Free at last
40th anniversary of Davis’ acquittal
Jada Pinkett Smith, left, and Angela Davis at the filming of “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners,” a historical documentary directed by Shola Lynch and shown at the Pan African Film Festival. The documentary marks the 40th anniversary of Davis’ acquittal on charges of murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy. In it, Davis recounts the actions that branded her a terrorist and simultaneously spurred a worldwide movement for her freedom. The documentary was executive-produced by Will and Jada Smith.
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s Roc Nation assisted with final funding.
Urban fiction ironically was jump-started by a White-owned company, Holloway House Publishing.
Originally a purveyor of magazines geared to the porn industry, the company recognized an unrequited market for action literature catering to the African American working class.
Some of Hollywood’s best talent, bar none, gathered together for a night of celebration, recognition and promise. The red-carpet event was presented by the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) and the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA).
PAFF honored the best and the brightest in its annual “Night of Tribute” on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood.
The 12-year-old wears neat pigtails. Her dry, black skin seems to match the barren surroundings of her village, which is void of vegetation with the exception of a few weeds and battered corn stalks that resemble plant fossils against the backdrop of a doom-colored sky.
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) celebrates its 20th anniversary starting this evening with the opening-night gala and screening of the Los Angeles premiere of “Think Like a Man.”
Based on the New York Times best-selling book by television-and-radio host and comic, Steve Harvey. The ensemble cast includes Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union and Chris Brown.
“We are heirs and custodians of a great legacy. We must bear the glory and burden of that legacy.”— Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights leader.
Los Angeles’ cultural diversity is what distinguishes it from most international cities. But many African Americans are concerned that their cultural influence on the city’s history is undervalued.
