#blackout festival

“There’s a generation of filmmakers of color and women whose primary concern is that no one will see their work. And that is a huge barrier. They’re asking, ‘Why make something if no one will see it?’ Right now, there is a fundamental disrespect inherent in the distribution and amplification of films. There is a cinema segregation in how films are seen and not seen. What we’re saying is, we’re not going to depend on those things anymore.” Ava DuVernay Discusses Diversity in Hollywood and ARRAY: http://lat.ms/1UL8slq

Watch Highlights From Our Blackout Festival Storytelling Panel Featuring Tessa Thompson, Nate Parker, Justin Simien, Tracie Thoms and More: http://bit.ly/1VUhfyT

“After five years of providing a platform for independent African-American filmmakers through her grassroots film distribution association, African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM), Ava DuVernay announced on Tuesday that it will relaunch as ARRAY in order to expand its focus for filmmakers she sees as too often overlooked. Inspired by her experiences meeting filmmakers across the globe while promoting ‘Selma,’ the Oscar-nominated director says she will apply the same tactics from AFFRM into ARRAY.” Continue Reading The Huffington Post’s Article on Ava and ARRAY: http://huff.to/1Nw4Akf

MUST WATCH: Highlights From Our First Annual Blackout Music & Film Festival Featuring Live Musical Performances by Lalah Hathaway, V. Bozeman and More, Spoken Word Performances by Amandla Stenberg, Donté Clark and More, and Panel Discussion Highlights with Tracie Thoms, Justin Simien, Nate Parker, Rahiel Tesfamariam, Patrisse Marie Cullors-Brignac, David Johns and More: https://youtu.be/ba_J5iCKQDk

• Check Out the Excellent Articles Below on the Best and Most Powerful Moments From Blackout Music & Film Festival:
  
• How the Blackout Music & Film Festival is Encouraging Emerging Voices to Break Out - http://bit.ly/1JHmERd via Indiewire
  
• The Responsible Celebrity: Actors, Filmmakers Talk About Art, Activism at Blackout Festival - http://bit.ly/1O4eiXH via The Root
  
• Blackout Music & Film Festival Talks Artists and Social Justice - http://bit.ly/1UnXJIr via Variety
  
• Blackout Music & Film Festival Celebrates Community, Creativity and Culture - http://bit.ly/1JHU86a via The Root
  
• Chris Rock, Tessa Thompson, Justin Simien And Others Talk Celebrity Advocacy at Blackout Festival - http://bit.ly/1PSyWdY via Colorlines
  
• Nate Parker, Tessa Thompson Speak Out About Human Rights At Blackout Festival - http://bit.ly/1NUoSDK via Hip Hollywood
  
• Recap: Blackout Music & Film Festival - http://bit.ly/1KxdMnL via JET Magazine
  

#BlackoutFestival Partner AFFRM Released Tina Mabry’s ‘Mississippi Damned’ on Netflix Today! The Award Winning Film Features Blackout Festival Storytelling Panelist Tessa Thompson!  Watch the Official Trailer for ‘Mississippi Damned’: https://youtu.be/bA5f47ihycs and See the Movie Today on Netflix: http://nflx.it/1Uln0Is

• “Tina Mabry’s ‘Mississippi Damned’ Is Now Streaming on Netflix, Courtesy of AFFRM + Array” Read Indiewire’s Article on the Film here: http://bit.ly/1KFqbV7
  
• “I’m Interested in the Conversations About the Characters that We Imagine” Tessa Thompson at Blackout Festival: http://bit.ly/1O4eiXH
  

The Power of Storytelling in Art, Film, Music & Spoken Word Was on Full Display at Blackout Festival this Past Saturday. Check Out the Captivating Articles Below on the Festival that Featured 3 Panels, 3 Live Musical Performances, 3 Spoken Word Performances, 2 Film Screenings and a Signature Artist Showcase. Thank You to Everyone Who Came Out on Saturday, Thank You to Our Amazing Partners and Thank You to All the Talent that Took Part in Blackout Music & Film Festival:

