The 2015 NAACP Image Awards will be presented in a 2-hour special that will air live on Friday, February 6, 2015 on TV One at 9pm ET/8CT (tape-delayed for PT – Pacific Time). The ceremony will be preceded by a one-hour pre-show, which will air live from the red carpet at 8pm ET/7CT (PT tape-delayed).
Nominees in the Motion Picture and Documentary categories for 2015 / 46TH NAACP Image Awards:
MOTION PICTURE
Outstanding Motion Picture
• "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
• "Beyond The Lights" (Relativity Media)
• "Dear White People" (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
• "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures)
• "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Chadwick Boseman - "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures)
• David Oyelowo - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Denzel Washington - "The Equalizer" (Columbia Pictures)
• Idris Elba - "No Good Deed" (Screen Gems)
• Nate Parker - "Beyond The Lights" (Relativity Media)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Gugu Mbatha-Raw - "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
• Quvenzhané Wallis - "Annie" (Columbia Pictures)
• Taraji P. Henson - "No Good Deed" (Screen Gems)
• Tessa Thompson - "Dear White People" (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
• Viola Davis - "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" (The Weinstein Company)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
• André Holland - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Cedric the Entertainer - "Top Five" (Paramount Pictures)
• Common - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Danny Glover - "Beyond The Lights" (Relativity Media)
• Wendell Pierce - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
• Carmen Ejogo - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Jill Scott - "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures)
• Octavia Spencer - "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures)
• Oprah Winfrey - "Selma" (Paramount Pictures)
• Viola Davis - "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
• "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
• "Dear White People" (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
• "Half of a Yellow Sun" (monterey media inc.)
• "JIMI: All Is By My Side" (XLrator Media)
• "Life of a King" (Animus Films/Serena Films)
DOCUMENTARY
Outstanding Documentary - (Film)
• "Documented" (Apo Anak Productions)
• "Finding Fela" (Jigsaw Productions)
• "I Am Ali" (Focus World/Fisheye Films)
• "Keep On Keepin On" (RADiUS)
• "Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People" (Chimpanzee Productions, Inc.)
Outstanding Documentary - (Television)
• "American Experience: Freedom Summer" (PBS)
• "Bad Boys" (ESPN)
• "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown" (HBO)
• "Rand University" (ESPN)
• "The War Comes Home: Soledad O'Brien Reports" (CNN)
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Showing posts with label Black History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black History. Show all posts
Friday, February 6, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
#SelmaForStudents Rolls into Birmingham, San Diego, and Trenton
BIRMINGHAM, SAN DIEGO AND TRENTON, NJ, JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO BRING “SELMA” TO STUDENTS
MORE THAN 300,000 STUDENTS IN 32 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
BOSTON, DETROIT, NEW YORK AND NORTHERN NEW JERSEY ARE SOLD OUT
Birmingham, San Diego and Trenton, NJ, have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 32 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The Selma for Students program has grown steadily since its launch in New York City on January 8th. To date, African-American business leaders in 32 locations across the U.S. have raised funds for free admission for middle and high school students to see “SELMA.” More than 300,000 students nationwide will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
Due to the program’s popularity and the ongoing efforts of the organizers, student tickets in Boston, Detroit, New York and Northern New Jersey are sold out. Philadelphia expanded its program and added 3,000 more tickets to meet the overwhelming demand, while the business leaders in Northern New Jersey raised additional funds to send 1,000 students in Trenton to see the film.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Roy S. Johnson, Director of Sports, Alabama Media Group; Staci Brown Brooks, Manager of Special Projects, Alabama Media Group; and Terri Gardner in Birmingham
“Having only moved to Birmingham in recent months, it was a particular honor to work with and meet long-time Alabamians who were eager to support Selma for Students in recognition of this state's historic role in the civil rights movement. For us, this effort was truly close to home,” said Johnson.
· Lee Wills-Irvine, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Qualcomm, in San Diego
“Qualcomm recognizes the historical importance and current relevance of the movie ‘Selma.’ So we are excited to partner with companies like Sony Electronics, community based organizations like the San Diego African-America Museum of Fine Arts, and local Executive Leadership Council Members to provide this opportunity to students in San Diego,” said Wills-Irvine. “Thank you to the Qualcomm leadership team, local businesses and community leaders who have so generously supported such a meaningful movement.”
· David R. Jones, President and CEO, CastleOak Securities, L.P., in Trenton, NJ
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Champaign-Urbana, IL, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Northern New Jersey, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Stockton, CA, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last. Tickets will be available in Trenton beginning Monday, January 26th.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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Book Review: BECOMING RICHARD PRYOR
HARPCOLLINS – @HarperCollins
AUTHOR: Scott Saul
ISBN: 978-0-06-212330-5; hardcover (December 9, 2014)
608pp, B&W, $27.99 U.S.
Richard Pryor (1940 to 2005) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. He was best known for his work as a stage comic or stand-up comedian. Actor and comedian Bob Newhart once called Pryor “the seminal comedian of the last 50 years.”
Becoming Richard Pryor is a biography of Pryor, written by Scott Saul. Saul, an associate professor of English at the University of California–Berkeley, is the author of Freedom Is, Freedom Ain't: Jazz and the Making of the Sixties. Saul has also written for Harper's Magazine, the New York Times, and the Nation, among other publications.
In the “Author's Note” to his book, Saul says that “Pryor revolutionized American comedy with his improvisational approach, his frank talk about sex and race, and the new psychological depth that he brought to the stage.” One of the groundbreaking things about Pryor's comedy was that it was often autobiographical; the genius and complexities of his act was born from the story of his life.
Saul says that “For all his openness about his life onstage, he [Pryor] was guarded about the facts of it offstage.” Pryor was standoffish with reporters, and, according to Saul, both Pryor and his elder relatives did what they could to make things difficult for people seeking to write biographies of Pryor.
Saul also describes how Becoming Richard Pryor is different from previous biographies and biographical efforts concerning Pryor. First, Richard and the elder Pryor were dead by the time Saul began his research for this book in 2007. [Pyror died in 2006.] Also, the younger Pryor relatives were willing to share memories, pictures, papers, and other documentations with Saul. Secondly, Saul says that he approached Pryor as a “historical figure,” so he used a “historian's tools” like research paperwork, and official documents to reconstruct Pryor's life so that he could “unpack its meaning.” Saul writes that by working like a historian, he was able to follow Pryor's life from month to month, and, in some instances, even day to day.
Thirdly, and finally, Saul says Becoming Richard Pryor is different because its aim is to “... trace, meticulously, Pryor's evolution as an artist.” Saul traces this evolution up to the point of the release of Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979), which may be the most celebrated, if not greatest stand-up comedy performance and comedy concert film of all time. Saul is right: Live in Concert (by influence, inspiration, and homage) may have created more stand-up comics (both good and bad) than any other film in history.
So how is Becoming Richard Pryor? Is it any good. Is it interesting? I am reluctant to call Becoming Richard Pryor “fascinating,” as that word seems inadequate to describe either Saul's book or his subject, Richard Pryor. I know it sounds crazy considering that Becoming Richard Pryor is built on so many words – over 600 pages densely packed with words, but words don't really describe this book. Becoming Richard Pryor has to be experienced directly by a reader, to be read in order to truly understand the depth of detail by which Saul tells the story of Pryor.
In fact, the story begins decades before Pryor was born (as Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor on December 1, 1940), so that Saul can talk about Pryor's beloved paternal grandmother, His “Mama,” Maria Carter Bryant – later Maria Pryor. Saul also goes into details about Pyror's relatives' lives before Pryor was born in 1940. Later, Saul takes us through a journey of Pryor growing up and becoming a budding performer as a child. Then, he takes us through Pryor's travels as his learned, gathered, and constantly evolved.
It is a long journey to Richard Pryor: Live in Concert. As big as this book, it is shocking to consider that Saul does not follow Pyror's life and career into the 1980s, when he experienced his greatest financial success as a film actor and movie star. The 1980s also marked the beginning of Pryor's battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). That battle along with Pryor's death on December 20, 2005 are discussed in the book's epilogue.
I am glad Scott Saul used the epilogue to discuss that last quarter century of Pryor's life. What Saul presents is so grand in scope and so intimately and realistically detailed that I don't think I could read much more. Becoming Richard Pryor is a great Hollywood biography and a masterfully work of history about an important figure in American arts and culture.
Is Becoming Richard Pryor a must read? Well, as Pryor himself might say, “Hell yeah, m**********r! So fans and students of American comedy, of American film, and of African-American arts and entertainment must read Becoming Richard Pryor.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Charlotte and Houston Among New #SelmaForStudents Cities
CHARLOTTE, HOUSTON, STOCKTON, CA AND CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL ARE THE LATEST CITIES TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO BRING “SELMA” TO STUDENTS
MORE THAN 300,000 STUDENTS IN 29 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
PHILADELPHIA ADDS 3,000 MORE TICKETS TO MEET OVERWHELMING DEMAND
Charlotte, Houston, Stockton, CA and Champaign-Urbana, IL have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 29 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last. To date, more than 300,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
In Philadelphia, the overwhelming demand for tickets has led organizers to expand the program and add 3,000 more tickets.
“Watching the community rally around ‘Selma’ has been a beautiful experience and this is truly a movement we will build on for years,” said Ed Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine, a contributor to the New York City program.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Dr. William Alleyne, President, Carolina Pulmonary Physicians, and Sybil Faulcon, Talent Acquisition/Professional (Gov't) Xerox Business Services, in Charlotte
“We are honored to be part of this unprecedented effort by members of the African-American business community to educate our nation’s children about this pivotal moment in American history,” said Dr. Alleyne.
