WSSN Stories

ATLANTA, GA—- Two Clark Atlanta University Art and Fashion students were selected for the Fulton County Fashion Art Culture & Education (FACE) initiative in Paris presented by Noir for the Global Master Class as part of the Paris Experience, a collaboration with Fulton County’s FACE program and Clark Atlanta University’s Department of Art and Fashion. This new initiative highlights resources in the arts and fashion industry and provides an innovative experience that bridges the gap between fashion, art, culture, and education.

“What an exciting opportunity for our Art and Fashion students, Amari Franklin and Ficara Akins, as they head to Paris for an amazing 10-day educational experience ending with a look at Paris Fashion Week,” said Professor BJ Arnett, Chair of the Art and Fashion Department and Special Assistant to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. “There are so many reasons why these two women were selected. They are both talented and are examples of resilience and tenacity in their fields. This unforgettable experience stands to be an amazing educational and artistic experience for our students due to the partnership between Clark Atlanta University and FACE.”

Franklin, a senior majoring in Fashion Design, and Akins, a sophomore, and Advertising Design major minoring in Fashion Merchandising, learned of the Paris Experience initiative by e-mail. The application process included submitting letters of recommendation and completing a quick fashion collection. This will be the first trip to Paris for both scholars, and they are excited about sharing this memorable and creative opportunity and the international art, fashion, and cultural experiences it will offer. Franklin looks forward to visiting Parisian thrift stores and vintage boutiques to find clothing that complements her sustainability aesthetic and taste and meeting and working with fashion leaders. Simultaneously, Akins plans to soak up the logistics of the fashion show to study the business side and artistry that goes into it, which will help her pursue her dream in advertising design and fashion merchandising.

Franklin and Akins will have an opportunity to gain insight into the Fashion industry through a hands-on field emergence where they will visit design houses and manufacturers and immerse themselves in all things art and fashion during the week-and-a-half-long tour. Additionally, guided by the amazing Noir organization out of New York with CEO Nicole Bess, they will work with designers during Noir Fashion Week, an organization committed to providing BIPOC creative talent and fashion brand opportunities through cultivation and showcasing. The two student fashion scholars may also have a chance to share their fashion collections with the public during one of Noir’s fashion shows.

By Lila Brown | California Black Media

When the BeyGOOD foundation, led by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, awarded Compton-based entrepreneur Veronica Clanton-Higgins $10,000 in August, the 46-year-old businesswoman says she felt empowered and recognized.

Clanton, whose company, VCH Prosperity Consulting provides mental health consulting and socio-emotional wellness services to businesses and organizations, was one of 12 winners in the Los Angeles Area who were awarded grants.

Clanton told California Black Media (CBM) she wants to improve the lives of people in her community.

“I will use the grant funding for general operations expenses, to provide programming such as a hygiene drive for youth at a local high school along with day of wellness events and workshops,” she said.

As Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour makes its way around the globe, the BeyGOOD Foundation supports small businesses affected by the global pandemic through a charitable initiative known as the Black Parade Route. At each tour stop, the foundation hosts business impact luncheons where grant recipients are awarded $10,000 to support their business ventures, most of which are financially disadvantaged.

Clanton is among hundreds of Black individuals and businesses who have benefitted from corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives designed to empower African Americans. These initiatives have gained momentum since companies intensified their commitment to addressing systemic racism and historical inequities in the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent protests that erupted nationwide.

However, if certain conservative groups opposed to DEI initiatives get their way, it would be illegal for companies to specifically allocate funding to Black individuals or Black-owned businesses.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision banning affirmative action in college admissions could potentially pose a risk to corporate affirmative action programs.

Edward Blum, a conservative political strategist whose organization, The Project for Fair Representation was instrumental in the lawsuits that ended the consideration of race in college admissions, is now suing the Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital fund that supports Black women businessowners with $20,000, accusing it of unlawful racial discrimination.

The nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights, also established by Blum, claimed in its federal lawsuit, that the Fearless Fund is violating Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, a U.S. law barring racial bias in private business. Both Goldman Sachs and the Fearless Fund are partners with BeyGOOD which also counts major corporations as sponsors including Adidas, Mastercard, Grameen America, Cisco, Live Nation along with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), an organization that certifies companies as Minority Business Enterprises.

Last week, the Fearless Fund issued a 914-page response to the lawsuit, asserting that the case is baseless; that the plaintiff does not have the right to sue; and that supporting Black women does not harm others, among other claims.

NMSDC’s CEO Ying McGuire issued a statement on the ruling which she said will have significant generational impacts on the business community, particularly for supplier diversity and business diversity programs.

“I am deeply concerned about the ramifications of this decision which poses a direct threat to minority-owned businesses and their economic prosperity,” she said.

