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Sylvia High: Momentum Education
Kim Anthony • Jul 30, 2020
(Los Angeles, CA) The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) announced the election and invitation extended by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to Sandra J. Evers-Manly, to join the 2020 class of new members. Ms. Evers-Manly joins the 2020 class that includes 819 new members.
As word of the announcement spread, it generated enormous excitement and a huge outpour of congratulatory sentiments for Ms. Evers-Manly.
“As a filmmaker who benefited from Sandra’s support with an Oscar nomination, I’m elated to see she was recognized by the Academy for her contribution to the art of filmmaking through festivals, workshops and support of emerging filmmakers,” stated David Massey, member of AMPAS and the chief champion of Ms. Evers-Manly’s nomination.
With more than 25 years of experience in the film industry, Evers-Manly has made a lasting imprint on both the filmmaking community and the community at large. Her investment of time, talent, and money by developing and producing film projects, creating audience engagement, youth training in film and assisting both veteran and emerging filmmakers have made her an icon for support and excellence. Some of the accolades include:
“We eagerly welcome Sandra into the Academy. She has been an incredible advocate and voice for inclusion and change in Hollywood. Her imprint is on so many of our careers and we can’t wait to feel her impact from the inside.” Reggie Rock Bythewood, Director, “Biker Boys” & Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director “Love & Basketball”
“Executive producer Sandra Evers-Manly is a game changer. She has worked tirelessly to help promote diversity and positive images of ethnic minorities and women in film. Her groundbreaking BHERC S.E. Manly Film Festival has spawned a new generation of independent African American filmmakers. Her selection to the Motion Picture Academy is encouraging evidence of the Academy’s commitment to create positive change in our industry.” – William Allen Young, Actor-Director
“Yes! Yes! Yes! I am so excited that this pioneer, this supporter, this producer, this keeper of our stories will be a member of the most prestigious club in the world! Congratulations! Your commitment and passion for filmmaking is second to none. I cannot think of anyone who deserves this privilege more than Sandra.” elated Carmen Elly Wilkerson, Director.
“The Academy is made better by your membership. I am humbled and honored to know you. Can’t forget the support to me and my first film.” Kelvin Garvanne, Public Policy Research Board of Commissioners
“The Academy could not pick a better member! Congratulations!” Howard Hobson, CEO at Rattle Radio
“You helped me launch my career and have long been supporting Black and Women’s voices with heart and passion through BHERC and the First Weekend Club! Thank you for supporting my first short film “Sweet Potato Ride” and a source of light, love, and strength to so many filmmakers! I am blessed to know you and so proud of you and happy for you!” Camille Tucker, Co-Writer The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel
“What a solid addition to the Academy! They are lucky to have your leadership, vision, creativity, and commitment. Beyond well deserved. Congrats on this new amplified journey of continued impact Sandra!” Melissa Minneci, Senior Manager, Academic Partnerships & Programs
“You have helped the known and unknown in Hollywood reach their goals of becoming writers, directors, producers, actors and executives at the tables so that our voices are heard, and our stories told from our lens. When Hollywood would not come to the aid of Black independent filmmakers, you stepped in and up as Executive Producer.” Mary Jo Miller Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing and Distribution
“I was very pleased to see Sandra on the list. She has been running a showcase for Black filmmakers for a long time and I’m so happy she is being recognized.” Brandon David Wilson, Genius Bastard
In 1995 Evers-Manly founded the Black Hollywood Education Resources Center (BHERC) — a nonprofit organization – that provides educational programs that advocate and empower African Americans in front of and behind the scenes. Programs include several film festivals to help promote, develop, and showcase emerging African American filmmakers including: Sistas are Doin’ It For Themselves, now its 27th year showcasing Black female directors; the African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase, now in its 26th year; Reel Black Men, showcasing emerging Black male directors now in its 25th year; Doin It the independent Way, monthly film showcase; The Faith Base and Inspirational Film Festival featuring faith and inspirational films and the Diversity Youth Film Festival, dedicated to showcasing the film works of middle school and high school students along with Artistry in Motion which introduces the field of animation to youth.
Evers-Manly has executive produced five short films on the impact of gang violence through an initiative called “Fight Back With Films” to help bring awareness to the impact of Gang Violence. In addition, she was the executive producer of the Academy Award-nominated short film, Last Breeze of Summer. In 1998, she established “The First Weekend Club”, a film club formed to support films that feature African Americans both in front of and behind the scenes. This Club attends the first weekend release of a movie, then, encourage other individuals and groups to spread the word and support the movies.
Ms. Evers-Manly served as President of the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP for 12 years including overseeing the NAACP Image Awards, NAACP Theater Awards and reports on diversity in the film and television industry. She has provided testimony on Black images and employment of African Americans in the film and television industry to the US Civil Rights Commission, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the California Assembly.
One of the innovative programs she has created within BHERC is an “invitation only” initiative called “Films With A Purpose” (FWAP) which funds, and executive produces thought-provoking and socially responsible films that bring awareness to current such issues as bullying, aging out of foster care system, homelessness, and key historical events. Through this initiative, she has funded seven short films and eight documentaries as well assisted with partial funding for nine other films.