· Anthony W. Hall, III, President, Rio Vista Partners, L.P., in Houston
“The movie ‘Selma’ offers a rich and vibrant opportunity to bring to life for young students in Houston the struggles and opportunities that Black people in America have been faced with historically,” said Hall. “It hopefully provides them context and, ideally, a sense of pride, recognition and purpose. The movie can connect them to an important time in the civil rights movement and perhaps serve as a framework for their own civic engagement, awareness and activism.”
· Dr. Robert Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer, The California Endowment, in Stockton, CA
“The California Endowment is thrilled to support the civic leadership of this program’s leaders to assure that young people from underserved communities can enjoy and learn from this landmark film,” said Ross.
· Byron Clark, Co-Chair, NEBC, and Aaron O. Ammons, President, NEBC, in Champaign-Urbana, IL
“The North End Breakfast Club is very happy to have the support of Paramount Pictures. As we continue to engage our community through the use of historically informative films such as ‘Selma,’ we know these films will have a profound impact on the thought process of the individuals who attend the viewings and post discussions,” said Ammons. “As President, and on behalf of the members of NEBC, I want to say thank you for your progressive thinking and courageous support for this initiative in Champaign, Illinois and across the Country.”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last. Tickets in Champaign-Urbana, IL will be available beginning January 31st at participating theaters.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
MORE THAN 300,000 STUDENTS IN 29 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE U.S. WILL SEE ACADEMY AWARD® BEST PICTURE NOMINEE “SELMA” FOR FREE
PHILADELPHIA ADDS 3,000 MORE TICKETS TO MEET OVERWHELMING DEMAND
Charlotte, Houston, Stockton, CA and Champaign-Urbana, IL have joined the massive national campaign by African-American business leaders to raise funds for free student admission to the Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film “SELMA,” expanding the unprecedented movement to a total of 29 locations nationwide.
Following the lead of a team of African-American business leaders in New York and across the U.S., funds have been established in these cities that will allow students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters while supplies last. To date, more than 300,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free.
In Philadelphia, the overwhelming demand for tickets has led organizers to expand the program and add 3,000 more tickets.
“Watching the community rally around ‘Selma’ has been a beautiful experience and this is truly a movement we will build on for years,” said Ed Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine, a contributor to the New York City program.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new cities are:
· Dr. William Alleyne, President, Carolina Pulmonary Physicians, and Sybil Faulcon, Talent Acquisition/Professional (Gov't) Xerox Business Services, in Charlotte
“We are honored to be part of this unprecedented effort by members of the African-American business community to educate our nation’s children about this pivotal moment in American history,” said Dr. Alleyne.
· Anthony W. Hall, III, President, Rio Vista Partners, L.P., in Houston
“The movie ‘Selma’ offers a rich and vibrant opportunity to bring to life for young students in Houston the struggles and opportunities that Black people in America have been faced with historically,” said Hall. “It hopefully provides them context and, ideally, a sense of pride, recognition and purpose. The movie can connect them to an important time in the civil rights movement and perhaps serve as a framework for their own civic engagement, awareness and activism.”
· Dr. Robert Ross, President and Chief Executive Officer, The California Endowment, in Stockton, CA
“The California Endowment is thrilled to support the civic leadership of this program’s leaders to assure that young people from underserved communities can enjoy and learn from this landmark film,” said Ross.
· Byron Clark, Co-Chair, NEBC, and Aaron O. Ammons, President, NEBC, in Champaign-Urbana, IL
“The North End Breakfast Club is very happy to have the support of Paramount Pictures. As we continue to engage our community through the use of historically informative films such as ‘Selma,’ we know these films will have a profound impact on the thought process of the individuals who attend the viewings and post discussions,” said Ammons. “As President, and on behalf of the members of NEBC, I want to say thank you for your progressive thinking and courageous support for this initiative in Champaign, Illinois and across the Country.”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Central Florida/Orlando, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
Middle and high school students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last. Tickets in Champaign-Urbana, IL will be available beginning January 31st at participating theaters.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
Monday, January 19, 2015
MTV Turns Black and White for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
MTV to Air in Black and White for the First Time in Network History, Share Artist, Politician and Audience Perspectives on Race on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Through New Initiative #TheTalk, MTV to Engage its Audiences in a “Color Brave” Conversation Led by Cultural Figures Including Kendrick Lamar, Common, Big Sean, Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo, Penn Badgley, Jordin Sparks, Pete Wentz, Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. John Lewis, Sen. Cory Booker and more
MTV to air in black and white for the first time in its history on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as part of anti-bias effort #TheTalk.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MTV announced an expansion of its Look Different anti-bias campaign called #TheTalk, a multiscreen effort to encourage its audience to have candid, confident and “color brave” conversations on race with family and friends. According to a 2014 MTV study*, 73% of Millennials believe having more open constructive conversations about bias would help people become less prejudiced.
“To be color blind is not a thing I think that one should boast about. See color and celebrate it. See our differences and celebrate it. When someone says to me ‘I’m color blind, I don’t see color’, I’m thinking they’re missing out...”
“Millennials believe strongly in fairness, but they can also find it difficult to talk openly about race – to be not simply ‘color blind’ but ‘color brave,’” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV. “Our audience is looking for a way to bring the national conversation on race into their homes and this campaign will give them a forum to express true color bravery.”
#TheTalk will begin at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when MTV will kick off a 12-hour period in which all programming will air in black and white for the first time in the network’s history. Every commercial block will begin with personal reflections on race from luminaries including Kendrick Lamar, Common, Big Sean, Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo, Penn Badgley, Jordin Sparks, Pete Wentz, Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. John Lewis, Sen. Cory Booker and more.
An excerpt from MTV’s “Talk” with Ava DuVernay:
“To be color blind is not a thing I think that one should boast about. See color and celebrate it. See our differences and celebrate it. When someone says to me ‘I’m color blind, I don’t see color’, I’m thinking they’re missing out...”
On-air creative on MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams and a comprehensive editorial push across MTV’s online, mobile and social platforms will encourage audience members to share their own reflections using the #thetalk and get involved through the Look Different website, LookDifferent.org. MTV will share many of the audience contributions on-air and online.
MTV’s Look Different campaign launched in April 2014, and continues to be shaped by the network’s research and insights on young people and race, gender and sexual orientation. According to the same 2014 MTV study*, many Millennials were raised to believe they shouldn’t acknowledge racial differences with 84% saying their family taught them that everyone should be treated the same, regardless of race.
However, this well-intentioned approach has its drawbacks. Millennials often feel blinded to lingering historical inequities because they’ve so seldom discussed race openly. The MTV study found that 63% of Millennials rarely talk with their family about race and 54% agree that it is hard to have a respectful conversation about bias in person or online. However, 69% of Millennials would love the opportunity to have an open respectful and judgment-free conversation about bias. These findings, coupled with the recent events in Ferguson, Cleveland, New York and elsewhere, inspired the creation of The Talk.
To learn more about #TheTalk and view embeddable video testimonials from artists and activists, please visit MTVNews.com and Lookdifferent.org/videos/the-talk. LookDifferent.org will also provide resources for learning more about racial stereotypes, tips on how to take action on issues of racial bias, and different conversations other young people have had on race. Resources include an Implicit Bias Quiz, shareable media and opportunities to get involved with leading organizations fighting bias.
*2014 MTV/David Binder Research Study. For full results, please click here.
About MTV:
MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the Millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com.
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Through New Initiative #TheTalk, MTV to Engage its Audiences in a “Color Brave” Conversation Led by Cultural Figures Including Kendrick Lamar, Common, Big Sean, Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo, Penn Badgley, Jordin Sparks, Pete Wentz, Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. John Lewis, Sen. Cory Booker and more
MTV to air in black and white for the first time in its history on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as part of anti-bias effort #TheTalk.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MTV announced an expansion of its Look Different anti-bias campaign called #TheTalk, a multiscreen effort to encourage its audience to have candid, confident and “color brave” conversations on race with family and friends. According to a 2014 MTV study*, 73% of Millennials believe having more open constructive conversations about bias would help people become less prejudiced.
“To be color blind is not a thing I think that one should boast about. See color and celebrate it. See our differences and celebrate it. When someone says to me ‘I’m color blind, I don’t see color’, I’m thinking they’re missing out...”
“Millennials believe strongly in fairness, but they can also find it difficult to talk openly about race – to be not simply ‘color blind’ but ‘color brave,’” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV. “Our audience is looking for a way to bring the national conversation on race into their homes and this campaign will give them a forum to express true color bravery.”
#TheTalk will begin at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when MTV will kick off a 12-hour period in which all programming will air in black and white for the first time in the network’s history. Every commercial block will begin with personal reflections on race from luminaries including Kendrick Lamar, Common, Big Sean, Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo, Penn Badgley, Jordin Sparks, Pete Wentz, Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. John Lewis, Sen. Cory Booker and more.
An excerpt from MTV’s “Talk” with Ava DuVernay:
“To be color blind is not a thing I think that one should boast about. See color and celebrate it. See our differences and celebrate it. When someone says to me ‘I’m color blind, I don’t see color’, I’m thinking they’re missing out...”
On-air creative on MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams and a comprehensive editorial push across MTV’s online, mobile and social platforms will encourage audience members to share their own reflections using the #thetalk and get involved through the Look Different website, LookDifferent.org. MTV will share many of the audience contributions on-air and online.
MTV’s Look Different campaign launched in April 2014, and continues to be shaped by the network’s research and insights on young people and race, gender and sexual orientation. According to the same 2014 MTV study*, many Millennials were raised to believe they shouldn’t acknowledge racial differences with 84% saying their family taught them that everyone should be treated the same, regardless of race.
However, this well-intentioned approach has its drawbacks. Millennials often feel blinded to lingering historical inequities because they’ve so seldom discussed race openly. The MTV study found that 63% of Millennials rarely talk with their family about race and 54% agree that it is hard to have a respectful conversation about bias in person or online. However, 69% of Millennials would love the opportunity to have an open respectful and judgment-free conversation about bias. These findings, coupled with the recent events in Ferguson, Cleveland, New York and elsewhere, inspired the creation of The Talk.