• “Whether the discussion was about representation, development or recognition of artistic talent, voices in the black community were front and center on Saturday. And while they were eager to share their own experiences, they were also speaking on behalf of the voices that don’t often make it to the majority of American households.” Continue Reading Steve Green’s Article on Blackout Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1JHmERd via Indiewire
  
• “Attendees at the first annual Blackout for Human Rights Festival included Chris Rock, Tessa Thompson, Nate Parker, director Justin Simien and many others” Continue Reading Danielle C. Belton’s Article on Blackout Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1O4eiXH via The Root
  
• “Moderated by ASCAP’s Mir Harris, the panel discussed the history of music and its connection to human rights, especially within the African-American community. The panel begun with the quote: “An artist’s duty is to reflect the times.” Referring back to the civil-rights era, the panel agreed that music was a catalyst to the movement” Continue Reading Mannie Holmes’ Article on Blackout Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1UnXJIr via Variety
  
• “At the first-ever Blackout Music & Film Festival, held Saturday at the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles, artists, activists, celebrities and everyday citizens convened to highlight and explore the ways in which artists are using their art to address human rights violations and injustices. The daylong festival featured screenings of 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets and Dear White People, a #SayHerName Voices for the Cause music showcase, an artists showcase and three panels that addressed topics ranging from the importance of diversity in media to criminal-justice reform” Continue Reading Akilah Green’s Article on Blackout Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1Q6D0rL via The Root
  

Thank You to Everyone Who Came Out to Our First Annual Blackout Music & Film Festival. Explore Some of the Excellent Coverage From An Amazing Day and Check Back Soon for More!

• “It was fitting that the inaugural Blackout Music & Film Festival took place at downtown Los Angeles’ GRAMMY Museum: The day’s conversations all seemed to center around voice. Whether the discussion was about representation, development or recognition of artistic talent, voices in the black community were front and center on Saturday. And while they were eager to share their own experiences, they were also speaking on behalf of the voices that don’t often make it to the majority of American households.” Continue Reading Indiewire’s Excellent Article on Blackout Music & Film Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1JHmERd
  
• “Of the gathering and of the growing national movement around police brutality and social justice, Rock shared with The Root a sentiment many echoed. “It’s great and it sad,” Rock said. “It’s great that people are getting involved. It’s sad that they have to.” And yet, that’s what many artists reflected on – that merging their work with activism was something they had to do. Justin Simien, director of the 2014 hit Dear White People, reflected on the importance of events like the Blackout Festival. “The truth is when I made my movie it was in the era when growing up [saying] racial stuff people thought you were playing the black card,” said Simien, whose next project is the film Make A Wish starring actor Anthony Mackie. “Stuff like this legitimizes the kind of conversation that I think some of us in the community didn’t really know how to have before.”” Continue Reading The Root’s Insightful Article on Blackout Music & Film Festival Here: http://bit.ly/1O4eiXH
  

Blackout for Human Rights is Hosting the First Annual Blackout Music & Film Festival. Blackout Festival is a One Day Festival at The GRAMMY Museum in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Doors Open 11 AM to 10 PM. Blackout Festival Features Multiple Screenings of Award Winning Films, Live Musical Performances, Three Featured Panels, a Signature Art Showcase and more. All Ticket Proceeds Will Be Donated to Support PICO Network and Mobile Justice CA, a Joint Project Between ACLU CA and The Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Tickets Available Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK and the Official Schedule and Programming for Blackout Music & Film Festival Is Below:

BLACKOUT FESTIVAL PART ONE

• DOORS OPEN: Early Access to The GRAMMY Museum Exhibits Including All Eyez on Me: The Writings of Tupac Shakur, Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes and More (11 AM - 11:55 AM)
  
• FILM SCREENING #1: Special Screening Of ‘3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets’ (Clive Davis Theater; 12:05 PM - 1:50 PM)
  
