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Investigative journalist Ida B. Wells paved the way for the truthtellers of today to affect real change through exploration and deep inquiry.

Chromatic Black is continuing that work through their inaugural Ida B. Wells: Disrupting the Master Narrative Fund. They recently announced 10 Black filmmakers and documentarians selected to receive cash awards for their stellar work.

“We are happy to announce ten Chromatic Black filmmakers selected for partnership and investment through this catalytic mechanism to support authentic, prolific voices reflective of the nuance, depth, and complexity of our humanity,” said Abeni Bloodworth, CEO, and Angela Harmon, President, of Chromatic Black.

Named after investigative journalist and anti-lynching activist, Ida B. Wells, the fund is rooted in the understanding that building an equitable society is a creative act. Giddings notes, “justice begins with the imaginary power of Black creatives to deconstruct stereotypes, build cultural power and envision a future through powerful storytelling.”

“This fund is an evolution of our growth and power as creatives to invest in stories that subvert the master narrative, ” said Malcolm Spellman, screenwriter, and producer of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

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All The Celebrity Kids Graduating In 2022
As the saying goes, star kids grow up at a faster rate than any other child. One minute they’re wee kiddos on reality TV, in movies, and in photos, the next they’re graduating from middle school, high school and college (and for one little one, kindergarten!). You can’t tell me grade school-aged Yara Shahidi wasn’t just in A Thousand Words. Ok, so that was actually 2012. Ten years later, she’s officially a graduate of Harvard University (and said goodbye to her first TV series, Black-ish). Excuse me while my mind explodes… Shahidi joins a growing list of famous kids (both well-known for their own work or for being the child of a notable figure or two) who are putting on their cap and gowns and getting their diplomas this spring. Some are celebrating with fancy trips abroad (like tennis ace Coco Gauff did in front of the Eiffel Tower after graduating from high school), at their favorite burger joints (like Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and reality star Laura Govan), and with super luxurious gifts (like Shayla Gibson‘s Rolls-Royce!). However they’re doing it, these not-so-little kids are commemorating this major moment in their lives with help from their loved ones.

A distinguished panel of film industry veterans and social justice activists including the Honorary Chair, Paula J. Giddings, whose book, “Ida: A Sword Among Lions,” won the 2008 Los Angeles Times Prize for Biography, announces the following ten award finalists:

The Animated Series,” speaks to the importance of mental health awareness in Black communities; Elishia Constantine and Kristina Pupo, “Black Sage,” is a story of a superhero who saves the world only to come home to save her marriage; Chuck Gomez,” Opus Pointis #1: A Symphony for Social Justice,” details the struggles of eight African American classical musicians;  Mylrell  Miner, “Hang,” invites audiences to engage critically into the dynamics of gentrified communities; Javier Molina and Gabriel Furman, untitled project; Jana Smith, “Baptême,” is a satirical “mockumentary” inspired by the Real  Housewives reality show that explores what it means to survive sexual harm; Christine Swanson, “Sunflower: The Fannie  Lou Hamer Story,” looks at modern-day voter suppression through the powerful words of the 60’s Civil Rights heroine; Lynelle White, “Hatchback,” looks at a blue collar  African-American family struggling to make it; Renée Wilson, “HoneyPot,” is about Ella and her confidante, V., her chatty vagina; Riley S. Wilson, “The Cookie Crunch  Club,” follows a trio of black children who, in light of a defunct police department, start their own secret detective agency.”

Each finalist will receive a $10,000 investment for the creation of a short film to be produced by December 2021.

The jurists, who selected finalists from over 400 submissions, include: critically acclaimed filmmaker Julie Dash, director of the groundbreaking “Daughters of the Dust”, Gloria Steinem, renowned political activist; and Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte, Academy and Emmy Award-nominated, Golden Globe-winning producer – The full list of 2021 jurors can be viewed here.