To learn more about #TheTalk and view embeddable video testimonials from artists and activists, please visit MTVNews.com and Lookdifferent.org/videos/the-talk. LookDifferent.org will also provide resources for learning more about racial stereotypes, tips on how to take action on issues of racial bias, and different conversations other young people have had on race. Resources include an Implicit Bias Quiz, shareable media and opportunities to get involved with leading organizations fighting bias.
*2014 MTV/David Binder Research Study. For full results, please click here.
About MTV:
MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the Millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy®, Grammy® and Peabody® award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information, go to www.mtvpress.com.
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Sunday, January 18, 2015
"Selma," 275,000 Donated Tickets and Growing for #SelmaForStudents
275,000 STUDENTS RECEIVE FREE TICKETS TO ACADEMY AWARD®-NOMINATED “SELMA”
12 MORE CITIES JOIN THE MOVEMENT
“SELMA” IS NOMINATED FOR AN ACADEMY AWARD® FOR BEST PICTURE AND BEST ORIGINAL SONG FOR “GLORY” BY COMMON & JOHN LEGEND
An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement lead by African-American business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award®-nominated film “SELMA,” expanding the first-of-its-kind campaign to 25 locations nationwide.
Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.
“Paramount Pictures is extremely proud of this film, which is so clearly resonating with audiences young and old,” said Megan Colligan, President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “It’s a testament to the extraordinary talents of Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo and the entire cast and crew that ‘SELMA’ is being celebrated by communities all over the country.”
The business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new locations are:
· Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendents, Atlanta Public Schools; Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, United Negro College Fund; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, President, Morehouse College, in Atlanta
“This movie is an educational moment for more than 10,000 Atlanta Public Schools students who we are inviting to see this film. I am proud and humbled by the immediate outpouring of support from our Atlanta community who has joined this growing national movement,” said Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools and Selma, Alabama native. “Our Atlanta education partners believe in our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity they are providing our students to see one of the most pivotal moments in American history.”
“‘SELMA’ is such an important film for young people to see now in the wake of Ferguson, Cleveland and New York. The struggle for justice is a long one, and Selma is history that a new generation needs to know more fully,” said Lomax. “So, I felt it was imperative to join with others around the country who were raising funds so middle and high school students can see the film, learn their history and be inspired to make the civil rights and justice lifelong pursuits.”
· Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in Austin
“It is of the utmost importance to expose our young people to the courage, compassion and integrity that is brought to life in the film ‘SELMA.’ It illuminates a period of American history that is very relevant today,” said Smith. “Dr. King has been a source of inspiration for me and for many people of all races and ethnicities. I consider this not just an opportunity, but a responsibility, to bring his message and his dream to the students of Austin.”
· Sylvia Brown, Board Member, John Hopkins Healthcare Advisory Board, in Baltimore
“Baltimore is proud to be a part of this wonderful effort. We hope that young audiences find inspiration and encouragement in the film and in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s story,” said Brown.
· Grant Hill, former NBA player; Harold Mills, Chief Executive Officer, ZeroChaos; Clarence Otis, retired Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Ron Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Aetna in Central Florida/Orlando
“The story of Dr. King’s historic journey in Alabama is one that students all over the country should know intimately,” said Otis. “It’s an honor to provide the opportunity for students in Central Florida to see Ava DuVernay’s beautiful film.”
· Dr. Laurence C. Morse, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., in Connecticut
“I am privileged to have been able to join with an extraordinary group of concerned, civic- minded individuals in the State of Connecticut to provide an opportunity for a number of young people who might not otherwise have been able to do so, to see and experience this deeply moving, engaging film about a critically important period in our nation's recent history, and in the continuing evolution of our democracy,” said Morse.
· Faye Alexander Nelson, President, DTE Energy Foundation; Tonya Allen, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Lisa Dancsok, Vice President, Quicken Loans; Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation; Laura Trudeau, Managing Director, Detroit, Kresge Foundation; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in Detroit
“Detroit students will have the opportunity to join with students across the country to view ‘SELMA’ thanks to the generosity of a group of national and local foundations and corporations. We are pleased to help coordinate the generous commitments of the DTE Energy Foundation, Ford Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Quicken Loans,” said Noland.
· T. Warren Jackson, Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, DIRECTV, and Debra Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions, in Los Angeles
“It’s important that the civil rights struggle depicted in ‘SELMA’ reach as many young people as possible so that the enduring lessons of the civil rights movement can be harnessed to inspire them to transform their lives and communities. We appreciate the support of the California Endowment, and have enlisted the Constitutional Rights Foundation to work with the schools in creating a broader educational program to insure just that,” said Jackson.
“As a filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power of film; that’s why the overwhelming response to the ‘SELMA’ initiative here in Los Angeles and across the nation is so heartening. It’s a reminder of the importance of voting and civics engagement and demonstrates how anything can be accomplished through creativity and collective effort,” said Martin Chase.
· Gayle S. Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Vaulting Services, in Memphis
“On behalf of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., we are thrilled to provide 10,000 7th, 8th and 9th grade Memphis students the gift of this film and what history has to teach us,” said Rose. “We thank Paramount Pictures, Malco Theaters, and many generous donors who made this happen in a matter of days. This is a testament to the charitable nature of our people.”
· Ira D. Hall, resident of Miami Beach, FL, and Dr. Sherrlyn Scott, Supervisor, Department of Social Sciences Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in Miami
“Over 5,500 Miami Dade and Ft. Lauderdale students can now see for free ‘SELMA,’ the movie that so powerfully portrays the courage, tenacity, humanity and moral strength of Alabama citizens, combined with the extraordinary brilliance and moral conviction of key civil rights and national leaders. That unstoppable coalition jointly fought for and won the rights of African Americans to vote! It is wonderful that students today can feel and sense this history so strikingly brought to life in ‘SELMA,’” said Hall.
“We are thankful to our contributors in Miami who quickly organized to support such a worthy endeavor,” said Scott. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact on the students in our community.”
· Alden McDonald, President, Liberty Bank, and Neill Wright, First Tuskegee Bank President, in Montgomery
“This effort is an integral part of our corporate philosophy of linking our heritage to our vision of true equality for all the people we serve,” said McDonald.
“In as much as Montgomery is part of the journey we took as a people to gain voting rights in the 1960s, we have joined with other business leaders and concerned citizens to provide free access to the ‘SELMA’ film for local students. We believe that we continue to make the historical connections for this generation to ‘keep the dream’ of true equality alive and well,” said Wright.
· Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr., EVP and President of Diversified Financial Services, TIAA-CREF, in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
“We are pleased to support this unprecedented program for North Carolina students to be able to see this remarkable film,” said Flood.
· Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis
“It is important that St. Louis students are informed about this moment in history its connections to the challenges they face today,” said Rev. Wilson. “We are grateful for Darren Walker, the Ford Foundation and African American leaders joining us in this effort. We believe this experience will nurture civic engagement among young people and give them hope that systemic change is possible through cooperative, intentional, and well-planned efforts.”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
“This was an important opportunity to educate our children about the heroes of the civil rights movement and keep an important legacy intact. I am proud that our community seized the moment,” said Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who helped to organize the efforts in Boston.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
The students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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12 MORE CITIES JOIN THE MOVEMENT
“SELMA” IS NOMINATED FOR AN ACADEMY AWARD® FOR BEST PICTURE AND BEST ORIGINAL SONG FOR “GLORY” BY COMMON & JOHN LEGEND
An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement lead by African-American business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award®-nominated film “SELMA,” expanding the first-of-its-kind campaign to 25 locations nationwide.
Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.
“Paramount Pictures is extremely proud of this film, which is so clearly resonating with audiences young and old,” said Megan Colligan, President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, Paramount Pictures. “It’s a testament to the extraordinary talents of Ava DuVernay, David Oyelowo and the entire cast and crew that ‘SELMA’ is being celebrated by communities all over the country.”
The business leaders who are leading the efforts in the new locations are:
· Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendents, Atlanta Public Schools; Dr. Michael Lomax, President & CEO, United Negro College Fund; Hala Moddelmog, President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, President, Morehouse College, in Atlanta
“This movie is an educational moment for more than 10,000 Atlanta Public Schools students who we are inviting to see this film. I am proud and humbled by the immediate outpouring of support from our Atlanta community who has joined this growing national movement,” said Meria J. Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools and Selma, Alabama native. “Our Atlanta education partners believe in our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity they are providing our students to see one of the most pivotal moments in American history.”
“‘SELMA’ is such an important film for young people to see now in the wake of Ferguson, Cleveland and New York. The struggle for justice is a long one, and Selma is history that a new generation needs to know more fully,” said Lomax. “So, I felt it was imperative to join with others around the country who were raising funds so middle and high school students can see the film, learn their history and be inspired to make the civil rights and justice lifelong pursuits.”
· Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, in Austin
“It is of the utmost importance to expose our young people to the courage, compassion and integrity that is brought to life in the film ‘SELMA.’ It illuminates a period of American history that is very relevant today,” said Smith. “Dr. King has been a source of inspiration for me and for many people of all races and ethnicities. I consider this not just an opportunity, but a responsibility, to bring his message and his dream to the students of Austin.”
· Sylvia Brown, Board Member, John Hopkins Healthcare Advisory Board, in Baltimore
“Baltimore is proud to be a part of this wonderful effort. We hope that young audiences find inspiration and encouragement in the film and in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s story,” said Brown.
· Grant Hill, former NBA player; Harold Mills, Chief Executive Officer, ZeroChaos; Clarence Otis, retired Chairman & CEO, Darden Restaurants; and Ron Williams, former Chairman & CEO of Aetna in Central Florida/Orlando
“The story of Dr. King’s historic journey in Alabama is one that students all over the country should know intimately,” said Otis. “It’s an honor to provide the opportunity for students in Central Florida to see Ava DuVernay’s beautiful film.”