• FEATURED PANEL #1: Social Justice Panel Includes Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors, ACLU Lawyer Peter Bibring, Activist Ashley Yates, Urban Cusp Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam, The Root Associate Editor Danielle C. Belton, Artist Damon Davis and Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans David Johns. Presented by ACLU SoCal and Black Lives Matter, the Panel Will Be Moderated by UCLA Professor Dr. Marcus Hunter (Clive Davis Theater; 1:55 PM - 2:55 PM)
  
• BLACKOUT FESTIVAL BREAK: Intermission; Access to Artist Showcase and Opportunity to Get Lunch (Target Terrace and Nearby Restaurants; 2:55 PM – 3:55 PM)
  

BLACKOUT FESTIVAL PART TWO

• FILM SCREENING #2: Special Screening Of ‘Dear White People’ (Clive Davis Theater; 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM)
  
• FEATURED PANEL #2: Storytelling Panel Includes Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, The Blacklist Founder Franklin Leonard, Entertainment Tonight Co-Host Kevin Frazier, Fox Casting Manager Cameron Washington, Director Justin Simien and More. Presented by CBMA, the Panel Will be Moderated by Indiewire Editor-In-Chief Dana Harris (Clive Davis Theater; 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
  
• FEATURED PANEL #3: Music Panel Includes VIBE Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Datwon Thomas, Digital Underground Producer Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright, Music Producer Focus, Artist V Bozeman and Artist Damani Nkosi. The panel will be moderated by ASCAP Associate Director Mir Harris  (Target Terrace; 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
  
• LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE: #SayHerName Voices For The Cause Music Showcase Includes GRAMMY Award Winner Lalah Hathaway, PJ and V Bozeman (Clive Davis Theater; 7:10 PM - 8:10 PM)
  
• ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Special Spoken Word Performances by Leo Breckenridge and Amandla Stenberg, Mixer and Art Installations from Adrian Franks, Damon Davis, Mariella Angela and More (Target Terrace; 8:20 PM - 9:50 PM)
  
• DOORS CLOSE: Blackout Festival Ends (10:00 PM)
  

Our Partners and Sponsors for #BlackoutFestival Include Variety, The Root, VIBE Magazine, PICO Network, Live Free, Black Lives Matter, ACLU Southern California, The Black List, ForHarriet,com, AllHipHop.com, Urban Cusp, Music Industry Quarterly, AFFRM, The Ella Baker Center, Bright Ideas Magazine, The GRAMMY Museum, Million Hoodies, ColorOfChange, Dream Defenders and More!

Blackout For Human Rights is a Collective of Filmmakers, Artists, Activists, Musicians, Lawyers, Tastemakers and Concerned Citizens Who Commit their Energy and Resources to Immediately Address the Staggering Level of Human Rights Violations Against Fellow Americans Throughout the United States of America.

The potent power of inclusive storytelling can not be expressed enough. For people privileged enough to see themselves reflected on TV, movie screens and magazine covers in a positive and nuanced light, it is easy to dismiss the impact of media representation. Shout to Ava DuVernay and her Company AFFRM for promoting voices from all backgrounds and seeing the beauty and value of diversity in storytelling. We’re honored to have them as an official partner of Blackout Music & Film Festival. Join at Blackout Music & Film Festival this Saturday: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK and Read the Articles Below:

• “Long before “Selma” came along, its director, Ava DuVernay, was working to help distribute films with black themes through the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement. As she said in 2011, explaining why independent black artists needed the organization, “No one is ever going to care about their film except the people it’s made for, which is, black folks.” On Wednesday, hoping to raise awareness of AFFRM’s distribution label, Array, Ms. DuVernay enlisted more than 40 black filmmakers to share insights and advice via Twitter. Using the hashtag #ARRAY, the “Rebel-a-Thon” began in the morning with Debbie Allen, among others, and has progressed throughout the day with veteran and newcomer directors alike taking turns every hour or so” Continue Reading The New York Times article: http://nyti.ms/1JbRfLA
  
