July 11, 2019
By Nadine Matthews
Contributing Writer
Big, big things are happening at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and one of the biggest is the recent addition of Naima J. Keith as its Vice President of Education and Public Programs. As high profile art lovers and art collectors such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Diddy, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, and others show us, the appreciation of fine art has always been part of the Black community, though not always highlighted. Now, museums and cultural institutions all over the world are finally waking up to this fact and attempting to diversify their staffs and key positions. LACMA joins that fray with the hiring of Keith.
A Los Angeles native and longtime respected figure in the art world, Keith is coming off a successful run as the Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the California African American Museum (CAAM) where she brought Brooklyn Museum show, “We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965-85,” among other renowned exhibitions. Because of bold and visionary steps such as that, visitorship to CAAM also doubled during her tenure there.
Now, Keith is gearing up to help facilitate the changes already taking place at LACMA and spearheading new ones. The Spelman graduate says, “I’m looking forward to the new building. The tearing down of the old building has been one of the top conversations here. I’m also thinking about the new education space and how many more people we’ll be welcoming with the opening of the Academy Museum next door, and also the satellite location at Magic Johnson Park.”
Ironically, it was her proximity to the education department at CAAM that helped her make the decision to take the opportunity when LACMA came along. “I oversaw the education department at CAAM and doing that work made me realize there are so many people who want to go to museums but don't feel comfortable in that space, who don’t feel like museums are meeting them halfway,” says Keith. “I feel education is my opportunity to do that.”
Beyond these sort of existential reasons, Keith sees it as exciting, from a pragmatic standpoint, to have the new LACMA outposts. “The campus in South LA,” she says, “is a great opportunity to kind of engage families that can’t come all the way to Wilshire Blvd. It’s a substantial drive and even longer bus ride so the idea that LACMA will be able to provide ongoing activities, not just kind of a one-off workshop on Saturday morning, but to build upon the existing work that we've already been doing in Compton, East LA and other neighborhoods, and offering more regular arts activities is really exciting for me.”
In keeping with her style of pushing boundaries in order to bring intriguing modes of engagement for museum attendees, Keith plans to take new LACMA experiences beyond its four walls. With her moderate staccato voice hinting at all the ideas percolating in her head, she says, “With the types of activities we want to offer kids here, there will be an amazing education space but also plenty of outdoor space to do outdoor activities with families.”
Some of these programs are already underway. “We offer art camp, which is for kids who are six to thirteen. It’s every day from 10-3 pm and kids can focus on art all day every day. And scholarships are available,” says Keith.
LACMA doesn’t limit itself to just fine arts. Keith explains, “We also have jazz which is kind of our staple program, on Friday evenings. I've seen families come and singles looking for their partners or whatever. I'm pleased to know that it's become a staple here in LA, and that people really enjoy it all.”
LACMA has traditionally taken the initiative to go out and be part of the community, something Keith indicates it will continue to do. “LACMA usually has a table at the major summer festivals. At the Central Avenue Jazz Festival we’ll have a table there, and I’m sure we’ll be doing something at the Watts festival because of our commitment to that community,” she says. “Seeing LACMA throughout the county and city is something I’m really excited about”.
For those cultivating an interest in art, she believes LACMA is a logical first step. “LACMA affords you the opportunity to see a range of artwork. It’s a museum that has so many different types of shows at one time. It allows you in one visit to see a range of artwork, so you can start developing your eye.” She also suggests, “Simultaneously, take a peek at some of the younger art spaces in the city because that supports emerging artists.”
Keith described her feelings about the Black art scene in Los Angeles. “The art scene here in LA is supportive. I often see the same collectors at art openings. Not that New York or Oakland for example aren’t supportive, but what I find so heartwarming here is that the collectors are very supportive of one another and generous. They invite each other to their homes, share information. They’re very willing to talk to young collector about the art scene. The Black collectors are also very supportive of curators of color. I’ve even seen collectors step up and host dinners for artists new to LA because they want to make sure artists of color feel welcome.”
July 11, 2019
By Jennifer Bihm
Contributing Writer
Elected officials, union members and community members July 9, gathered at Ralph’s grocery store in Los Angeles on Western and 7th streets, to demand the corporations that own Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions, and Albertsons grocery markets, negotiate a fair contract. “Living Wage not Minimum Wage,” read some of the picket signs outside of the market as workers demanded a wage adequate enough for “one job” to sustain a living in the City of Angeles. The most recent contract, said workers, “offers slashed wages as much as 25% for checkers, offer less than 1% to other employees, eliminate some overtime, and put their healthcare benefits at risk of bankruptcy.”