· Dr. Laurence C. Morse, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Partners, Inc., in Connecticut
“I am privileged to have been able to join with an extraordinary group of concerned, civic- minded individuals in the State of Connecticut to provide an opportunity for a number of young people who might not otherwise have been able to do so, to see and experience this deeply moving, engaging film about a critically important period in our nation's recent history, and in the continuing evolution of our democracy,” said Morse.
· Faye Alexander Nelson, President, DTE Energy Foundation; Tonya Allen, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation; Lisa Dancsok, Vice President, Quicken Loans; Mariam C. Noland, President, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; Vivian R. Pickard, President, General Motors Foundation; Laura Trudeau, Managing Director, Detroit, Kresge Foundation; and Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation in Detroit
“Detroit students will have the opportunity to join with students across the country to view ‘SELMA’ thanks to the generosity of a group of national and local foundations and corporations. We are pleased to help coordinate the generous commitments of the DTE Energy Foundation, Ford Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Quicken Loans,” said Noland.
· T. Warren Jackson, Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, DIRECTV, and Debra Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions, in Los Angeles
“It’s important that the civil rights struggle depicted in ‘SELMA’ reach as many young people as possible so that the enduring lessons of the civil rights movement can be harnessed to inspire them to transform their lives and communities. We appreciate the support of the California Endowment, and have enlisted the Constitutional Rights Foundation to work with the schools in creating a broader educational program to insure just that,” said Jackson.
“As a filmmaker, I recognize the transformative power of film; that’s why the overwhelming response to the ‘SELMA’ initiative here in Los Angeles and across the nation is so heartening. It’s a reminder of the importance of voting and civics engagement and demonstrates how anything can be accomplished through creativity and collective effort,” said Martin Chase.
· Gayle S. Rose, Chief Executive Officer, Electronic Vaulting Services, in Memphis
“On behalf of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., we are thrilled to provide 10,000 7th, 8th and 9th grade Memphis students the gift of this film and what history has to teach us,” said Rose. “We thank Paramount Pictures, Malco Theaters, and many generous donors who made this happen in a matter of days. This is a testament to the charitable nature of our people.”
· Ira D. Hall, resident of Miami Beach, FL, and Dr. Sherrlyn Scott, Supervisor, Department of Social Sciences Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in Miami
“Over 5,500 Miami Dade and Ft. Lauderdale students can now see for free ‘SELMA,’ the movie that so powerfully portrays the courage, tenacity, humanity and moral strength of Alabama citizens, combined with the extraordinary brilliance and moral conviction of key civil rights and national leaders. That unstoppable coalition jointly fought for and won the rights of African Americans to vote! It is wonderful that students today can feel and sense this history so strikingly brought to life in ‘SELMA,’” said Hall.
“We are thankful to our contributors in Miami who quickly organized to support such a worthy endeavor,” said Scott. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact on the students in our community.”
· Alden McDonald, President, Liberty Bank, and Neill Wright, First Tuskegee Bank President, in Montgomery
“This effort is an integral part of our corporate philosophy of linking our heritage to our vision of true equality for all the people we serve,” said McDonald.
“In as much as Montgomery is part of the journey we took as a people to gain voting rights in the 1960s, we have joined with other business leaders and concerned citizens to provide free access to the ‘SELMA’ film for local students. We believe that we continue to make the historical connections for this generation to ‘keep the dream’ of true equality alive and well,” said Wright.
· Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr., EVP and President of Diversified Financial Services, TIAA-CREF, in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
“We are pleased to support this unprecedented program for North Carolina students to be able to see this remarkable film,” said Flood.
· Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis
“It is important that St. Louis students are informed about this moment in history its connections to the challenges they face today,” said Rev. Wilson. “We are grateful for Darren Walker, the Ford Foundation and African American leaders joining us in this effort. We believe this experience will nurture civic engagement among young people and give them hope that systemic change is possible through cooperative, intentional, and well-planned efforts.”
These business leaders are following the lead of those in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, Washington D.C. and Westchester.
“This was an important opportunity to educate our children about the heroes of the civil rights movement and keep an important legacy intact. I am proud that our community seized the moment,” said Fletcher “Flash” Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, who helped to organize the efforts in Boston.
The nationwide efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures, which is distributing “SELMA,” is coordinating the programs with participating theaters in the U.S. For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
The students who present a current student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater will receive free admission while tickets last.
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” is nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture and Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common & John Legend. The film earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Song for “Glory” and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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Tuesday, January 13, 2015
More African-American Leaders Bring "Selma" to Students - for FREE #SelmaForStudents
MORE AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS ACROSS AMERICA JOIN NEW YORK LEADERS IN RAISING FUNDS TO BRING “SELMA” TO STUDENTS FOR FREE
NEW CITIES BOSTON, NASHVILLE, NEW JERSEY, PHILADELPHIA, SAN FRANCISCO, SARASOTA, FL, AND WESTCHESTER ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE NATIONWIDE EFFORT
NEW YORK CITY COMPLETELY SOLD OUT
In an unprecedented effort lead by a team of African-American business leaders in New York, organizations across the U.S. coordinated a massive national campaign to find African-American business leaders to underwrite free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA” for students around the country.
New cities Boston, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, and Westchester have come together to create funds that will allow students in these locations to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters.
The efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
“Our goal was to educate as many children as we could about the historical importance and contemporary relevance of the march in Selma,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “Seeing so many business leaders in other cities join this spontaneous initiative is a wonderful outcome for the children and for our country.”
The students in these cities will show a student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater for free admittance. The programs begin today, January 12th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
Business leaders in additional cities are currently organizing commitments and participation from community organizations. Those cities and leaders will be announced Wednesday, January 14th.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts are:
Bennie Wiley, Principal, The Wiley Group and Flash Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, in Boston (10,000 tickets)
“How inspiring to see so many members of the African-American community come together to expose our young people to this important chapter in history,” said Bennie Wiley and Flash Wiley. “We are delighted to join this extraordinary effort.”
Lawrence Jackson, Chairman, SourceMark, LLC, Former President, Dollar General, in Nashville (10,000 tickets)
“Director Ava DuVernay has created a film about an important piece of American history,” said Jackson. “Nashville is privileged to raise funds to help bring the film to as many students as possible.”
David R. Jones, President & CEO, CastleOak Securities, L.P., Anré Williams, President, Global Merchant Services, American Express, and Carla A. Harris, Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley in Northern New Jersey (10,000 tickets)
“New Jersey is honored to join its friends in New York in bringing ‘SELMA’ to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message,” said Jones. “We are grateful to the leaders in New York, whose generosity and vision lead to this movement.”
Leslie Brun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SARR Group, LLC, in Philadelphia (10,000 tickets)
“Philadelphia is happy to do its part in helping students experience the story of Dr. King’s journey in Alabama,” said Brun. “The challenges he faced there will still ring true today for many of our country’s youth.”
Charles Ward, Chief Development Officer, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, in San Francisco (10,000 tickets)
“We've managed to raise $100,000 in a relatively short period of time. That will send 10,000 kids to see the movie,” said Ward. “We do expect that there may be even greater demand. We'd like to cover as many admissions as possible.”
The Grain Family in Sarasota, FL (1,000 tickets)
“‘SELMA’ tells the story of Dr. King’s march so powerfully and so beautifully, that we are honored to contribute to such a worthwhile cause,” said the Grain Family.
Michael V. Littlejohn, Partner, IBM Global Business Services in Westchester (6,000 tickets)
“We are so inspired by the program in New York City and are humbled to be able to contribute to its success,” said Littlejohn.
For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents
Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” earned a Golden Globe for Best Song for “Glory” by Common and John Legend and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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NEW CITIES BOSTON, NASHVILLE, NEW JERSEY, PHILADELPHIA, SAN FRANCISCO, SARASOTA, FL, AND WESTCHESTER ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE NATIONWIDE EFFORT
NEW YORK CITY COMPLETELY SOLD OUT
In an unprecedented effort lead by a team of African-American business leaders in New York, organizations across the U.S. coordinated a massive national campaign to find African-American business leaders to underwrite free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA” for students around the country.
New cities Boston, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, FL, and Westchester have come together to create funds that will allow students in these locations to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters.
The efforts are inspired by the success of the program in New York City, in which 27 African-American business leaders created a fund for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see the film for free. Due to the overwhelming demand, the New York City effort sold out in the very first weekend and was expanded to 75,000 tickets.
“Our goal was to educate as many children as we could about the historical importance and contemporary relevance of the march in Selma,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “Seeing so many business leaders in other cities join this spontaneous initiative is a wonderful outcome for the children and for our country.”
The students in these cities will show a student ID or report card at the box office of any participating theater for free admittance. The programs begin today, January 12th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
Business leaders in additional cities are currently organizing commitments and participation from community organizations. Those cities and leaders will be announced Wednesday, January 14th.
The local business leaders who are leading the efforts are:
Bennie Wiley, Principal, The Wiley Group and Flash Wiley, Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, in Boston (10,000 tickets)
“How inspiring to see so many members of the African-American community come together to expose our young people to this important chapter in history,” said Bennie Wiley and Flash Wiley. “We are delighted to join this extraordinary effort.”
Lawrence Jackson, Chairman, SourceMark, LLC, Former President, Dollar General, in Nashville (10,000 tickets)
“Director Ava DuVernay has created a film about an important piece of American history,” said Jackson. “Nashville is privileged to raise funds to help bring the film to as many students as possible.”
David R. Jones, President & CEO, CastleOak Securities, L.P., Anré Williams, President, Global Merchant Services, American Express, and Carla A. Harris, Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley in Northern New Jersey (10,000 tickets)
“New Jersey is honored to join its friends in New York in bringing ‘SELMA’ to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message,” said Jones. “We are grateful to the leaders in New York, whose generosity and vision lead to this movement.”