• “And that is just so important, not only because she called out Hollywood for a status quo that refused to give such complex roles as that of Annalise Keating to women of color, but that she called out Hollywood for a status quo that refused to give such complex roles to a woman who is almost in her 50’s. Ageism and racism still run rampant in America today, something that has come to the forefront of American consciousness in the wake of the controversy surrounding the 2015 Oscars nominees, and for Davis to call that out in her speech was truly beautiful. How To Get Away With Murder does something that very few other shows are doing on TV right now, and to have a lead like Davis makes it even better.” Continue Reading Bustle’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1MO0thB
  
• “The auteur, and Paste’s 2014 Film Person of the Year, invites you to join her community of film artists, film advocates and film lovers who want to experience true diversity both in front of and behind the camera.” Continue Reading Paste Magazines Article Here: http://bit.ly/1KkPzzz
  
• “I started writing this movie some 10 years ago as an impulse because I didn’t really my story out there in the culture. I didn’t see myself reflected back at me in the films I love or the stories that resonated for me. I tried to put myself in the culture. That can be difficult when, along the way, there’s really nothing there to tell you that you belong there. If you don’t see yourself in the culture, please put yourself there, because we need you. We need to see the world from your eyes” Justin Simien Wins the Award for Best First Screenplay at the Spirit Awards. Watch His Full Speech Here: https://youtu.be/JpBPTVejG2w
  
• “I am keenly aware of how we as women (and most specifically women of color) are presented and portrayed in media and how we present ourselves. And here was my mama from almost 30 years ago on the surface doing something that often snags me in videos today but why did I feel differently about it?” Continue Reading Tracee Ellis Ross’ Article Here: http://bit.ly/1hB34Qz
  
• “Black Women Are Leading a Cultural Movement through TV” For Harriet:http://bit.ly/1h4JAmq
  
• “We need stories for and about black youth. We need stories where they are painted in the same light as their white counterparts. “I turned to books to figure out how to navigate life and relationships,” said I.W. Gregario, a founding member of the We Need Diverse Books campaign. As a result of not seeing her identity as an Asian woman represented in the literature she loved, she says she became self-hating. We live in a society that sees black kids as both less innocent and older than white children. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “black boys can be seen as responsible for their actions at an age when white boys still benefit from the assumption that children are essentially innocent.” The U.S. Department of Education revealed in a report that black children face discrimination as early as pre-school. This systemic dehumanization has life-altering results in the case of, say, Dajerria Beckton who was tackled at a pool party, or the life-ending case of Tamir Rice” Continue Reading For Harriet’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1MHfHWX
  
• “Even before his tragic death at the hands of Officer Darren Wilson, though, Brown’s chances of being seen—or seeing himself—as a hero were already limited. The image of a young black man, prostrate in the street, is one we’re much more accustomed to seeing in Hollywood movies than we are a black man working to save humanity. Marvel Studios, the folks behind Iron Man and The Avengers, recently announced they’d be releasing Black Panther—their first black superhero movie—in 2017. It’ll be the kind of film Michael Brown saw very little of in his lifetime. It’s hardly a surprise that many people of color were thrilled by Marvel’s announcement, or that the Internet recently erupted in jubilant conversation around the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer—which opens on a black man dressed as a stormtrooper. There are huge portions of society, including the more than 50 percent that are women, who are starved for this kind of representation in our grandest forms of entertainment” Continue Reading Bright Ideas Magazine’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1EFp4hU
  
• “I am a storyteller. I write movies, short stories, and poems. I’ve spent years trying to understand the ways that narratives underscore society, how the stories we create, retell, and amplify influence our thinking, our actions, our ways of life. I cannot tell you how many times someone has had a pre-packaged idea of me before I even opened my mouth or entered a room. These people had a “black woman narrative” already constructed and were waiting for me to fulfill it. When I didn’t, they appeared confused. I just breathed and existed. But sometimes, even doing that is cause for violence and brutality. Because narratives of black beasts, black demons, of black criminals are so strong, that just breathing, and existing, might get you killed” Continue Reading Indiewire’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1E8nyKC
  

