NAACP Hollywood Bureau Hosted Entertainment Symposium on Opportunity and Pay Inequity in Hollywood
LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, the NAACP Hollywood Bureau hosted an entertainment symposium titled "Whose Ice Water Is Colder: Opportunity and Pay Inequity in Hollywood," focused on pay inequity among actors of color at the Museum of Tolerance ahead of the "55th NAACP Image Awards." The lively and insightful panel discussion explored the underlying causes, method and cure for the systemic issue.
Moderated by Kyle Bowser, Senior Vice President of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, the panelists included Erika Alexander (Actress, Producer and Co-Founder of Color Farm Media), Jeanell English (Founder and CEO, Elizabeth and Former EVP Impact and Inclusion, AMPAS), Karen Horne (Former SVP, DEI North America, Warner Bros. Discovery), Jayne Kennedy (Actor, Broadcaster, Spokesperson and Philanthropist), and Kenya Parham (Global Vice President of Community and Partnership at SPILL).
"We are playing in a game that is rigged. I don't think you can win in a place where you have to use their distribution systems, production companies, their representatives. We aren't even valued the same way," said Alexander. "We deserve everything. We've earned it."
"Media literacy is our solution," said Bowser. "The more discerning we are as consumers, viewers and users, the more the industry will have to course correct to our new enlightenment."
During the evening, the late Hollywood strategist Michael Latt posthumously received the NAACP Dorothy Parker Ally Award for his commitment to social justice and advancing the stories of people of color through film. His parents Michelle Satter and David Latt and brother Franklin Latt were met with a standing ovation from the audience as they accepted the award.
"My family and I are deeply saddened that we lost our Michael in this world," said Franklin Latt. "But we are determined to honor his legacy and continue his work through the Michael Latt Legacy Fund."
During the panel, Kennedy reflected on her career and struggles as a young Black woman sports broadcaster and mentioned receiving $40,000 that year for her contract with CBS Sports NFL Today, illustrating how prevalent the issue of pay equity in Hollywood was. Later in the evening, Leon W. Russell, NAACP Chairman of the Board, re-presented her with an NAACP Image Award that Kennedy originally received in 1982 for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for the film "Body and Soul," after the original award she mentioned was stolen from her.
"Of all the awards I've gained over the years, this is the one that's meant the most," Kennedy said as she tearfully re-accepted the award.
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 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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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.
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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