Representation

EXCLUSIVE: Disability rights group the Ruderman Family Foundation has honored the final season of the Will & Grace revival as well as Fear the Walking Dead , Sex Education , Emmerdale and Call the Midwife with the latest round of recipients for the Seal of Authentic Representation . “After witnessing significant progress on authentic casting decisions in Hollywood in recent years, we are particularly gratified to see the international momentum that has been generated in this high-priority area,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “With several British series joining American productions in our latest round of honorees, it is clearer than ever that the entertainment industry increasingly considers disability as an important part of diversity.” Related Story Hollywood Foreign Press Association "Committed To Addressing" Lack Of Black Members; Under Scrutiny For Questionable Payments To Members The organization … [Read more...] about ‘Will & Grace’, ‘Fear The Walking Dead’, ‘Sex Education’ Among Recipients Of Ruderman Family Foundation’s Seal Of Authentic Representation

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains details about tonight’s two-part series finale of Fresh Off the Boat. After six seasons, we say goodbye to the Huang family of Fresh Off the Boat. The two-part series finale of the groundbreaking ABC sitcom didn’t necessarily end with a bang. There was no huge champagne toast, parting speeches, or huge overture of gushing love. Instead, it ended with humor, a modest farewell, and heartfelt peek into the future of the family. Above all, it said goodbye showing the country that this Asian American-fronted sitcom is, in fact, an American sitcom. Part one of the two-parter, titled “Family Van,” had the Huangs on their way to Disney’s Magic Kingdom for the first time since living in Orlando. During a family road trip sing-along to “Hakuna Matata”, their van (aka Sheila) breaks down, thus beginning a walk down memory lane. Related Story In The Financial Fine Print, A Glimpse Of Fragile Oscar … [Read more...] about ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ Series Finale: Groundbreaking ABC Family Sitcom Says Farewell, Leaving Legacy Of Asian American Representation On TV

Wonya Lucas , who was named President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks six months ago amid controversy, wasted no time addressing the cloud that has been hanging over the Hallmark cable networks for years. “Before I arrived, we had begun to expand our brand inclusiveness in front of and behind the camera,” she said second into her opening remarks. “I’m proud of the progress this team is making to expand diversity in our programming and it is nothing short of seismic. The significant achievements made in the D&I space in 2020 laid the groundwork for us to branch out in our storytelling to approach the complexity of what it means to love and be a family in a more authentic, varied, and inclusive way. We will continue to strive to defy common stereotypes and give our characters more depth and dimension; in short, to more broadly represent the human condition. And what a difference a year makes.But believe me; we know there is so much more good work yet to be done.” … [Read more...] about Hallmark Channel Brass Give Progress Report On On-Screen Representation Following Criticism & Top Executive Change

Queen & Slim director Melina Matsoukas is partnering with Howard University and Instagram to help amplify and support the stories of aspiring Black storytellers through the newly launched Instagram x Share Black Stories “Future First” Reels Challenge. The program kicks off today as we enter the second week of Black History Month. “Future First” will feature selected emerging student storytellers from the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film, each of whom will receive a $10,000 production stipend to support costs associated with the creation of their work. In addition to mentorship provided by Matsoukas and Howard University advisors and educators, the selected student storytellers will have the opportunity to have their content earmarked for sharing across Instagram and other channels on the platform, providing broad reach to the platform’s digital audience. Related Story Golden Globes' Lack Of Diversity And Grab Bag Of … [Read more...] about ‘Queen & Slim’ Director Melina Matsoukas Teams With Howard University For ‘Future First’ Storytelling Challenge

UPDATED with video: Category is: groundbreaking history at the Emmys realness. Billy Porter took the Emmy tonight for his role as the outspoken, fierce and fabulous ballroom emcee Pray Tell in FX ’s Pose . He makes history as the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy in the Lead Actor category. Upon walking on the stage to accept the award in his fabulous outsized hat, he proclaimed, “The category is LOVE!” before saying that he was “overwhelmed to see this day.” He then quoted the incomparable James Baldwin saying “It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the earth as though I had a right to be here.” He thanked an “abundance” of people who got him to where he is today including his mother, sister, husband, his manager, publicity team, FX and his Pose family. Related Story Emmy Awards: The Complete Winners List He then went on to praise the co-creator of the … [Read more...] about Billy Porter Makes History As First Openly Gay Black Man To Win Emmy For Lead Actor