“I started writing this movie some 10 years ago as an impulse because I didn’t really my story out there in the culture. I didn’t see myself reflected back at me in the films I love or the stories that resonated for me. I tried to put myself in the culture. That can be difficult when, along the way, there’s really nothing there to tell you that you belong there. If you don’t see yourself in the culture, please put yourself there, because we need you. We need to see the world from your eyes” Justin Simien Wins the Award for Best First Screenplay at the Spirit Awards. Watch His Full Speech Here: https://youtu.be/JpBPTVejG2w

Justin Simien Will Be on Our Featured Storytelling Panel with Tracee Ellis Ross, Mo McRae and More PLUS We Are Screening His Award Winning Film Dear White People at Blackout Music & Film Festival: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

• Watch the Trailer for Dear White People Here and the Trailer for Our First Film of the Day, 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets, Here: http://bit.ly/1JjAUUk

EXCITING:Blackout Music & Film Festival is Exactly ONE Week Away! Check Out the Official Schedule for Blackout Festival Featuring 3 Panels, 3 Live Musical Performances, 2 Film Screenings, 1 Signature Artist Showcase and More! #BlackoutFestival Tickets ($10-$18) Are Available Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

• FILM SCREENING #1 (Start Time 12:05 PM): Screening Of ‘3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets’
  
• FEATURED PANEL #1 (Start Time 1:55 PM): Social Justice Panel Includes Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors, ACLU Lawyer Peter Bibring, Activist Ashley Yates, Urban Cusp Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam, The Root Associate Editor Danielle C. Belton and Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans David Johns. Presented by ACLU SoCal and Black Lives Matter, the Panel Will Be Moderated by UCLA Professor Dr. Marcus Hunter
  
• FILM SCREENING #2 (Start Time 4:00 PM): Screening Of ‘Dear White People’
  
• FEATURED PANEL #2 (Start Time 6:00 PM): Storytelling Panel Includes Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, The Blacklist Founder Franklin Leonard, Actor Mo McRae, Entertainment Tonight Co-Host Kevin Frazier, Fox Casting Manager Cameron Washington, Director Justin Simien and More. Presented by CBMA, the Panel Will be Moderated by Indiewire Editor-In-Chief Dana Harris
  
• FEATURED PANEL #3 (Start Time 6:00 PM): Music Panel Includes VIBE Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Datwon Thomas, Digital Underground Producer Jimi “Chopmaster J” Dright, Music Producer Focus, Artist V Bozeman and Artist Damani Nkosi. The panel will be moderated by ASCAP Associate Director Mir Harris.
  
• LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE (Start Time 7:10 PM): #SayHerName Voices For The Cause Music Showcase Includes GRAMMY Award Winner Lalah Hathaway, PJ and V Bozeman
  
• ARTIST SPOTLIGHT (Start Time 8:30 PM): Featuring Special Spoken Word Performances by Leo Breckenridge and Amandla Stenberg and Art Installations from Adrian Franks, Damon Davis, Mariella Angela and More
  

Don’t Miss Our Storytelling Panel at Blackout Music & Film Festival Featuring Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, The Blacklist Founder Franklin Leonard, Actor Mo McRae, Entertainment Tonight Co-Host Kevin Frazier, Director Justin Simien and More. Presented by CBMA, the Panel Will be Moderated by Indiewire Editor-In-Chief Dana Harris. The Panel Will Center on the Importance of Diversity in Media Representation, the Power of Visual Storytelling and the Need to See the World We Live In Reflected on Screen: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK. Join Us Next Saturday at The GRAMMY Museum and Check Out these Insightful and Compelling Articles Below:

• “We need stories for and about black youth. We need stories where they are painted in the same light as their white counterparts. “I turned to books to figure out how to navigate life and relationships,” said I.W. Gregario, a founding member of the We Need Diverse Books campaign. As a result of not seeing her identity as an Asian woman represented in the literature she loved, she says she became self-hating. We live in a society that sees black kids as both less innocent and older than white children. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “black boys can be seen as responsible for their actions at an age when white boys still benefit from the assumption that children are essentially innocent.” The U.S. Department of Education revealed in a report that black children face discrimination as early as pre-school. This systemic dehumanization has life-altering results in the case of, say, Dajerria Beckton who was tackled at a pool party, or the life-ending case of Tamir Rice” Continue Reading For Harriet’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1MHfHWX
  
