2019 American Black Film Festival to be held in Miami Beach June 12–16

The 23rd annual American Black Film Festival will be held in Miami Beach June 12–16, 2019. Learn more, get passes and tickets here: http://www.abff.com/ 

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to empowering black artists and showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that diverse artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, ABFF founder Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to strengthen the black filmmaking community by encouraging resource sharing, education and artistic collaboration. He ultimately envisioned it as a cornerstone of diversity in Hollywood.

For more than two decades the festival has been a platform for emerging black artists — premiering the early work and showcasing the talent of many of today’s most successful actors, producers, writers, directors and stand-up comedians — including Halle Berry (Monsters Ball), Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), Anthony Anderson (Black-ish), Will Packer (Girls Trip), Issa Rae (Insecure), Kevin Hart (Night School), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II). ABFF is the pre-eminent pipeline for black artists in front of and behind the camera, and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in entertainment.

As “the nation’s largest gathering of black film and television enthusiasts” the festival attracts a broad audience of A-list talent, emerging artists, upscale consumers and industry stakeholders. Approximately 7,000 to 10,000 people travel to Miami Beach each year for the event. The five-day festival opens with the premiere of an upcoming Hollywood release followed by independent film screenings, master classes, panels, celebrity talks, live entertainment, and a variety of networking and hospitality events.

The ABFF’s dynamic programming continues to evolve. In recent years, it has extended beyond the inclusion of television-related content to launch the Business of Entertainment seminar series co-programmed with leading media and technology companies.

In 2017, the ABFF launched its Greenlighters Academy, a pipeline program for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with an interest in pursuing corporate careers in film, television and entertainment media. The 2019 festival will introduce About Women, a global initiative focused on empowering and inspiring women of color in the film and television industry. ABFF will also unveil a new section showcasing films based on cause-related topics impacting communities of color.

The American Black Film Festival is a property of ABFF Ventures LLC (ABFFV), a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and film focused on African American culture. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company is a joint venture of Film Life Inc. and Black Enterprise, two prominent media and event companies, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement.

Kamala Harris frustrated and disappointed by Jussie Smollet's staged attack

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) originally condemned the attack on Jussie Smollet when it was first reported, going as far as calling it a "modern day lynching." Harris said Thursday that she is "sad, frustrated, and disappointed" over the allegation that "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett staged an attack he reported as a hate crime. Read her full statement below:

Like most of you, I've seen the reports about Jussie Smollett, and I'm sad, frustrated, and disappointed. pic.twitter.com/91OHOymShi

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 21, 2019

Elijah Cummings announces the rescheduling of Michael Cohen’s public testimony for next week

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, announced that the Committee has rescheduled its public hearing with President Donald Trump’s longtime personal attorney, Michael Cohen, for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, in room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building:

“I am pleased to announce that Michael Cohen’s public testimony before the Oversight Committee is back on, despite efforts by some to intimidate his family members and prevent him from appearing. Congress has an obligation under the Constitution to conduct independent and robust oversight of the Executive Branch, and this hearing is one step in that process.”

Kamala Harris discusses her stance on healthcare

In an interview with NBC News's Kasie Hunt U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) explained her position on healthcare saying "it should not be a privilege, it should be a right." Watch that segment below.

UNCF Celebrates 75 Years of Lighting the Way to Better Futures

For 75 years, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has supported hundreds of thousands of deserving students, private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advocated for minority higher education. As it marks this important milestone, UNCF will celebrate all year long via its fundraising events across the country including the San Francisco UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala set for 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23. Culminating a weekend collaboration with the Coalition of Black Excellence (CBE), close to 1,200 attendees are expected to attend the annual signature fundraiser including keynote speaker and author Kevin Powell; evening host and reporter for KPIX Channel 5 Christin Ayers; and Black-ish actor and event co-host Allen Maldonado. Entertainment will be provided by Grammy®-nominated artists Musiq Soulchild and Martin Luther, former member of The Roots and a UNCF-member institution Morehouse College alumnus.

“UNCF has strived to change the HBCU narrative across the nation,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “By partnering with the CBE to raise awareness of our mission, we are equipping more students of color with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate and ultimately expand and diversify America’s highly educated workforce.”

During the CBE’s two-day summit, UNCF will also lead a thought-provoking discussion on “Education, Social Impact and the Importance of Giving Back” at 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.