In February 2020, Ever-Manly launched BHERC TV a leading world-wide provider of narrative and documentary short and feature films about the African American experience, as well as content from across the diaspora and diverse populations. Offering an affordable streaming entertainment service with paid memberships in over seven countries. BHERC – TV members enjoy a wide variety of genres and languages and may watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen.
For more information email bherc@bherc.org. #BHERCStrongTogether
About the BHERC – Founded in 1996 by Sandra Evers-Manly, the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center is a nonprofit, public benefit organization designed to advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history and future of Black images in film and television. Through film festivals, award ceremonies, book signings, script readings, contests, scholarships, other programs, and special events, BHERC recognizes the contributions of Black men and women in front of and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “We also noticed that diverse individuals were having a very negative impact, and with the data, it was coming to 41 percent or 450,000 Black-owned businesses closed when COVID hit. That is a disproportionate impact not only to the entrepreneurs but also to the employees they have and the pocketbook,” said Jenny Flores, Wells Fargo’s head of small business growth philanthropy.
Color Of Change and Michael B. Jordan launched the #ChangeHollywood initiative to answer calls for action across the industry with infrastructure that will create concrete, measurable solutions towards racial justice. The collaboration between an actor-producer on the inside and racial justice advocates on the outside begins with a roadmap for change that lays out tangible ways to invest in anti-racist content and authentic Black stories, invest in Black talent, and reinvest police funds to support Black communities. Throughout the initiative, companies, executive leadership, staff and talent will be provided with recommendations as well as forthcoming resources to support follow through, including directories, templates, analysis, taskforce convenings, writers’ rooms, consulting sessions, and emerging ideas. Key aspects of the roadmap include: Investing in Anti-Racist Content & Authentic Black Stories through educational materials, resource lists and content creation support. Investing in Black Talent & Careers with advancements in recruitment, hiring practices, trainings and transparent disclosures. Shifting Investment in Police towards Investment in Black Communities including advocating for independent security, support for Black owned businesses, financial support of community-led programing and new streams of communication between the industry and Black communities. You can view the full roadmap here. “The legacy of racism in Hollywood is long and unforgivable: excluding Black talent, silencing Black voices, derailing Black careers, and using the economic power of the industry to prop up police who target and enact violence on Black communities,” said Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change. “We know from our advocacy that the industry won’t change on it’s own, so we’re building off our current work to hold Hollywood accountable to offer these resources and a roadmap toward enacting racial justice. From the writers’ rooms to the streets, we are energized and ready to help Hollywood follow through on their statements that Black lives matter.” “This roadmap is just the beginning of the journey to racial justice. We are all accomplices in the fight to transform Hollywood, and we invite content creators and industry leaders to join us in working together to #ChangeHollywood,” said Michael B. Jordan, CEO of Outlier Society. “We look forward to including a variety of voices in doing what we do best: telling authentic stories, bringing people together, partnering with influential artists, and changing the rules of the game.” Outlier Society and Color Of Change have already begun conversations with companies like WME and Endeavor Content and organizations like BLD PWR about commitments to this initiative, with more details to come. The #ChangeHollywood initiative is urging everyone in the industry to make these bold moves to affirm, defend and invest in Black lives through honest storytelling, value-aligned financial investment and systemic change within the industry. Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 1.7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org Outlier Society is a cutting-edge production company focused on showcasing an eclectic and inclusive lineup of diverse stories and voices. Outlier Society is investing in the cultural and economic power of Black content, careers, and communities.
Mending Kids, a nonprofit organization is hosting its first ever “MASKrAID Campaign” virtual online auction to raise funds for the ongoing shortages of PPE for frontline health care workers, teachers and students in disadvantaged communities. The auction will launch on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Up for bid will be a collection of one-of-a-kind celebrity designed/illustrated masks. Matthew McConaughey, Thandie Newton, Kaia Gerber, Gene Simmons, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott, and dozens more iconic and civic-minded individuals have come together in support of Mending Kids’ commitment to serve children, teachers, and frontline workers in areas suffering from the financial devastation of the pandemic. Over the past few months COVID-19 has worsened and amplified the health disparity gap among disproportionately inequitable populations. With the push to open schools, educators are the new frontline workers. As in-person learning resumes, these communities will have an urgent and overwhelming need for basic safety supplies. Like many organizations, Mending Kids has also been affected by the pandemic, but rather than close its doors, the nonprofit has taken a proactive stance by redirecting its efforts to serve and bring relief to local communities in need. The “MASKrAID Campaign” aims to fight health disparities in depressed areas. The first weeklong auction opens to the public on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. MASKrAID will not be a typical auction, but a powerful and impactful event to raise awareness, support the vulnerable and save lives. To help raise critical funds, promote iconic individuals and learn more about MASKrAID please click here. “More importantly, we hae always been champions of addressing health disparity and we think that MASKrAID will be a great opportunity for iconic individuals to come together and throw their mask in the ring in support of kids everywhere.” -Isabelle Fox, Executive Director Mending Kids.