• “Even before his tragic death at the hands of Officer Darren Wilson, though, Brown’s chances of being seen—or seeing himself—as a hero were already limited. The image of a young black man, prostrate in the street, is one we’re much more accustomed to seeing in Hollywood movies than we are a black man working to save humanity. Marvel Studios, the folks behind Iron Man and The Avengers, recently announced they’d be releasing Black Panther—their first black superhero movie—in 2017. It’ll be the kind of film Michael Brown saw very little of in his lifetime. It’s hardly a surprise that many people of color were thrilled by Marvel’s announcement, or that the Internet recently erupted in jubilant conversation around the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer—which opens on a black man dressed as a stormtrooper. There are huge portions of society, including the more than 50 percent that are women, who are starved for this kind of representation in our grandest forms of entertainment” Continue Reading Bright Ideas Magazine’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1EFp4hU
  
• “I am a storyteller. I write movies, short stories, and poems. I’ve spent years trying to understand the ways that narratives underscore society, how the stories we create, retell, and amplify influence our thinking, our actions, our ways of life. I cannot tell you how many times someone has had a pre-packaged idea of me before I even opened my mouth or entered a room. These people had a “black woman narrative” already constructed and were waiting for me to fulfill it. When I didn’t, they appeared confused. I just breathed and existed. But sometimes, even doing that is cause for violence and brutality. Because narratives of black beasts, black demons, of black criminals are so strong, that just breathing, and existing, might get you killed” Continue Reading Indiewire’s Article Here: http://bit.ly/1E8nyKC
  

We’re Honored to Have Such an Extraordinary and Diverse Group of Artists Featured in Blackout Music & Film Festival’s Signature Artist Showcase. Check Out the Artwork Above and Join Us at The GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, August 29 for Art, Panels, Movies, Music and More: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

• The Signature Artist Showcase Features Adrian Franks, Hank Willis Thomas, Synthia Saint James, Bayeté Ross Smith, Damon Davis, Shikeith, Mariella Angela, Nikkolos Mohammad, Viewing of Smithsonian Museum Photography Book Through the African American Lens, Spoken Word Performances and More
  

For more information, please visit www.blackoutforhumanrights.com and join us on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram,Tumblr,Vine, and YouTube. 

EXCITING:Blackout Music & Film Festival is Right Around the Corner! Join Us at The GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, August 29 for 2 Film Screenings, 3 Featured Panels, 3 Live Musical Performances and A Signature Artist Showcase! #BlackoutFestival Tickets ($10-$18) Are Available Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

Check Out the #BlackoutFestival Programming Lineup Below and Don’t Miss Out on a Full Day of Film, Music, Panels and Art!

• Movie Screening #1: 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets
  
• Featured Social Justice Panel: Features Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors, ACLU Lawyer Peter Bibring, Activist Ashley Yates, Urban Cusp Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam, The Root Associate Editor Danielle C. Belton and More. Presented by ACLU Southern California and Black Lives Matter, the Panel Will Be Moderated by UCLA Professor Dr. Marcus Hunter
  
• Movie Screening #2: Dear White People
  
• Featured Storytelling Panel: Features Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, The Blacklist Founder Franklin Leonard, Actor Mo McRae, Entertainment Tonight Co-Host Kevin Frazier, Fox Casting Manager Cameron Washington, Director Justin Simien and More. Presented by CBMA, the Panel Will be Moderated by Indiewire Editor-In-Chief Dana Harris
  
• Featured Music Panel: Announcing Next Week
  
• #SayHerName Voices for the Cause Music Showcase: Includes Live Musical Performances by Lalah Hathaway, V Bozeman, PJ and More
  
• Signature Artist Showcase: Includes Adrian Franks, Hank Willis Thomas, Synthia Saint James, Bayeté Ross Smith, Damon Davis, Shikeith, Mariella Angela, Nikkolos Mohammad, Viewing of Smithsonian Museum Photography Book Through the African American Lens, Spoken Word Performances and More

For more information, please visit www.blackoutforhumanrights.com and join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, and YouTube.

