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
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
Our Featured Social Justice Panel at Blackout Music & Film Festival Features 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, 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: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK
Checkout The Excellent Articles Below for Insight on Some of the Important Issues and Topics that Will Be Discussed:
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
“‘Black Lives Matter.’ For the past nine months, this rallying cry has permeated street corners, protests, tweets, news conferences, and even the cover of Time Magazine. Last August, the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer kick-started the efforts of activists protesting against police brutality and violence. By now, the names Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, and Freddie Gray have become synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement. But solely focusing on their stories has come at the expense of another group affected by police violence: black women. Here’s Why You Should Care: African American women are three times more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts, and young black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of their white female peers. Add to that the increased risk of poverty, violence, and sexual assault, and it’s clear that African American girls are not all right.” Take Part: http://bit.ly/1KIcpyl
“When you are an American, you’re born into this. And there are young black people who folks on TV are dismissing as thugs and all sorts of other words (I know the mayor apologized, I want to acknowledge that), but people who are being dismissed as thugs—these people live lives of incomprehensible violence.” Continue Reading Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Article: http://theatln.tc/1EXUWl7 via The Atlantic
“Recent events across the country have demonstrated that police murders, sexual assault and harassment continue with impunity. The fight for justice for families devastated by police who murder their loved ones is hard fought. As we struggle to fight for justice for loved ones like Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, and Rashod McIntosh, we cannot forget, and must fight fiercely for Mya Hall, Aiyana Jones, and Rekia Boyd. The police harass, abuse, murder and do not discriminate based on gender or sexuality.” Black Youth Project: http://bit.ly/1MrD2c8
“On May 20, 2015 the African American Policy Forum, the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia University and Andrea Ritchie, Soros Justice Fellow and expert on policing of women and LGBT people of color released #SayHerName: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women, a document highlighting stories of Black women who have been killed by police and shining a light on forms of police brutality often experienced by women such as sexual assault.” Please Read this Important Report: http://bit.ly/1cR27AO via AAPF
“Tanisha Anderson. Rekia Boyd. Miriam Carey. Michelle Cusseaux. Shelly Frey. Kayla Moore. These names are etched into tombstones that stand over the graves of black women killed by police – and were echoed at a vigil in New York City on Wednesday, where dozens gathered to show that these women should not be forgotten.” Lilly Workneh: http://huff.to/1Bf7lfy via Huffington Post
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
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
20th of March, 2022. It’s been 736 days since Breonna Taylor was killed by the LMPD & Brett Hankinson, Jonathan Mattingly & Miles Cosgrove haven’t faced charges or been arrested for her death.
You only put the name of an individual in the title of a news article if they’re a household name that the average reader will already be familiar with. I know internet culture has normalized reading screencaps of headlines and sharing them but never actually opening the article—that’s not how it’s supposed to work and it doesn’t count as news consumption.
Unless the individual being written about is already a celebrity, using their name in the title of the article actually discourages people from reading it. There’s all sorts of psychology to that, but when people see a name they don’t recognize, they tend to assume it’s a media figure they don’t care about, the article is targeted to a niche audience they’re not a part of, or they may even get a jolt of shame from not being “with it” enough to recognize what must be a household name.
I see a lot of screencaps of headlines like “Michigan Girl Scout discovers new way to track butterfly migrations” circulated around with criticism that Maggie McFictional’s contributions are being erased simply because her name isn’t in the headline. The vast majority of the time, her name is listed in the first paragraph, sometimes along with quotes and even a photograph. If she is properly credited (and maintaining privacy/avoiding the spotlight isn’t a concern), this isn’t a problem. Circulating headlines and never reading the articles is the problem.
This also isn’t what the hashtag #SayHerName was created for. Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, and Eric Garner are household names as victims of police violence—they have been talked about often enough that even people who do not purposefully keep up with institutionalized antiblack violence are familiar with their names and stories. But police brutality without accountability against black women rarely if ever enters mainstream consciousness, and their stories do not become “elevated as exemplars of the systematic police brutality that is currently the focal point of mass protest and police reform efforts”. The linked document is where #SayHerName originated, and highlights the purpose of the moment to raise awareness about these killings and violence that mainstream media has passed over and which have failed to garner national attention and spark outrage or demands for justice.
Anyway. #SayHerName isn’t about making sure that people who only read headlines know the full names of innovative Girl Scouts from Michigan. It’s specifically about raising awareness about black women and girls killed by police while their murders walk free with (at most) a slap on the wrist and no media pressure to hold them accountable.
It’s so awful and hurtful that women have to be polite and let men down gently so they won’t get hurt or worse shot in the face because you told him that you don’t want him grinding on you #SayHerName #tiarahpoyau #dormroomtv
I am one of the panelists at “Black Lives and the Fullness Thereof: A Town Hall Conversation on Spirituality, Sexual Politics, and Sexual Justice.” The Town Hall will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015. It is sponsored by CARSS, and you can follow the conversation on Twitter at #CARSSTownHall.
In my remarks, I’m going to talk about Jephthah’s Daughter in Judges 11. If you’re not familiar with the text, here are some suggestions for further reading.
“America has looted black people. America looted the Native Americans when they first came here, looting is what you do. We learned it from you. We learned violence from you. If you want us to do better, then damnit, you do better.” —Tamika Mallory, Nat. Co-Chair of Women’s March
We speak their names often only when they can no longer respond. Today as many recognize #TransDayofRemembrance, let’s interrogate why it takes severe instances of trauma (death, murder, killing, sexual assault and/or arrest) of trans women of color to actually recognize and #sayhername. #girlslikeus #tdor
Happy Birthday to the beautiful Breonna Taylor She should would have been celebrating her 27th birthday today, instead we’re mourning her tragic death because she was murdered while she slept Continue to #sayhername until we get Breonna the justice she deserves and the officers are arrested/charged. • • Please make sure you’ve signed the Breonna Taylor Petition and donate to the gofundme page for Breonna’s family if your able to (both links will be posted daily on my IG story) #breonnataylor #justiceforbreonnataylor #birthdayforbreonna https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFFNjxjsCm/?igshid=12g1h32xlqyom
*You don’t need to donate to change.org, donate directly to the families. Also if there’s a problem with a petition (or you have a petition I should add), please dm me instead of reblogging so I can fix it faster.*
Oh I forgot. Everyone taking a break for the 4th of July to be with their families. She can’t be with her family though…#sayhername #breonnataylor #arrestbreonnataylorskillers #blacklivesmatter #blm https://www.instagram.com/p/CCPVuXoBmvG/?igshid=2beaxxjp6g6n