“I work at the service deli and I work hard,” said Michael Rogers, a Ralph’s employee.
“We work all day. We’re with customers all day and when we go home, we have to worry about how we’re going to pay our rent. Every month the landlord comes to me and says, ‘you’re short.’ Why do I have to borrow money from my family to pay rent.
“Why do I have to ask somebody to loan me money so I can eat? Every time I ask for more hours they lower my hours. When I ask for more money they say they can’t afford it. I was hurt on my job and they didn’t even want to give me workers’ comp. I had to fight for it…”
Rev. James Lawson:
“We must understand we are fighting plantation capitalism,” said Rev. James Lawson who spoke at the rally.
“Plantation capitalism says that a worker is property. A worker is not a human being. My ancestors were slaves under this idea. The corporations that control the grocery stores are rooted in this same ideology.”
The contract expired four months ago, said union officials.
Since then they said, roughly 60,000 grocery employees in Southern and Central California have been working without a negotiated agreement.
After 17 bargaining sessions, the corporate employers have failed to offer a fair proposal for their workers. Instead, grocery corporations have only offered less than 1 % wage increase, threaten to cut cashier wages by nearly 25 %, and put the healthcare plan at risk of bankruptcy.
Last week, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor representing 300 unions and 800,000 members and their families, unanimously recommended to honor economic actions, including boycotts and a potential strike if employers fail to improve their contract proposals.
“We’re hoping for a fair deal for the workers who produce a profit for [these grocery stores, especially Ralph’s],” said Kathy Finn, UFCW secretary treasurer
“The reason we’re in this fight is because the workers of Ralph’s a Fortune 50 company and one of the most profitable companies in the United States, does not pay its workers a living wage. [Meanwhile], they’re giving their CEOs wage increases.
“These stores are part of our communities. It’s where the people go and buy their food to feed their families and yet the people who are working hard to provide them service can’t feed their own families.”
“We are committed to continuing to invest in our associates — providing secure, stable jobs with competitive pay and benefits,” said officials from Ralph’s corporate office via a statement.
“We also need to keep our company strong. With a balanced approach this agreement can be a win for everyone — our associates, our communities and our company.”
“Los Angeles labor movement, hardworking women and men including nurses, teachers, firefighters, employees in the public sector, homecare workers, janitors, hotel workers, construction workers –them and their families– are standing with grocery workers and their fight,” said the President of the LA Fed, Rusty Hicks during the LA Fed strike sanction announcement.
June 27, 2019
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Correspondent
You can call Brittany Fennell by her given name, her last name or by the moniker that has driven her to fame, “B. Monet.”
However, the award-winning writer and director from Silver Spring, Maryland, who holds degrees from Spelman and New York University, will go down in history as the first African American woman to direct a car commercial for Cadillac.
“I think it was like five different women who were selected [as finalists] to be the director and then I got a phone call and then it ended up being me and another person,” B. Monet told NNPA Newswire, explaining the history making process.
“I was selected and it’s still kind of mind-boggling to me that I’m the first black woman to do this,” she said.
“I’m really hoping — and I think we’ll definitely do more…” a joyous B. Monet said.
The 30-second spot, titled “Keep Rising Together,” debuted at this year’s American Black Film Festival, and the message – one that Cadillac hopes resonates – is intended to inspire.
“I think it’s a great message of rising above and moving forward and showing us we can be triumphant above all. I love that message,” B. Monet said.
In an interview with Rolling Out, B. Monet said that this has been a “super surreal” year for her. A year that’s included doing a short film with Queen Latifah that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and streamed on Hulu.
“Then to have this amazing experience to have other people who look like me, literally see a commercial and I’m the first Black woman to do it. It’s really hard to put into words. It’s just this surreal moment for me that’s so priceless,” B. Monet said.
As for the finished product in the Cadillac Keep Rising Together spot, B. Monet said told NNPA that she was absolutely thrilled with it and looks forward to other opportunities that the automaker might present.
“I think, you know, also dealing with cars for the first time, it was just like, wow, like, I think it was a ‘wow’ moment for me,” she said.
“Because it’s not to say that women can’t direct car commercials, or direct stop signs, or explosions, or all that, unfortunately, we didn’t get a seat at the table when it came to those things,” B. Monet said. “And we’re always in, like, the melodrama. And like, the super sappy things and stories. For me, I want to be able to do what the boys do. I want to do the car shows.
“So, I was very happy to see that in what we created and I thought, you know, it’s going to hopefully inspire more people to get out there and also pursue their dream, because there’s a lot to talk about.”