“We need to keep the national dialogue focused on police violence and reform. We must counteract the prevailing public opinion that keeps police beyond scrutiny and that excuses and justifies whatever they do. We must make society rethink its approach to policing and we must demand policing that takes seriously the principle that all people are created equal. That’s why groups like Blackout for Human Rights and events like the Blackout Music & Film Festival are so important – to provide a space and a community for people to dissent, to speak up, and to speak out against what’s happening. That’s why the ACLU of Southern California is proud to participate and promote MobileJustice, so people can know and exercise their rights, including the right to record police encounters. So, let’s stand for justice. Let’s speak out. And let’s get to work on reforming the police. Start by joining us at the first annual Blackout Music & Film Festival, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 at The GRAMMY Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, where we and Black Lives Matter will be hosting a panel discussion on social justice” Continue Reading Hector Villagra, Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California’s Article on The Huffington Post: http://huff.to/1EDLr7k

• Join Us at The GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, August 29 for Blackout Music & Film Festival and Don’t Miss The Social Justice Panel Featuring Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors, ACLU Lawyer Peter Bibring, Black Lives Matter Activist Ashley Yates, Urban Cusp Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam, The Root Associate Editor Danielle C. Belton and more. Presented by ACLU Southern California and Black Lives Matter, the panel will be moderated by UCLA professor, Dr. Marcus Hunter: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK
  
• Before Blackout Festival, Make Sure Check Out Panelist Danielle Belton’s Insightful Interviews with Fellow Panelist Ashley Yates and Patrisse Cullors on the #BlackLivesMatter Movement, Ferguson and More: http://bit.ly/1NiOZUw via The Root
  
• From Walter Scott to Oscar Grant, the Importance of Filming the Police Is Essential In Our Efforts to Hold Police Accountable and Our Fight for Justice. Download ACLU California’s Mobile Justice App here: http://bit.ly/1PyiqQS and Read Fast Company’s Article on the App here: http://bit.ly/1MBRJfV

Join Us at The GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, August 29 for Blackout Music & Film Festival and Don’t Miss The Social Justice Panel Featuring Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors, ACLU Lawyer Peter Bibring, Black Lives Matter Activist Ashley Yates, Urban Cusp Founder Rahiel Tesfamariam, The Root Associate Editor Danielle C. Belton and more. Presented by ACLU Southern California and Black Lives Matter, the panel will be moderated by UCLA professor, Dr. Marcus Hunter: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

• Before Blackout Festival, Make Sure Check Out Panelist Danielle Belton’s Insightful Interviews with Fellow Panelist Ashley Yates and Patrisse Cullors on the #BlackLivesMatter Movement, Ferguson and More: http://bit.ly/1NiOZUw via The Root
  
• From Walter Scott to Oscar Grant, the Importance of Filming the Police Is Essential In Our Efforts to Hold Police Accountable and Our Fight for Justice. Download ACLU California’s Mobile Justice App here: http://bit.ly/1PyiqQS and Read Fast Company’s Article on the App here: http://bit.ly/1MBRJfV
  

Leading up to Blackout Music & Film Festival at the GRAMMY Museum, We Will Be Showcasing and Celebrating Visionary Voices in Storytelling and Social Justice. For Our ‘Visionary Voices in Storytelling & Social Justice’ Series Today, We’re Highlighting the Amazing and Talented Janelle Monáe. Monáe’s Powerful New Song “Hell You Talmbout” is Puts the Power of Music and Storytelling on Full Display. Read the Articles Below and Listen to the New Song:

• “Janelle Monáe released the song ‘Hell You Talmbout’ Thursday as an ode to the Black Lives Matter movement. She posted a message on Instagram explaining how the song is a ‘vessel’ to express the grief experienced by those communities that are subjected to excessive police force and vigilante violence. ‘This song is a vessel. It carries the unbearable anguish of millions. We recorded it to channel the pain, fear, and trauma caused by the ongoing slaughter of our brothers and sisters,’ Monae’s post read. She said the song is also directed at people who are choosing to stay neutral in the face of police brutality and injustice: ‘We recorded it to challenge the indifference, disregard, and negligence of all who remain quiet about this issue.’” Continue Reading The Root’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1EyKMnJ
  
