presented by Codeblack Films

Sat, Feb. 17 at 9:00pm

Screening select scenes of the upcoming suspense thriller movie, TRAFFIK followed by a discussion with special guests. Directed by Deon Taylor and starring Paula Patton, Omar Epps and Laz Alonso.

Black Lightning

Mon, Feb. 19 at 6:50pm

Screening followed by discussion with talent and above the line crew on the hot new CW hit series. 

The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival will take place  Thursday, February 8 through Monday, February 19  at the Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres/Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza   (3650 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd)  in Los Angeles, California.

To view the full schedule and complete lineups of PAFF Institute, StudentFest, Children’s Fest, ARTFest, PAFF Spoken Word, PAFF LOL and Senior Connections, click here: https://www.paff.org/pdfs/2018/Screening_Schedule-2018-2.pdf. 

For more details, ticket information and group sales, log on to  www.PAFF.org !

By Naomi K. Bonman

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  The Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the 3^rd Annual Black History Super Expo Celebration on Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Court Street Square located at 349 N. E Street in San Bernardino. The event is FREE to the public.

There will be live entertainment, vendors, great food, a veggie connection pop-up, and a kids’ zone. Free rides to the expo will be provided by OmniTrans. You can pick up bus tokens from the Akoma Unity Center located at 1367 N. California Street in San Bernardino.

For more information, please contact Tammy at (714) 292-0205 or visit www.BCCInlandEmpire.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  On Friday, February 2, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes and community partners; San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation and California Department of Transportation District 8 will be unveiling the Rosa Parks Statue at the Rosa Parks Memorial Building located at 464 W. 4^th Street in San Bernardino. The unveiling starts at 10:30 a.m.

The Rosa Parks Statue was made possible by funding contained in the 2017 state budget. “Working together with community partners and the Governor, I was able to secure the final funding needed for this iconic statue,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “The 47th Assembly District is honored to recognize the first lady of the civil rights movement and we are confident her statue will be a beacon of hope for those yearning for change.”  

Join us as we unveil the bronze Rosa Parks Statue and recommit ourselves to justice.

For more information or to RSVP contact District Representative Daniel Peeden or call the District Office at (909) 381-3238.

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Black History Parade and Expo has been a popular annual tradition for 39 years. This cultural event, held annually on the 2nd Saturday of February, will take place Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. in downtown Riverside. This year’s theme, “It Takes Village — Celebrating Community Leadership”, salutes local community heroes.

This year the committee is excited to announce the newest edition to this year’s festivities. Special celebrity guest appearance by internationally-acclaimed Hip Hop entertainer, “Tommy the Clown“. Tommy the Clown has become a world-renown entertaining sensation and innovator of a dance style known as “Clowning” and “Krumping,” which has become a worldwide phenomenon. 

Tommy the Clown and his dance entourage have traveled all over the world including London, Japan, Germany and Hong Kong. He has also performed for the likes of Madonna, Pamela Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer to name a few. In 2005, Tommy the Clown landed a starring role in Lions Gate Films release of ‘RIZE’, directed by David LaChapelle.

The Riverside Black History Parade & Expo is also proud to have Dr. Judy White, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools as this year’s Grand Marshall. Dr. White has worked as a classified educator, teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent in San Bernardino City Schools and Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. The community affectionally refers to her as a “history maker and stereotype breaker” because of the numerous recognitions and accomplishments she has made. Some of these include: Moreno Valley 2014 Citizen of the Year, Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2016 Community Member of the Year, NAACP 2015 Educator of the Year and many more. She is the current ACSA Region 19 Superintendent of the Year and CAAASA 2017 Superintendent of the Year.

The 39^th Annual Riverside Black History Parade & Expo creates a sense of cohesiveness within the community, bringing people together from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds to celebrate with pride Black History through food, music and fun-filled family activities, attracting thousands of attendees annually.

The parade route begins at Riverside City College at the corner of Terracin and Magnolia Avenue, ending on Main Street in front of the Riverside County Courthouse in downtown Riverside. The procession will include government and city officials, local high school drill teams, vintage cars and various other parade vehicles. Parade-goers will cheer along the parade route on Market Street, as well as in front of the Historic Riverside County Courthouse where parade participants will be announced from the main parade stage as they proceed past.

If you are interested in becoming involved by participating in the parade, being a vendor, or sponsoring, forms can be found at www.adcrfoundation.org, or email Lakishajefferson@yahoo.com and 951.255.5877

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation honored the Social Lites, Inc. for 61 years of service to the Inland Empire in empowering and mentoring youth for a better future through the annual Beautillion program and performing community service at the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation scholarship fashion show held on Friday, January 5 at the Shandin Hills Golf Club in San Bernardino.

The Social Lites, Inc.  Beautillion Program is currently underway.  Weekly meetings are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino.  The Beautillion program will commence on March 24, 2018 at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Donna Little-James at (909) 528-9793 or co-chairperson, Mrs. Bridgette Shaw at (909) 648-6165 or publicity chairperson, Mrs. Twillea Evans-Carthen at tevanscarthen@yahoo.com.

SACRAMENTO, CA- The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) celebrated its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast “Black Voices: Reclaiming Our Influence” in Sacramento. The commemorative event featured veteran Democratic Political Strategist Donna Brazile as the Keynote Speaker, with additional remarks from CLBC Chair Chris Holden, Senate pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, and members of the CLBC.

“We must always remember the rich history that surrounds MLK Day and reflect on how much work still remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “In a National environment where divisive rallies and demonstrations are on the rise, it’s critical for African Americans to unite and stand against hatred bigotry.”

Donna Brazile, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee delivered a dynamic keynote addressing the importance of unity, activism, and voter engagement within the current political climate. During the program, California Legislative Black Caucus Members recognized civil rights pioneers in their districts as 2018’s “Unsung Heroes.” The honorees included journalists, academics, social workers, activists and community leaders.

“This year’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ are pillars in the Black community” said Assemblymember Chris Holden, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “They continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their voices and actions.”

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-  Members of the Social Lites, Inc. were among 500 guests at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held on Monday, January 15, at California State University, San Bernardino.  Those that were in attendance included the community, community leaders, and youth who took their time to perform community service and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The keynote speaker Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Senior Pastor at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino message to “Dream On” inspired attendees!

Beautillion Knights performed community service on their day off by helping the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC) organizers Ms. Beverly Wright and President of IECAAC, Dr. Regional Woods, Senior Pastor at Life Changing Ministries of San Bernardino (former Beautillion Sir Knight) set-up, escorting guests to their seats, serving guests who had mobility issues and other acts of kindness. 

April 4, 1968 marks the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination.  Let us not forget at the time of King’s premature death King was fighting for issues concerning economic inequality, employment, full citizenship, and access to safe and affordable housing. King took a stand against these issues, and today it is more important than ever to pick up the fight.  “The time is always right, to do what is right!”- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The viewing for Frances Grice will be held on Thursday, January 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Harrison-Ross Mortuary located at 738 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino.

The funeral services will be held on Friday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at Loveland Church located at 17977 Merrill Avenue in Fontana.