NAACP Celebrates Global Black Creatives at International Entertainment Summit
LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, the NAACP celebrated the global influence and importance of Black creatives at the NAACP International Entertainment Summit at NeueHouse ahead of the "55th NAACP Image Awards" Show.
As the premier multicultural awards show in the U.S., the NAACP Image Awards recognize the exceptional contributions of African-Americans and people of color in the arts, and those promoting social justice through their work. The International Entertainment Summit expanded on this recognition by emphasizing the essential role of African creatives and creative industries in driving economic growth and social development.
"The global creative and entertainment landscape transcends borders. The African economy is a positive disruptor, with the potential to drive sustainable socio-economic development, innovation and inclusivity," said NAACP Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Aba Blankson. "We are oftentimes the first to celebrate our own. What we do, others emulate. We create the culture."
Panelists discussed the importance of facilitating collaboration among Black creatives across different sectors, underscoring the importance of government support and investment in fostering cultural exchange and economic growth between Africa and the diaspora. The summit also highlighted NAACP's partnership with Prosper Africa – a White House initiative that is designed to increase, mobilize and invest between the United States and Africa. This partnership strategically connects U.S. investors across various sectors with their African counterparts by increasing financial support for films, studios, post-production services and more. Summit participants networked with creatives and executives to begin forging new relationships in creating new opportunities for storytelling.
"Prosper Africa is important because a prosperous Africa benefits the world," said Dana Sims, Daisy Blue Films Executive Producer. "If we can create a legacy on the continent of building studios, infrastructure and festivals then that benefits the people."
The summit also included a special exclusive screening of Shaka ILembe starring South African actress, Nomzamo Mbatha. Following the screening, the actress was joined by Sheila Ducksworth, President of NAACP/CBS Studios Venture in discussing how the joint venture is seeking to tell more untold stories across the diaspora authentically.
"We want to amplify the experiences of Black people through our lens," said Ducksworth. "This venture was created to look for ways to tell our stories, in ways that traditionally haven't been told in mass."
The summit built on the success of last year's dynamic Diaspora-centered dialogues, which brought together a diverse range of participants, including artists, designers, filmmakers, influencers, and entrepreneurs, fostering strategic investments and partnerships. This year's summit included the following panels: Collaborative Creativity Across Continents, Africa's Creative Economy: Opportunities and Challenges, Strategic Investments in the African Creative Sector, Collaborative Dialogue: Building Bridges Between African Americans and Africa, and a special screening of Shaka ILembe. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience the Prosper Africa Virtual Deal Room which served as a resource for companies to network with potential investors in Africa.
The Entertainment Summit's speakers included:
- Boris Kodjoe, Actor
- Nomzamo Mbatha, Actress
- Aba Blankson, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, NAACP
- Abiola Oke, Founder and CEO, Adisa Advisory
- Aisha Ayensu, Founder & Creative Director, Christie Brown
- Aisha Augie, Director-General of the Centre For Black and African Arts & Civilisation, Nigeria
- Akunna Cook, Founder, Next Narrative Africa
- Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director, President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States
- Sheila Ducksworth, President, NAACP/CBS Studios Venture
- TJ Adeshola, Operating Partner, Arctos Partners
- Vivian Odior, Global Head of Brand, WhatsApp
The NAACP International Entertainment Summit was sponsored by Prosper Africa. For more information on accessing the deal room and exploring these opportunities, visit the website: https://prosperafrica.asokoinsight.com/#/join.
The "55th NAACP Image Awards" will premiere LIVE on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS. NAACP also recognized winners in non-televised Image Awards categories March 11-13 on www.naacpimageawards.net, during the Awards Gala on March 14 and Fashion Show on March 15. For information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Tems, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.
Instagram: @naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook: /naacpimageaward
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race–based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP–LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
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The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world's largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.
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NAACP Image Awards Media Contacts:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis | NAACPImageAwards@ssmandl.com
Luis Defrank | luis.defrank@bet.net
Ariana Drummond | ImagePublicist@naacpnet.org