For the first time, UNCF and the CBE will be co-hosting the signature black-tie gala which includes live music, an Ebay-sponsored silent auction and a moveable feast designed by award-winning Chef Chauncy. Benefitting HBCUs and students of color, events like the San Francisco “A Mind Is…” Gala helped UNCF gain resources to provide more than $450,000 in scholarships last year to students from San Francisco.

The economic benefits of HBCUs extend beyond the students they educate. Generating $14.8 billion in total economic impact annually, HBCUs are equally important to the communities they have served for more 100 years.

“UNCF is committed to providing our students with the necessary tools to succeed,” said Monica Sudduth, regional development director, UNCF. “Whether attending one of our member HBCUs or local institutions such as the University of California, our goal is to help as many students as we can get to and through college successfully. A highly educated workforce is vital to ensuring better futures for our students and all Americans.”

For being beacons of hope and supporters of UNCF’s mission, UNCF will honor Dr. Doris “Lucki” Allen, one of two women inducted in the U.S. Armed Forces Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and a Tuskegee University alumna; and the Intel Corporation. Event sponsors include presenting sponsor CBE, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, Union Bank and Wells Fargo, Albertsons, PG&E, Chevron, Bank of America, Oracle, McDonald’s Black Operators and the Golden State Warriors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit UNCF.org/SanFrancisco or contact the local San Francisco UNCF office at 415.956.1018. Follow this event on social media @UNCF #UNCFSanFrancisco #UNCF.

About UNCF 
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

Bennett College leaders make plea to have accreditation reinstated after raising $9.5 million

School leaders from Bennett College were in Atlanta on Monday to fight to save one of the nation's only historically black colleges for women.

The Greensboro institution presented its case to an appeals panel in an attempt to keep the college's accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges after raising more than $9 million in recent weeks.

On Dec. 11, 2018, Bennett was removed from SACSCOC membership strictly for financial reasons. Bennett did not receive any sanctions against its academics, faculty, leadership or students.

Bennett immediately appealed the SACSCOC decision and remains accredited throughout the appeal process.

Accreditation officials are expected to make a decision by next Monday.

Bennett College President Phyllis Worthy Dawkins said she is confident that Bennett presented a strong case for continuing its membership in the Association, which would restore its accreditation.

"We presented our case to SACSCOC officials this morning, buoyed by our successful #StandWithBennett fundraising campaign, which to date has raised $9.5 million," Dawkins said. "We not only discussed our recent fundraising efforts but also presented a path forward for the college. SACSCOC must notify us of their decision within a week, by Feb. 25, and we are hopeful for a favorable outcome."

[SOURCE: WXII]

Why I wanted to believe Jussie Smollet's story

BY George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com.

Jussie Smollet claims to have been beaten, doused with bleach, and having a noose placed around his neck by two individuals shouting, "This is MAGA Country!" because he was both black and gay.

Initially I believed him. As a black man who grew up in the United States, I know that black man have been and are physically assaulted because of racism. As one who has LBGT family members and friends, I know too that others can be beaten or even killed because of their sexual orientation.

In plain English, I had no reason to doubt Smollet's story.

As more and more details emerged about the attack including details that the attack may have been staged that belief changed to a want to believe Smollet.

You see, it would have been horrible if Smollet had indeed been beaten, but it would be far worse if he were lying about the entire incident. If he were lying, it would make it that much harder for the next black or gay person assaulted to be taken seriously. That would endanger just not one person but millions.

Those who are genuinely racist will use Smollet's lies as a smokescreen to cover their violent deeds knowing a seed of doubt has now been planted in America's collective mind. Law enforcement may become more hesitant in believing the victims and start investigations that look more at the victims hat the alleged accusers.

Some conservatives are already using Smollet's alleged lies to attack the left and those who believed him. They will once again claim that racist attacks in the United States are isolated incidents and make it okay to question the victim's validity.

I still want to believe Jussie but in light of everything that's coming out, I no longer can. His story doesn't add up.

I don't know what Jussie Smollet was thinking or what he set out to do by lying about being attacked, but I do know that whatever his intentions he has only made things worse.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com.