Leslie Brun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SARR Group, LLC, in Philadelphia (10,000 tickets)
“Philadelphia is happy to do its part in helping students experience the story of Dr. King’s journey in Alabama,” said Brun. “The challenges he faced there will still ring true today for many of our country’s youth.”
Charles Ward, Chief Development Officer, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, in San Francisco (10,000 tickets)
“We've managed to raise $100,000 in a relatively short period of time. That will send 10,000 kids to see the movie,” said Ward. “We do expect that there may be even greater demand. We'd like to cover as many admissions as possible.”
The Grain Family in Sarasota, FL (1,000 tickets)
“‘SELMA’ tells the story of Dr. King’s march so powerfully and so beautifully, that we are honored to contribute to such a worthwhile cause,” said the Grain Family.
Michael V. Littlejohn, Partner, IBM Global Business Services in Westchester (6,000 tickets)
“We are so inspired by the program in New York City and are humbled to be able to contribute to its success,” said Littlejohn.
For a list of participating theaters in select cities offering free admission to students during this program and for information on group sales, visit www.SelmaMovie.com/studenttickets
To help get the word out about the program, tweet using the hashtag #SelmaForStudents
Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” earned a Golden Globe for Best Song for “Glory” by Common and John Legend and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director.
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
“SELMA” is playing in theaters nationwide. To learn more about the film, go to http://www.selmamovie.com
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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Sunday, January 11, 2015
BET Networks to Air "The Book of Negroes" in February 2015
BET Networks Opens an Exciting New Chapter with the Airing of Its First-ever Miniseries “The Book of Negroes” Premiering Monday, February 16, 2015 at 8 PM ET/PT
The Three Day Television Event is Brought to Life by Leading Actress Aunjanue Ellis, Oscar Winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Oscar & Emmy Winner Louis Gossett Jr., and Leading Actor Lyriq Bent
The Six-hour Miniseries, “The Book Of Negroes,” Is Based on the Critically Acclaimed Best-selling Novel by Lawrence Hill
PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This Black History Month, BET launches its first-ever event miniseries “THE BOOK OF NEGROES,” a six-part historical drama in the tradition of Roots, based on Lawrence Hill’s award-winning, Oprah Winfrey-listed novel (known in the United States as Someone Knows My Name). The highly anticipated television event will run over the course of three consecutive nights in two-hour installments starting Monday, February 16, 2015 at 8 PM ET/PT.
“THE BOOK OF NEGROES” depicts the extraordinary life journey of Aminata Diallo (Aunjanue Ellis) – an indomitable African woman who cuts a swath through a world that is pre-disposed to underestimate her. Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate her way through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone before ultimately securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century. Produced by Conquering Lion Pictures, Out of Africa Entertainment, Entertainment One (eOne) and Idelwild Films, the star-studded cast features lead actress Aunjanue Ellis (Ray, The Help), Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire, A Few Good Men), Oscar and Emmy winner Louis Gossett Jr. (An Officer and a Gentleman, Roots, Boardwalk Empire), Lyriq Bent (Rookie Blue), Oscar nominee Jane Alexander (The Cider House Rules), Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line) and Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle). The highly anticipated event miniseries of THE BOOK OF NEGROES from Conquering Lion Pictures, Out of Africa Entertainment, Entertainment One (eOne), and Idlewild Films is executive produced by Damon D'Oliveira (What We Have), Clement Virgo ("The Wire") who also served as co-writer & director, Carrie Stein and Margaret O'Brien.
The Book of Negroes is a historical document which records names and descriptions of 3,000 African-American slaves who had to work for the British army during the American Revolution in order to qualify for their freedom and were evacuated by the British by ship to points in Nova Scotia. The book was assembled by Samuel Birch under the direction of Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester. African Americans who escaped to the British during the American Revolutionary War became the first settlement of Black Canadians. Other Black Loyalists were transported to settlements in several islands in the West Indies and some to London. Recorded in 1783, this 150-page document is the only one to have ever recorded Black Americans in a large, detailed scope of work. Learn more about this seminal document from the author Lawrence Hill at http://www.bet.com/video/the-book-of-negroes/2014/exclusives/what-is-the-book-of-negroes.html.
EPISODIC BREAKDOWN OF THE BOOK OF NEGROES MINISERIES:
Hour 1 Premiering Monday, February 16 at 8 PM ET/PT
On her way home from delivering a baby, twelve year-old Aminata Diallo is kidnapped and her parents killed. Forced to march across West Africa to the Atlantic Ocean, she is looked after by Chekura (Lyriq Bent), a young boy sold to help the slavers. They grow close and are put on the same slave ship. Due to her language and midwifery skills, the Ship’s Doctor values Aminata, though she quickly falls in with the other slaves. Aminata relays information and weapons from above deck to the men, leading to a failed uprising. Upon her arrival in Charleston, SC, she is separated from Chekura and sold to Robinson Appleby, an Indigo Plantation owner. Georgia, a caring older woman, nurses her back to health.
Hour 2 Premiering Monday, February 16 at 9 PM ET/PT
Aminata, now grown beautiful, healthy, and literate, is the flower of Robinson Appleby’s Indigo plantation. After several seasons of deflecting Appleby’s advances, Aminata marries Chekura and has his child. Appleby, infuriated, sells her and her child to separate owners. Her new owners, a Jewish Indigo Trader and his wife, Solomon and Rosa Lindo, are more trusting: they treat her as a servant rather than a slave. But after Rosa’s death and the revelation that Solomon brokered the sale of her child, Aminata’s trust is broken. Lindo, desperate for a distraction to ease his grief, sets sail to New York with Aminata, who plots her escape to freedom.
Hour 3 Premiering Tuesday, February 17 at 8 PM ET/PT
Soon after arriving in New York, the American Revolution breaks out, allowing Aminata to escape Solomon Lindo with the help of an influential Black innkeeper named Sam Fraunces (Cuba Gooding Jr.). She soon settles into a Black ghetto called Canvas Town and befriends several locals, teaching them to read and write, while also delivering babies for the British. Chekura arrives in New York, only to leave again after the British Forces offer freedom to any man who fights the Americans. When Aminata finds Chekura has been injured at the Battle of Saratoga she enlists Sam to help smuggle him across enemy lines. Although she succeeds, she returns to find that, with American victory in New England, Slave owners will be returning North to look for escaped slaves.
Hour 4 Premiering Tuesday, February 17 at 9 PM ET/PT
As peace is declared slavers return to New York in search of runaway slaves. Aminata is offered a job by Cpt. John Clarkson of the British Navy to help recruit Black Loyalists to join them in Nova Scotia as free citizens. With renewed vigour, she begins registering thousands into The Book Of Negroes. When it is finally her turn to go, authorities stop her, as a slaver has made a claim upon her. Convinced it is Solomon Lindo returned to New York, she lets Chekura go ahead and is held for trial. In court, it is revealed that Robertson Appleby has made the claim against her, but she is exonerated at the last moment by the testimony of Lindo, who vouches he gave Aminata her freedom. After being freed, she arrives in barren Nova Scotia to find no sign of Chekura.
Hour 5 Premiering Wednesday, February 18 at 8 PM ET/PT
Aminata arrives pregnant in Shelburne, Nova Scotia and is taken in by Daddy Moses (Louis Gossett Jr.). She is surprised to find that work and food are scarce, with the British failing to deliver the land they promised in New York. After losing her baby to a cholera epidemic, she writes an appeal to the British abolitionists on behalf of Daddy Moses and the blacks of Birchtown. Then Aminata manages to find a job as a Printing Assistant. As the open hostility towards black residents comes to a head after the death of a white citizen, Cpt. John Clarkson, a key abolitionist, arrives offering an escape for the black community to a settlement in Sierra Leone. Just as Aminata begins to recruit her community, Chekura arrives and is reluctant to embark on yet another long journey. A violent race riot breaks out in Shelburne, and Chekura is convinced to join his wife on her homeward journey. They set sail with Daddy Moses, bound for Africa.
Hour 6 Premiering Wednesday, February 18 at 9 PM ET/PT
After arriving in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Loyalists discover that a previous group of settlers had been sacked and raided by the local ruler. As a result Aminata becomes more engrossed in the idea of returning to her village of Bayo. The local tribes, however, are unwilling to support her and Aminata must enlist the help of Dr. Falconbridge, a longtime resident of Freetown, to approach a group of slave traders to guide her and Chekura inland. They are soon double-crossed and Aminata is forced to flee for her life. After a local tribe takes her in and nurses her back to health, she realizes she must let go of her dream of returning to Bayo, and sets out to London to tell her life story to the world.
For more information on THE BOOK OF NEGROES go to bet.com/bookofnegroes. Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #bookofnegroes.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, the First Network Designed For Black Women; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
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Saturday, January 10, 2015
More African-American Business Communities Join March to "SELMA" in Movie Theaters with #SelmaForStudents
Cities Across America Are Joining the Movement – Due to the Reaction in New York City, Major U.S. Cities Are Inspired to Follow and Raise Funds for Students to See “SELMA” for Free
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inspired by the overwhelming success in New York City, prominent members of the African-American business communities in major cities across America have teamed with Paramount Pictures to create funds for students to see the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA” for free in participating theaters. The cities joining the effort will be announced Monday, January 12th, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support”
The New York City program provided free admission for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see “SELMA” in participating local theaters. 27 African-American business leaders contributed to the fund and activated their network of contacts to put this program into motion, creating an impromptu and innovative public-private partnership for the greater good.
The students in these cities will provide a student ID or report card at any of the participating locations for free admittance. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 12th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “The story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s heroic efforts in Alabama during the civil rights movement is an important chapter in our country’s history – and one that still resonates deeply today. Due to the many generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film.”