“I think this spot really shows people of color at the helm; women of color at the helm and people need to see that.”
B. Monet’s journey can be followed on all social media platforms @directherbmonet.
June 27, 2019
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Correspondent
Since the founding of the Black Press 192 years ago, African American-owned newspapers have served their communities in ways that no other publications have.
Historically, these publications have operated on “shoe-string” budgets, are usually understaffed, and also face other severe limitations. Yet, the Black Press always has maintained its mission as the voice of Black America.
That tradition has held true through many transitions and has continued during the 79-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The NNPA is the trade organization representing America’s Black-owned newspapers and media companies. The organization’s members serve millions of readers that rely on the Black Press to provide content not regularly found in other media.
For many, the Black Press is just as essential to the culture of the community as the Black church.
“It is undeniable that the Black church and the Black Press have been, and continue to be, the foundational pillars of Black America’s long struggle for freedom, justice, equality and empowerment,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
“We know first-hand the power of the pen and we remain committed to helping to ensure and to mentor the next generation of freedom-fighting publishers, editors and journalists,” Chavis said.
On March 16, 1827, The Rev. Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm made history by publishing “Freedom’s Journal,” the nation’s first Black newspaper.
NNPA Chairman Dorothy R. Leavell, who publishes the Chicago and Gary Crusader newspapers, has often described “Freedom’s Journal” as courageous and she regularly cites the newspaper’s motto as one that remains a focus of the Black Press today.
“We wish to tell our own story,” Leavell said, quoting Russwurm and Cornish’s mission that, “for too long others have spoken for us, but we wish to tell our own story.”
Circulated in 11 states and in Europe, Canada and Haiti, “Freedom’s Journal” provided international, national and local details pertinent to the Black community. They denounced slavery and lynching and, among the many features that endeared the newspaper to its readers, were African American community-based marriage, birth and death announcements.
Soon, other Black-owned papers like the Savannah Tribune, The Afro-American in Baltimore, the Indianapolis Recorder, and The Philadelphia Tribune began publishing.
Those newspapers and others, like the Pittsburgh Courier, the New Journal and Guide in Virginia, and The Kansas City Call, have maintained the tradition and continue to deliver news and insights today.
The NNPA honors the history and legacy of the Black Press via The Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Publishers at Howard University.
Each year during Black Press Week in Washington, DC, a NNPA member is posthumously enshrined in the Archives and Gallery.
“It’s so important we remember our past and remember those whose shoulders we stand upon,” Chavis said.
As community-focused publishers, the news that appears in NNPA’s member publications affects the day-to-day lives of their readership. For example, in Dallas, Texas, where voters recently elected a new mayor, U.S. congressman and Dallas County District Attorney.
For many in Dallas’ African American community, these much-needed changes were underscored through the resilient coverage of the city’s Black-owned North Dallas Gazette, which for decades has provided some of the most in-depth coverage of local elections for a publication of its size.
“We regularly inform our readers on the bills and positions offered by our new congressman and last year, we featured several stories on criminal justice and bail reform,” said the paper’s publisher Thurman Jones.
Since its first issue nearly 50 years ago, the South Florida-based Westside Gazette has maintained the high level of professional, insightful and reader-sensitive reporting that has gained the trust and respect of South Florida’s African American community.
Two of its signature events – “Sweet Potato Pie, Politics and Ice Cream,” and “The White Hat Gala,” – have proven a hit throughout the Sunshine State.
“The ‘Sweet Potato Pie, Politics and Ice Cream’ event is where our politicians come out and actually serve the audience sweet potato pie and ice cream,” said Westside Gazette publisher, Bobby Henry.
“It’s really unique and it gives an opportunity for an intimate formal discussion with those who are vying for political position,” he said.
The “White Hat Gala,” counts as a fundraiser for Sickle Cell Disease.
The Toledo Journal Newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, has been publishing since 1975 and, like the content found throughout its pages, its slogan is an attention-grabber: “Everybody is Somebody in The Toledo Journal.”
“This has made a difference in making our Black community feel important,” said the newspaper’s publisher, Sandra S. Stewart.
“Over the years, we have had an impact in the areas of business, political, social, recreational, religious, and sports, in our community. So, our readers believe in us and know we are fair to our community,” she said.
The impact of the legacy, history and challenges met and overcome by members of the Black Press has not been lost on or squandered by today’s NNPA members. While the Black Press has expanded to include cities and communities throughout the country, including New York, Washington, South Carolina, New Orleans, St. Louis, Chicago, Texas, and California, member publishers have continued to live up to the civil rights mantra of “Soldiers without Swords.”