Breakfast Club Hosts Defend Kamala Harris Against Fox News "Tupac/Snoop Dog Lie”

MSNBC interviewed the host of the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club”. The radio show hosts responded to a Fox News attack on Sen. Kamala Harris for a moment from an interview with her, when she discussed smoking pot in college and what type of rap she listens to now. DJ Envy tells MSNBC anchor Ari Melber that the right wing attacks on Harris’s comments were “absolutely, positively lies.” Cohost Charlamagne Tha God adds, “The ‘Black Twitter’ people that you see going in on Kamala” for her remarks in the interview are “doing the work of Fox News.” Watch that interview below.

Congressional Black Caucus responds to Trump’s National Emergency Declaration

The Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), issued the following statement after President Trump declared a national emergency to build his border wall.

"This declaration has more to do with the President’s bruised ego than actually doing what is best for America. The author of The Art of The Deal couldn’t make a deal to build a wall. This is a fake solution to a fake crisis and we must stand firm in keeping the nation focused on the real issues impacting Americans.

“There are families who can’t make ends meet because their wages are too low. Citizens are being denied equal access at the ballot box because of voter suppression. We have a criminal justice system that still treats Americans better if they are rich and guilty than if they are poor and innocent. Black boys and girls are dying prematurely from gun violence while Black women are losing their lives during childbirth.

“These are just some of the real crises confronting America. Mr. President, it’s time to finally demonstrate the leadership worthy of the office you hold.”

Black Panther Scores 15 NAACP Image Awards Nominations

Marvel’s “Black Panther” scored 15 NAACP Image Awards nominations between the film categories and the recording categories for its soundtrack featuring Kendrick Lamar.

The award winners will be announced at the 50th annual NAACP Image Awards.

The ceremony takes place on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from the Dolby Theatre.

The show will air on TVOne.

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The 15 nominations are:

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:

Chadwick Boseman - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:

Michael B. Jordan - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Winston Duke - Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Danai Gurira - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Letitia Wright - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Lupita Nyong'o - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture

Letitia Wright - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Winston Duke - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture

"Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

Outstanding Motion Picture

"Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

DIRECTING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)

Ryan Coogler - "Black Panther" (Marvel Studios)

RECORDING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

"All The Stars" - Black Panther" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

"All The Stars" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA (Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation

"Black Panther The Album Music From and Inspired By" - Kendrick Lamar, SZA feat. 2Chainz, ScHoolboy Q, Saudi, Khalid, Swae Lee, Vince Staples, Yugen Blakrok, SOB x RBE, Jorja Smith, Anderson .Paak, Ab Soul, Reason, Zacari, Babes Wudumo, Sjava, Travis Scott (Interscope Records)

WRITING CATEGORIES

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Film)

Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole - "Black Panther (Marvel Studios)

Rep. Barbara Lee endorses Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris just picked up her biggest endorsement to date in her fledgling 2020 campaign: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, former Congressional Black Caucus chair and all-around anti-war and social justice activist star.

Lee, who has been called "the House's lefty conscience" will be California co-chair of Harris' presidential campaign. "Watching Kamala's career in the East Bay and San Francisco for 20 years, I've witnessed her deep passion for justice and opportunity and I know she will be a president truly of the people, by the people, and for the people," Lee said in a statement obtained exclusively by CNN.

"She will increase working Americans' incomes, expand health insurance to more Americans and restore dignity and responsibility to the Oval Office. She is a leader uniquely qualified to bring us together and mobilize a movement of Americans to return power to the people."

With her endorsement, Lee becomes the first CBC member to weigh in on the Democratic primary, a contest that for the first time includes two CBC members -- Harris and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Cheri Beasley: First African American woman Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Tuesday that Cheri Beasley will be the next Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Beasley will be the first black woman to lead the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Kamala Harris calls for legalized marijuana nationwide

Kamala Harris has called for the national legalization of marijuana. Read her campaign's statement on the issue below:

Two out of three Americans believe that marijuana should be legal, and this sentiment only grows stronger by the year. With rising support for legalization, it’s clear we need to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It’s the smart thing to do.

More states are moving to legalize marijuana through ballot initiatives and bills in state legislatures, but it is not enough. This isn’t just a matter of combating outdated and unpopular marijuana laws. It’s a matter of repairing our communities, system, and country.