The New York community has rallied to get the word out on “SELMA.” Major institutions including the New York City Department of Education, KIPP Schools, New York City Housing Authority, Schomburg Museum, Eagle Academy, Harlem Children Zone, Harlem Village Academy, Abyssinian Baptist Church, The Boys and Girls Club, the New York Public Library, and local radio stations are reaching out to students and informing them of this wonderful opportunity.
Theaters are reporting unprecedented calls for group screenings as entire classes want to attend together. In addition, many screenings are followed by discussions, and a recommended reading list has been compiled for further learning. This is a rare moment when a film has transformed into a cultural movement in recognition of a highly relevant message that touched many people.
Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Currently open in select cities, “SELMA” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inspired by the overwhelming success in New York City, prominent members of the African-American business communities in major cities across America have teamed with Paramount Pictures to create funds for students to see the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA” for free in participating theaters. The cities joining the effort will be announced Monday, January 12th, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support”
The New York City program provided free admission for 27,000 of the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see “SELMA” in participating local theaters. 27 African-American business leaders contributed to the fund and activated their network of contacts to put this program into motion, creating an impromptu and innovative public-private partnership for the greater good.
The students in these cities will provide a student ID or report card at any of the participating locations for free admittance. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 12th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “The story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s heroic efforts in Alabama during the civil rights movement is an important chapter in our country’s history – and one that still resonates deeply today. Due to the many generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film.”
The New York community has rallied to get the word out on “SELMA.” Major institutions including the New York City Department of Education, KIPP Schools, New York City Housing Authority, Schomburg Museum, Eagle Academy, Harlem Children Zone, Harlem Village Academy, Abyssinian Baptist Church, The Boys and Girls Club, the New York Public Library, and local radio stations are reaching out to students and informing them of this wonderful opportunity.
Theaters are reporting unprecedented calls for group screenings as entire classes want to attend together. In addition, many screenings are followed by discussions, and a recommended reading list has been compiled for further learning. This is a rare moment when a film has transformed into a cultural movement in recognition of a highly relevant message that touched many people.
Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Currently open in select cities, “SELMA” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
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African-American Businesses Lead the March to "SELMA" in New York City Theaters
NEW YORK BUSINESS LEADERS TO BRING PARAMOUNT PICTURES’ “SELMA” TO 27,000 7th, 8th and 9th GRADE STUDENTS IN NEW YORK CITY WHEN IT OPENS JANUARY 9th
THE 27 AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS CREATED A FUND FOR 27,000 STUDENTS TO SEE THE FILM FOR FREE AT PARTICIPATING NEW YORK THEATERS
Paramount Pictures announced today that it will partner with African-American business leaders in New York City to offer free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA,” from director Ava DuVernay, to 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in New York City.
Inspired by the film’s message of resilience and hope and its historical significance, 27 African-American leaders in the New York business community have come together to create a fund that will allow the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters. The students will provide a student ID or report card at any of the New York City locations for free admittance. The effort will begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 8th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
Those contributing to the fund are:
Amsale Aberra and Neil Brown, Owners of The Amsale Group
Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner, Booz & Company and Gwen Adolph
Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO, Xerox and Lloyd Bean
Valentino D. Carlotti, Partner, Goldman Sachs Group
Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express and Kathryn Chenault
Tony Coles, former CEO, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Robyn Coles
Edith Cooper, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs Group and Roger Taylor
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President and CEO, TIAA-CREF and Annette L. Nazareth
Bruce Gordon, Chairman, ADT, former CEO NAACP and Tawana Tibbs
Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., Senior Counsel, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP and Pamela G. Carlton, President, Springboard
Vernon Jordan, Senior Managing Director at Lazard and Ann Dibble Jordan
Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks
Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard and Carol Sutton Lewis
Ed Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine and Carolyn Lewis
Tracy Maitland, CEO and Founder, Advent Capital Management and Kimberly Hatchett
Ray McGuire, Head of Global Banking, Citigroup and Crystal McCrary
Scott Mills, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, Viacom and Iva Mills
Adebayo Ogunlesi, CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners, Lead Director, Goldman Sachs and Dr. Amelia Quist-Ogunlesi
Richard Parsons, Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners and Laura Parsons
Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor, Viacom Director and Karen Phillips
Jonelle Procope, President, Apollo Theater and Fred Terrell, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Credit Suisse
Tamara Harris Robinson, CEO, Haramat Advisory Services
Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Global Inclusion Strategy, Viacom
Frank Thomas, The Study Group
John Utendahl, Vice Chairman, Deustche Bank Americas
Reginald Van Lee, Executive Vice President, Booz Allen
Ted Wells, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Nina Wells
“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s momentous journey in Alabama is an important piece of American history,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “We are passionate about bringing this story to New York City’s students and we encourage business leaders in other cities to organize similar programs so that more students around the country have the chance to see this powerful film about an epic chapter in American history.”
“Paramount is honored to partner with New York City’s deeply esteemed business men and women to give students in New York the opportunity to experience Ava DuVernay’s beautiful and moving masterpiece,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.
Commented Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the organization that litigated to obtain the right to march in Selma, “We are thankful for the generous support and leadership of the New York business community and Paramount Pictures in helping deliver ‘SELMA’ and Dr. King’s message to our future leaders.”
Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation stated “This coordinated effort from the New York business community demonstrates a commitment to education and the children of New York City. ‘SELMA’ is the right catalyst for this prominent group and it’s a model worth building on.”
A growing list of leading New York City institutions are supporting this project by communicating this plan and hosting screenings and discussions, including Harlem Children’s Zone, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Carver Bank, the Apollo Theater, KIPP Schools, Harlem School of the Arts and The New York Public Library.
“We thank the great organizations that quickly agreed to join this effort,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “‘SELMA’ is timely, thought-provoking art about a transformative period in our country and a story that speaks to generations.”
The participating New York City theaters are:
UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14
Astoria
AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13
Bronx
Concourse Plaza Multiplex 10
Bronx
Alpine Cinemas 8
Brooklyn
Bam Harvey Theater
Brooklyn
Cobble Hill Cinemas 5
Brooklyn
Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas 14
Brooklyn
The Pavilion Theater
Brooklyn
UA Court Street 12
Brooklyn
UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14
Brooklyn
Williamsburg Cinemas 7
Brooklyn
Movieworld Cinemas 7
Douglaston
AMC Fresh Meadows 7
Fresh Meadows
UA Midway Stadium 9
Forest Hills
Regal Atlas Park Stadium 8
Glendale
Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas 15
Jamaica
AMC Loews 34th Street 14
New York
AMC Loews Kips Bay 15
New York
AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13
New York
AMC Empire 25
New York
AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9
New York
Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas 9
New York
City Cinemas East 86th Street Cinema
New York
Regal Battery Park Stadium 11
New York
Regal Union Square Stadium 14
New York
UA Staten Island Stadium 16
Staten Island
College Point Multiplex Cinemas 12
Whitestone
To reserve 25 or more student tickets during this program, please visit www.SelmaMovie.com/nycwhile tickets last.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Currently open in select cities, “SELMA” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com
--------------------------
THE 27 AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS CREATED A FUND FOR 27,000 STUDENTS TO SEE THE FILM FOR FREE AT PARTICIPATING NEW YORK THEATERS
Paramount Pictures announced today that it will partner with African-American business leaders in New York City to offer free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA,” from director Ava DuVernay, to 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in New York City.
Inspired by the film’s message of resilience and hope and its historical significance, 27 African-American leaders in the New York business community have come together to create a fund that will allow the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters. The students will provide a student ID or report card at any of the New York City locations for free admittance. The effort will begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 8th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
Those contributing to the fund are:
Amsale Aberra and Neil Brown, Owners of The Amsale Group
Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner, Booz & Company and Gwen Adolph
Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO, Xerox and Lloyd Bean
Valentino D. Carlotti, Partner, Goldman Sachs Group
Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express and Kathryn Chenault
Tony Coles, former CEO, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Robyn Coles
Edith Cooper, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs Group and Roger Taylor
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President and CEO, TIAA-CREF and Annette L. Nazareth
Bruce Gordon, Chairman, ADT, former CEO NAACP and Tawana Tibbs
Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., Senior Counsel, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP and Pamela G. Carlton, President, Springboard
Vernon Jordan, Senior Managing Director at Lazard and Ann Dibble Jordan
Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks
Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard and Carol Sutton Lewis
Ed Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine and Carolyn Lewis
Tracy Maitland, CEO and Founder, Advent Capital Management and Kimberly Hatchett
Ray McGuire, Head of Global Banking, Citigroup and Crystal McCrary
Scott Mills, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, Viacom and Iva Mills
Adebayo Ogunlesi, CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners, Lead Director, Goldman Sachs and Dr. Amelia Quist-Ogunlesi
Richard Parsons, Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners and Laura Parsons
Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor, Viacom Director and Karen Phillips
Jonelle Procope, President, Apollo Theater and Fred Terrell, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Credit Suisse
Tamara Harris Robinson, CEO, Haramat Advisory Services
Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Global Inclusion Strategy, Viacom
Frank Thomas, The Study Group
John Utendahl, Vice Chairman, Deustche Bank Americas
Reginald Van Lee, Executive Vice President, Booz Allen
Ted Wells, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Nina Wells
“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s momentous journey in Alabama is an important piece of American history,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “We are passionate about bringing this story to New York City’s students and we encourage business leaders in other cities to organize similar programs so that more students around the country have the chance to see this powerful film about an epic chapter in American history.”
“Paramount is honored to partner with New York City’s deeply esteemed business men and women to give students in New York the opportunity to experience Ava DuVernay’s beautiful and moving masterpiece,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.
Commented Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the organization that litigated to obtain the right to march in Selma, “We are thankful for the generous support and leadership of the New York business community and Paramount Pictures in helping deliver ‘SELMA’ and Dr. King’s message to our future leaders.”
Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation stated “This coordinated effort from the New York business community demonstrates a commitment to education and the children of New York City. ‘SELMA’ is the right catalyst for this prominent group and it’s a model worth building on.”
A growing list of leading New York City institutions are supporting this project by communicating this plan and hosting screenings and discussions, including Harlem Children’s Zone, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Carver Bank, the Apollo Theater, KIPP Schools, Harlem School of the Arts and The New York Public Library.
“We thank the great organizations that quickly agreed to join this effort,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “‘SELMA’ is timely, thought-provoking art about a transformative period in our country and a story that speaks to generations.”
The participating New York City theaters are:
UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14
Astoria
AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13
Bronx
Concourse Plaza Multiplex 10
Bronx
Alpine Cinemas 8
Brooklyn
Bam Harvey Theater
Brooklyn
Cobble Hill Cinemas 5
Brooklyn
Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas 14
Brooklyn
The Pavilion Theater
Brooklyn
UA Court Street 12
Brooklyn
UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14
Brooklyn
Williamsburg Cinemas 7
Brooklyn
Movieworld Cinemas 7
Douglaston
AMC Fresh Meadows 7
Fresh Meadows
UA Midway Stadium 9
Forest Hills
Regal Atlas Park Stadium 8
Glendale
Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas 15
Jamaica
AMC Loews 34th Street 14
New York
AMC Loews Kips Bay 15
New York
AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13
New York
AMC Empire 25
New York
AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9
New York
Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas 9
New York
City Cinemas East 86th Street Cinema
New York
Regal Battery Park Stadium 11
New York
Regal Union Square Stadium 14
New York
UA Staten Island Stadium 16
Staten Island
College Point Multiplex Cinemas 12
Whitestone
To reserve 25 or more student tickets during this program, please visit www.SelmaMovie.com/nycwhile tickets last.
Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.
“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Currently open in select cities, “SELMA” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com
--------------------------
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Everything's Peachy... if by "Peachy" You Mean Hemlock - Update #77
There's no "race problem" in America. We all have black friends. I even have more than I need. [I call some of them relatives.] Dr. King's dream has not become a nightmare. It's become a dytopian vision of future that simply dresses the dark past in new fangled rags. - Leroy 16, Aug. 2014
From AlterNet: A great review of the new film, Selma.
From YahooParenting: 7 things I can do that my black son can't.
From CNN: I remember hearing about Macy's racial profiling case, but not this one involving "Treme" actor, Robert Brown.
From Reuters via RSN: Off-duty, Black NYPD cops feel threat from White colleagues.
From TheDailyBeast: After they fired the shots, they're the victims...
From NYTimes: Police shootings reveal racial chasm... D'uh.
From Time: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to White people feeling targeted by Ferguson protests - Welcome to our world.
From MiamiHerald: The rules are indeed different for Black people seeking justice.
From TheGuardian: Gentrifiers having to throw people out of their homes.
From CNN: Racism without racists.
From the GuardianUK: Jesse Jackson says we can still get justice for Mike Brown. I kinda doubt it, but I'm hopeful.
From Esquire: The rise in police shootings, even in places like Utah.
From YahooNews: Another black male with a toy gun shot to death by cops - this time the black male is a child.
From CSMonitor: Mumia Abu-Jamal sues over the Pennsylvania law specifically meant to gag him.
From RSN and FirstLook: Yes, we do need someone to judge the judges because Judge Edith Jones is an ignorant racist bitch.
From FirstLook: How the innocent are screwed into pleading guilty.
From NPR: Black and dead in Brazil.
From ConsortiumNews: Is Arlington, VA racist? Probably.
From RSN: Did you know that Denver cops had killed an unarmed street preacher. It costs them $4.6 million? That was an expensive cap-popping.
From RawStory: Dead in Alabama jails to save money.
From TheNation: How racism stole black childhood.
From RSN: Cops killed 77 people in September 2014.
From the NYT: Civil asset forfeiture - makes me wanna support Clive Bundy.
From Demos via RSN: A third of Americans live at or near poverty.
From YahooNews: Expelled Nazis and SS still get Social Security paychecks.
From Think Progress via RSN: Funny Ebola freak-outs.
From YahooNews: Michael Dunn gets life for killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis.
From Truthout: Incarceration, mass murder, and genocide of Black men.
From FreeThoughtProject: Cops with gang tattoos to celebrate the people they kill.
From Truthout: Understanding our many Fergusons.
From YahooNews: Another unarmed, innocent black teen attacked by white cops on a racial profiling rampage. Luckily, the cops didn't kill him.
From GQ via RSN: An interesting article about murderer, George Zimmerman's crappy family.
From News 13 via RSN: Michael Dunn found guilty of murdering black teenager, Jordan Davis.
From Truthout: Cops retaliate against citizens group that monitor police activity.
From Salon via RSN: America's summer of white supremacy.
From InformedComment via RSN: $8.7 billion in food stamp cuts, but $22 billion to fight ISIS.
From TheNewYorkTimes: When Whites Just Don't Get It Part One and Part Two.
From the HuffingtonPost: Los Angeles law enforcement kill about one person a week - I'm not surprised.
-----------------------
From YahooNews: JUSTICE: Woman beat up by CHiP cop, wins $1.5 million and cop resigns.
From NPR: INJUSTICE: Grand Jury refuses to indict murders... I mean cops involved in the shooting death of an unarmed man in Ohio Wal-Mart shooting.
-----------------------
From BearingArms: Family wants charges against fat lying bastard who made the 911 call that led to the murder of their son.
From Salon via RSN: The strange death of Charles Smith. Shot to death while handcuffed, supposedly in possession of gun.
From Salon via RSN: Rock the Vote joins militia group to intimidate Wisconsin African-American voters in November.
From CBS: WHITE South Carolina state trooper charged in shooting of UNARMED BLACK MAN.
From Salon via RSN: Yes, Justice Scalia is "an utter moral failure."
From the Guardian UK via RSN: Cops act like gang in assault on Latino man.
From the AP via RSN: Students walk-out in protest over conservative school board's attempt to make history education emphasize respect for authority and the free-market.
From the Guardian UK via RSN: By the way, a federal judge approved New York City's settlement with the Central Park Five. Former mayor, Michael Bumberg, had fought the lawsuit.
From The Washington Post via RSN: Cops seizing hundreds of millions in cash and property from motorists not charged with crimes. First heard about this a month ago, and I'm still shocked.
From Campus Reform via RSN: Students and faculty have to tell Clemson University how many times they've had sex... Apparently, this is real.
From The Daily Beast via RSN: Ferguson cops caught in a lie about blood on their uniforms and got away with it... for now.
From BuzzFlash via Truthout: For Black youth, no mistakes allowed. It could be fatal.
From TheWashingtonPost: White rage against Black progress.
From the GuardianUK via RSN: Yep, the cops shot Darrien Hunt in the back. Had to admit it.
From Esquire via RSN: It's never about race, right? Riiiiiight.
From The Intercept via RSN: No heads in the sand on ISIS beheading videos.
From Truthout: NRA hold "killer cop contest."Includes a "Head Shots Only" competition.
From the SPLC via RSN: Neo-Confederate group forms paramilitary unit to advance a second secession.
From YahooSports: Yeah, there are good cops...
From CBSLocal via RSN: Free Patrick McLaw - A teacher an self-published science fiction author placed on administrative leave after his work was discovered. Free Patrick McLaw.
From ABCNews: John Crawford, Jr., the father of Wal-Mart shooting victime, John Crawford, III, hears his son's dying breaths.
From YahooNews: So-called witness in John Crawford shooting - the guy who called 911, has changed his story.
From BuzzFlash: Black men who "open carry" get a cap in the ass from cops.
From TomDisptach via RSN: We made ISIS.
From Truthout: U.S. slammed for failure to end all forms of racial discrimination
From Reuters via RSN: Federal prosecutors will investigate the shooting death of Victor White III, a Louisiana man whose death had been previously ruled a suicide. Supposedly, he shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car.
-----------------------------------------
From LATimes: Two brothers who were wrongly convicted of the murder and rape of an 11-year-old girl in North Carolina were freed Wednesday morning, September 3, 2014. They spent 30 years in prison. One was 19 and the other were 15 when they were arrested in 1983.
So is a Black man in America more afraid of police and the justice system or of ISIL/ISIS?
------------------------------------------
From ThinkProgress via RSN: Ain't it the truth, girl - America has a real racial problem - Justice Ginsburg.
From GlobalVoiceOnline: Israeli soldiers used Gazans as human shields This is not the first time I have heard of this. They way Israelis act, one would think Palestinians were the ones who caused the Holocaust.
From Truthout: Black women on "Women's Equality Day."
From NateSilver via RSN: Most police don't live in the cities they serve.
From TheNation: How Trayvon Martin's death launched a new generation of black activism.
From MotherJones: How indeed.
From BuzzFlash: A piece on Ferguson police officer, Dan Page, and his racist speech given before the Oath Keepers in April 2014. From TheAdvocate and TheGuardian - Page's speech.
From YouTube: Ferguson police officer, Dan Page, threatening CNN's Don Lemon.
From Truthout: "We won't go back" - the march for Eric Garner.
From Truthout: The killing of black men continues...
From YahooNews: Activist carry the coffin of a black woman killed by a white Phoenix police sergeant to the steps of City Hall.
From Valid: More commentary on Michelle Cusseaux, the black woman killed by a white Phoenix police officer.
From BuzzFlash via Truthout: Most whites still don't understand the danger of being a black man in the U.S. ...
From Esquire via RSN: Charles Pierce - Ferguson: The Limits of Everything
From Reuters via RSN: President Obama order review of police militirization
From Salon via RSN: How to Wreck the GOP in 3 Easy Steps! - Obama and weak-kneed Democratic leadership won't do this.