• Janelle Monáe and her Wondaland Records roster have united for “Hell You Talmbout,” a police brutality protest song posted to Soundcloud on Thursday. Over marching drums, Monáe, Jidenna, Roman GianArthur, Deep Cotton, St. Beauty and George 2.0 shout out names of African-Americans killed by police officers, pausing for gospel chants on the chorus” Continue Reading The Rolling Stones Article here: http://rol.st/1hIXA5Y
  
• “Janelle Monáe and the entire roster of her Epic imprint Wondaland took The Eephus Tour to Chelsea’s Highline Ballroom last night. The brief national jaunt is seemingly a mission to promote their upcoming EP, also called The Eephus, but their outing has more intention than beyond music discovery. Before the show, Monáe and her crew protested in Time Square against police brutality. While the Times Square demonstration was unfolding, ‘Hell You Talmbout,’ a percussive, gospel-tinged loosie was unveiled, which features all of Wondaland naming victims of violence and abuse at the hands of police officers a la Jidenna’s Philly protest. The Eephus Tour may be how Monáe is getting the word out about her artists, but it is also brilliantly orchestrated traveling political action.” Continue Reading Village Voice’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1E1VdFi
  

Blackout for Human Rights is Hosting the First Blackout Music & Film Festival. #BlackoutFestival is a One Day Festival at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown Los Angeles on August 29, 2015. #BlackoutFestival Features Multiple Screenings of Award Winning Films Including 3 ½ Minutes, Live Musical Performances Featuring Lalah Hathaway, Three Featured Panels Featuring Tracee Ellis Ross and Patrisse Cullors, a Signature Art Showcase and more. For More Info and Tickets ($10-$18), Click Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

EXCITING: Blackout Music & Film Festival’s #SayHerName Voices For The Cause Music Showcase Will Live Musical Performances By Lalah Hathaway, V Bozeman and PJ! Join Us at The GRAMMY Museum on Saturday, August 29 for Live Musical Performances, Movie Screenings, Panels and a Signature Artist Showcase. Tickets Available Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK

We’ve Put Together an Exciting Lineup Featuring a Diverse Collection of Art, Music, Film and More:

• Throughout the Day, There Will Be Three Featured Panels Covering Social Justice, Diversity in Storytelling and Music. Panelists for Our Three Featured Panels Include Patrisse Cullors, Mo McRae, Franklin Leonard, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kevin Frazier, Peter Bibring, Ashley Yates, Rahiel Tesfamariam and More!
  
• The Signature Artist Showcase Will Feature Work From Amazing Artists Such As Adrian Franks, Hank Willis Thomas, Synthia Saint James, Bayeté Ross Smith, Damon Davis, Shikeith, Mariella Angela, Nikkolos Mohammad and More
  
• We’re Honored to Screen the 2015 Sundance Film Festival Award Winning Documentary 3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets. The Second Screening at Blackout Music & Film Festival Will Be Announced Next Week
  

Our Partners for #BlackoutFestival Include Variety, PICO Network, The Root, Indiewire, Bright Ideas Magazine, Live Free, Black Lives Matter, ACLU, The Blacklist, ForHarriet,com, AllHipHop.com, Urban Cusp, Music Industry Quarterly, AFFRM, Ella Baker Center, The GRAMMY Museum, CBMA, Million Hoodies, ColorOfChange, VIBE Magazine and More

Blackout For Human Rights is a Network of Filmmakers, Artists, Activists, Musicians, Lawyers, Tastemakers and Concerned Citizens Who Commit their Energy and Resources to Immediately Address the Staggering Level of Human Rights Violations and Injustices Against Fellow Americans Throughout the United States: www.BlackoutForHumanRights.com

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