Positive Images in Hollywood for Empowering Black Women By E. Faye Williams, Esq.

March 23, 2015

Positive Images in Hollywood for Empowering Black Women
By E. Faye Williams, Esq.

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(TriceEdneyWire.com) – A friend and I were talking the other day. We were celebrating the fact that there’re at least two Black women in primetime television continuing the trails that were blazed by Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee, Lena Horne, Lynn Whitfield and others. For the most part, these are women who’ve played positive roles and have succeeded and been embraced by multi-cultural audiences.  As we’ve witnessed the success of Ava Duvernay, not with-standing her being overlooked by the Academy for her stellar contributions in the dynamic film Selma, we have something to celebrate.

The fact that Cheryl Boone Isaacs now serves as the first Black President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a small step forward. Yet, there’re leaps and bounds to make before our thirst for consistency in Hollywood is quenched.

On the other hand, no Black woman won nor was nominated for an award by the Academy in 2015.  If there were more options available to Black women for lead roles and directorial positions, this should increase their chances of winning or minimally being nominated.

I’m aware of the bit parts, as well as other roles currently keeping Black women in the game; however, I want to see more roles for Black women that tell our story from our perspective, with social impact that empowers us for the long term.

All women need to know that if you’re in this industry, and you work hard enough, the accolades are possible. That’s not what is being portrayed now.

In order to bridge the gap for available opportunities for Black women, I would offer a few suggestions.

Major studios should designate a diversity officer whose responsibility is to acquire content that furthers this mission.  As the President of the Academy says, “The Academy is committed to seeking out diversity of voice and opinion and that outreach to women and artists of color is a major focus.”  President Barack Obama has already designated a person in every government agency whose responsibility is to seek better opportunities for women and girls.  For an industry as powerful as Hollywood, with the influence to depict various images of culture and history, I think it is time to use the Hollywood platform for strengthening marginalized communities—such as Black women.

Research has shown that Black women are the number one consumers across many categories.  It would be to the benefit of Hollywood to produce projects and employ Black women in those projects that not only bridge the gap, but set a precedent that Black women matter.  There are many stories to be told and we’re not satisfied with only Black men and white women telling them for us.

Since the 1800’s Black women have played a pivotal role in women’s rights, civil rights, economics, freedom, family and overcoming challenges of all kind.  Many Black women today are a reflection of the obstacles overcome and the arduous path traversed by our ancestors.

There’s longevity in storytelling, and if we’re able to tell the stories that shape the realities of our lives today, we bridge a generational gap where we will find more similarities than differences in the contributions of Black women through the ages.  We deserve a place today that offers us more.  Black women played a major role in accomplishing women’s rights and civil rights, and this is a chance for Hollywood to give back, open the door, and highlight the strengths and accomplishments of Black women.

Our doors are always open for discussion and offering solutions to a problem that currently limits our exposure and stifles our ability to fairly play in that space. Who in Hollywood will lead in the effort to embrace content that empowers Black women by telling our stories?

(E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women.  www.nationalcongressbw.org. 202/678-6788)