From RSN: Where Were the Soldier Cops at Bundy Ranch? - Good questions, Marc Ash. There is a markedly different response to black protestors in Ferguson, Missouri than there was to the white, gun-toting protestors at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada.
From Popular Resistance via Truthout: The reality of militarized, racist policing ...according to a recent study, a black man is killed every 28 hours by police, security guards or vigilantes. The whole nation is experiencing these tragedies; reality is being forced upon us.
From Time via RSN: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: "The Coming Race War Won't Be About Race." He says that it will be about class. He also wonders if the event in Ferguson, Missouri will disappear down the memory hole as the shootings at Jackson State in 1970 - 10 days after the Kent State shooting.
From Salon via RSN: The criminalization of Black mothers.
From Truthout: It's worth standing with Keith Ellison.
From BuzzFlash: President Nixon's Vietnam treason confirmed
OTHER:
From The Intercept via RSN: How Gary Webb was destroyed.
MISC:
From Suggest: 10 celebs you didn't know were black.
From RedFlagNews, you will learn that everything is not peachy.
From AlterNet: A great review of the new film, Selma.
From YahooParenting: 7 things I can do that my black son can't.
From CNN: I remember hearing about Macy's racial profiling case, but not this one involving "Treme" actor, Robert Brown.
From Reuters via RSN: Off-duty, Black NYPD cops feel threat from White colleagues.
From TheDailyBeast: After they fired the shots, they're the victims...
From NYTimes: Police shootings reveal racial chasm... D'uh.
From Time: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to White people feeling targeted by Ferguson protests - Welcome to our world.
From MiamiHerald: The rules are indeed different for Black people seeking justice.
From TheGuardian: Gentrifiers having to throw people out of their homes.
From CNN: Racism without racists.
From the GuardianUK: Jesse Jackson says we can still get justice for Mike Brown. I kinda doubt it, but I'm hopeful.
From Esquire: The rise in police shootings, even in places like Utah.
From YahooNews: Another black male with a toy gun shot to death by cops - this time the black male is a child.
From CSMonitor: Mumia Abu-Jamal sues over the Pennsylvania law specifically meant to gag him.
From RSN and FirstLook: Yes, we do need someone to judge the judges because Judge Edith Jones is an ignorant racist bitch.
From FirstLook: How the innocent are screwed into pleading guilty.
From NPR: Black and dead in Brazil.
From ConsortiumNews: Is Arlington, VA racist? Probably.
From RSN: Did you know that Denver cops had killed an unarmed street preacher. It costs them $4.6 million? That was an expensive cap-popping.
From RawStory: Dead in Alabama jails to save money.
From TheNation: How racism stole black childhood.
From RSN: Cops killed 77 people in September 2014.
From the NYT: Civil asset forfeiture - makes me wanna support Clive Bundy.
From Demos via RSN: A third of Americans live at or near poverty.
From YahooNews: Expelled Nazis and SS still get Social Security paychecks.
From Think Progress via RSN: Funny Ebola freak-outs.
From YahooNews: Michael Dunn gets life for killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis.
From Truthout: Incarceration, mass murder, and genocide of Black men.
From FreeThoughtProject: Cops with gang tattoos to celebrate the people they kill.
From Truthout: Understanding our many Fergusons.
From YahooNews: Another unarmed, innocent black teen attacked by white cops on a racial profiling rampage. Luckily, the cops didn't kill him.
From GQ via RSN: An interesting article about murderer, George Zimmerman's crappy family.
From News 13 via RSN: Michael Dunn found guilty of murdering black teenager, Jordan Davis.
From Truthout: Cops retaliate against citizens group that monitor police activity.
From Salon via RSN: America's summer of white supremacy.
From InformedComment via RSN: $8.7 billion in food stamp cuts, but $22 billion to fight ISIS.
From TheNewYorkTimes: When Whites Just Don't Get It Part One and Part Two.
From the HuffingtonPost: Los Angeles law enforcement kill about one person a week - I'm not surprised.
-----------------------
From YahooNews: JUSTICE: Woman beat up by CHiP cop, wins $1.5 million and cop resigns.
From NPR: INJUSTICE: Grand Jury refuses to indict murders... I mean cops involved in the shooting death of an unarmed man in Ohio Wal-Mart shooting.
-----------------------
From BearingArms: Family wants charges against fat lying bastard who made the 911 call that led to the murder of their son.
From Salon via RSN: The strange death of Charles Smith. Shot to death while handcuffed, supposedly in possession of gun.
From Salon via RSN: Rock the Vote joins militia group to intimidate Wisconsin African-American voters in November.
From CBS: WHITE South Carolina state trooper charged in shooting of UNARMED BLACK MAN.
From Salon via RSN: Yes, Justice Scalia is "an utter moral failure."
From the Guardian UK via RSN: Cops act like gang in assault on Latino man.
From the AP via RSN: Students walk-out in protest over conservative school board's attempt to make history education emphasize respect for authority and the free-market.
From the Guardian UK via RSN: By the way, a federal judge approved New York City's settlement with the Central Park Five. Former mayor, Michael Bumberg, had fought the lawsuit.
From The Washington Post via RSN: Cops seizing hundreds of millions in cash and property from motorists not charged with crimes. First heard about this a month ago, and I'm still shocked.
From Campus Reform via RSN: Students and faculty have to tell Clemson University how many times they've had sex... Apparently, this is real.
From The Daily Beast via RSN: Ferguson cops caught in a lie about blood on their uniforms and got away with it... for now.
From BuzzFlash via Truthout: For Black youth, no mistakes allowed. It could be fatal.
From TheWashingtonPost: White rage against Black progress.
From the GuardianUK via RSN: Yep, the cops shot Darrien Hunt in the back. Had to admit it.
From Esquire via RSN: It's never about race, right? Riiiiiight.
From The Intercept via RSN: No heads in the sand on ISIS beheading videos.
From Truthout: NRA hold "killer cop contest."Includes a "Head Shots Only" competition.
From the SPLC via RSN: Neo-Confederate group forms paramilitary unit to advance a second secession.
From YahooSports: Yeah, there are good cops...
From CBSLocal via RSN: Free Patrick McLaw - A teacher an self-published science fiction author placed on administrative leave after his work was discovered. Free Patrick McLaw.
From ABCNews: John Crawford, Jr., the father of Wal-Mart shooting victime, John Crawford, III, hears his son's dying breaths.
From YahooNews: So-called witness in John Crawford shooting - the guy who called 911, has changed his story.
From BuzzFlash: Black men who "open carry" get a cap in the ass from cops.
From TomDisptach via RSN: We made ISIS.
From Truthout: U.S. slammed for failure to end all forms of racial discrimination
From Reuters via RSN: Federal prosecutors will investigate the shooting death of Victor White III, a Louisiana man whose death had been previously ruled a suicide. Supposedly, he shot himself while handcuffed in the back of a police car.
-----------------------------------------
From LATimes: Two brothers who were wrongly convicted of the murder and rape of an 11-year-old girl in North Carolina were freed Wednesday morning, September 3, 2014. They spent 30 years in prison. One was 19 and the other were 15 when they were arrested in 1983.
So is a Black man in America more afraid of police and the justice system or of ISIL/ISIS?
------------------------------------------
From ThinkProgress via RSN: Ain't it the truth, girl - America has a real racial problem - Justice Ginsburg.
From GlobalVoiceOnline: Israeli soldiers used Gazans as human shields This is not the first time I have heard of this. They way Israelis act, one would think Palestinians were the ones who caused the Holocaust.
From Truthout: Black women on "Women's Equality Day."
From NateSilver via RSN: Most police don't live in the cities they serve.
From TheNation: How Trayvon Martin's death launched a new generation of black activism.
From MotherJones: How indeed.
From BuzzFlash: A piece on Ferguson police officer, Dan Page, and his racist speech given before the Oath Keepers in April 2014. From TheAdvocate and TheGuardian - Page's speech.
From YouTube: Ferguson police officer, Dan Page, threatening CNN's Don Lemon.
From Truthout: "We won't go back" - the march for Eric Garner.
From Truthout: The killing of black men continues...
From YahooNews: Activist carry the coffin of a black woman killed by a white Phoenix police sergeant to the steps of City Hall.
From Valid: More commentary on Michelle Cusseaux, the black woman killed by a white Phoenix police officer.
From BuzzFlash via Truthout: Most whites still don't understand the danger of being a black man in the U.S. ...
From Esquire via RSN: Charles Pierce - Ferguson: The Limits of Everything
From Reuters via RSN: President Obama order review of police militirization
From Salon via RSN: How to Wreck the GOP in 3 Easy Steps! - Obama and weak-kneed Democratic leadership won't do this.
From RSN: Where Were the Soldier Cops at Bundy Ranch? - Good questions, Marc Ash. There is a markedly different response to black protestors in Ferguson, Missouri than there was to the white, gun-toting protestors at the Bundy Ranch in Nevada.
From Popular Resistance via Truthout: The reality of militarized, racist policing ...according to a recent study, a black man is killed every 28 hours by police, security guards or vigilantes. The whole nation is experiencing these tragedies; reality is being forced upon us.
From Time via RSN: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: "The Coming Race War Won't Be About Race." He says that it will be about class. He also wonders if the event in Ferguson, Missouri will disappear down the memory hole as the shootings at Jackson State in 1970 - 10 days after the Kent State shooting.
From Salon via RSN: The criminalization of Black mothers.
From Truthout: It's worth standing with Keith Ellison.
From BuzzFlash: President Nixon's Vietnam treason confirmed
OTHER:
From The Intercept via RSN: How Gary Webb was destroyed.
MISC:
From Suggest: 10 celebs you didn't know were black.
From RedFlagNews, you will learn that everything is not peachy.
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