It’s past time that we ALL address the harrowing issue of mass incarceration in our country -- and that starts with marijuana legalization and restorative justice programs in our damaged criminal justice system.

Our system continues to target and imprison young Black and Latin Americans for low-level, nonviolent drug offenses at high levels. Too many lives and communities have been ruined by regressive policies. This needs to be rectified with a pathway to legalization at the federal level.

Here’s what our fight looks like:

Introduce and pass legislation to legalize marijuana nationwide.

Expunge nonviolent marijuana-related offenses from the records of millions of people who have been arrested and incarcerated.

Create national programs to address addiction treatment and reentry for all formerly incarcerated Americans.

Kamala is a firm believer that we can no longer repeat the same mistakes from our past if we’re going to build a country that works for everyone. That’s the foundation of our campaign. We cannot claim decency, freedom, justice, and equality as our values without reforming this broken system.

Childish Gambino's 'This is America' wins song and artist of the year grammy awards

Childish Gambino's "This Is America" won Grammys for song and record of the year on Sunday, becoming the first rap song to win the prestigious awards.

The artist -- also known as the mutitalented Donald Glover -- did not attend the event and reportedly declined an invitation to perform at the Grammys.

"This Is America" beat out "Shallow," "God's Plan" and other big hits. The Grammy for song of the year honors song writers, while record of the year goes to the recording artist.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Preview of Gayle King interview with Ralph Northam

Here's a clip from “CBS This Morning" co-host Gayle King's interview with Ralph Northam in which Northam stated that he would not resign. The full interview airs Monday on CBS This Morning.

Saturday Night Live takes on Virginia blackface scandals

"Saturday Night Live" took aim at the blackface scandal in Virginia, where Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring admitted they wore blackface in college. In a sketch the African American chairman of the ethics committee, portrayed by Kenan Thompson tries to explain why blackface is wrong under any circumstances to group of clueless elected legislative officials. Watch the sketch below:

Cory Booker: Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax should resign

Via Twitter U.S. Senator Cory Booker called for the resignation of Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax after a second woman accused Fairfax of sexual assault.

The multiple detailed allegations against the Lt. Gov. of Virginia are deeply troubling. They are serious, credible, and corroborated by others. It is no longer appropriate for him to serve. He should resign.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 8, 2019

Amber Evans Is Missing!

Columbus, Ohio police are continuing to search for Amber Evans, a community activist who has been missing since January 30, 2019.

Amber Evans, 28, reportedly had a dispute with her boyfriend that afternoon before dropped out of sight. Evans’ vehicle was found in the Scioto Mile area Downtown on Monday.

Evans is a black woman, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighs 122 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white parka and black leggings.

Anyone with information about Evans’ whereabouts is asked to call the Columbus police special victims unit at 614-645-4624.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax faces second sexual assault allegation

A second woman has come forward to say that she was raped by Democratic Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.

Meredith Watson alleged that Fairfax's assault on her was "premeditated and aggressive" when they both attended Duke in 2000 and that the two were friends but not romantically involved, according to a statement from her legal counsel, the firm Smith Mullen.

"Ms. Watson shared her account of the rape with friends in a series of emails and Facebook messages that are now in our possession. Additionally, we have statements from former classmates corroborating that Ms. Watson immediately told friends that Mr. Fairfax had raped her," the statement reads.

Watson is the second woman to accuse Fairfax of sexual assault this week. Vanessa Tyson, a professor in California, released a lengthy statement early this week detailing her alleged encounter with Fairfax during their time at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.

"Ms. Watson was upset to learn that Mr. Fairfax raped at least one other woman after he attacked her. The details of Ms. Watson's attack are similar to those described by Dr. Vanessa Tyson." Fairfax has previously denied Tyson's allegation.

Watson is not seeking financial damages and has alerted Fairfax through her legal team that she would like him to resign, the statement adds.

[SOURCE: CNN]

Rep. Al Green: There will be a vote on impeachment regardless as to what the Mueller Commission says

Rep. Al Green (D-TX 9th District) took to the floor of the House of Representatives and made a speech in which he stated that there will be a vote on impeachment regardless of what the Mueller Commission says. Watch that speech below:

.@RepAlGreen: "There will be a vote on impeachment regardless as to what the Mueller Commission says." pic.twitter.com/07Nk0YxTHZ

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 7, 2019