In July, the Attorney Generals of 13 states penned a letter to the CEOs of Fortune 100 companies warning them to “refrain from discriminating on the basis of race.”

“Racial discrimination in employment and contracting is all too common among Fortune 100 companies and other large businesses,” the letter reads. “In an inversion of odious discriminatory practices of the distant past, today’s major companies adopt explicitly race-based initiatives which are similarly illegal.”

Corporate social responsibility programs like the Black Parade Route, J.P. Morgan Chase’s Advancing Black Wealth Tour, and Goldman Sach’s One Million Black Women specifically focus on empowering Black entrepreneurs.

Other corporations have launched Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs that aim to increase the representation of Blacks and other minorities at all levels of their corporate structures, while others have focused on Supplier Diversity Programs in procurement.

The J.P. Morgan Chase’s Black Wealth Tour was established in response to the national reckoning that followed the tragic death of George Floyd. The roadshow is part of a broader initiative that promotes equity and inclusion for the Black community.

This year’s tour features Golden State Warriors star and four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry .

At the Oakland stop in August, Curry shared his experience as a venture capitalist with over 300 attendees.

“Generational wealth is about possibilities and about rectifying 400 years of disadvantages since the system was designed to disadvantage Black people around the country,” Curry said.

Although Proposition 209, enacted in California in 1996, prohibited the consideration of race in college admissions and state contracting, advocates say DEI programs still benefit Black businesses in the state.

“I am not surprised by these attacks on diversity. America is in denial about our history – our treatment of minorities, especially Blacks,” said Jay King, President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce. “We have to come together as Americans of all races and fight for the humanity of each other or we are doomed. That is how we live up to our desire to fix historical wrongs and be truly inclusive.”

Earlier this year, there was a sudden exodus of Black women executives in Hollywood leading DEI initiatives, including Karen Horne, senior vice president of North America DEI at Warner Bros. Discovery; Jeanell English, executive vice president of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences; Vern? Myers, Netflix’s first head of inclusion; and LaTondra Newton, Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president. Additionally, Terra Potts, executive VP of worldwide marketing at Warner Bros., left the studio after 13 years. 

Launching her National “Fight for Our Freedoms” College Tour at Hampton University last week, Vice President Kamala Harris characterized those opposing DEI initiatives as “extreme.”

“If we want equal outcomes, we must take into account that not everyone starts out on the same base,” noted Harris.

Antonio Ray Harvey contributed to this article.

NATIONWIDE — Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway, along with her colleague Dr. April T. Berry, wanted to be creative in allowing students and others to have a meaningful conversation around the incident that took place on the Montgomery Riverboat in Montgomery, Alabama on August 5, 2023. This was an event that sparked many reactions, emotions, thoughts, and reflections across social media and within our broader society.

Dr. Holloway is a Professor at Alabama State University located in Montgomery, Alabama. She knew with classes starting back within a few days of this event occurring, she needed to develop a way where students could be safe and brave in discussing this topic in her classes.

Additionally, Dr. Berry serves as the Clinical Director of Vets Recover, a non-profit organization in Mobile, Alabama, and an Adjunct Professor. By overseeing clinical operations and services offered to Veterans and the broader Mobile community, Dr. Berry knew that clients who may have had strong reactions and emotions to this event would need to feel safe in expressing them in therapy. Thus, she knew she needed to ensure clinicians and other mental health professionals were equipped to provide this safe space to clients should it be necessary.

Thus, they were inspired to create The Riverboat Curriculum Study Guide which contains a list of questions designed for professors, mental health professionals, and others to have healthy, meaningful, and engaging conversations about the Riverboat incident. It also allows individuals to understand the bigger picture and critically think about incidents such as these. When using this study guide, you can feel free to pick questions that may be appropriate for the setting in which you are (e.g., academia, mental health, etc.)

Drs. Holloway and Berry strongly believe that if situations such as these are not discussed appropriately, the U.S. will continue to move forward “sick.” They comment, “We will just continue to put bandages on gushing wounds our country experiences such as racism instead of truly tending to such wounds with the appropriate care. As a society, we must use our platforms to be a voice to those who may not speak up for themselves and continue to fight for racial and social justice.”

Indeed, this is exactly why Drs. Holloway and Berry wanted to do this by creating a study guide and starting the conversation to unpack such a critical topic.

Click the link below for The Montgomery Riverboat Curriculum Study Guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS3wolzrrjvXbmhTwLo-j1t6yvJIwr2Y5NREAmYizsZqBSPEWQQ400CRaAHtBtwMJuGwROs8AGpCyQX/pub

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

After months of heated political fights, and just before the Sept.14 deadline for passing bills introduced during the 2023 legislative session, the California Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1228, the “Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act.”

Just before midnight, the Senate did the same with a 32-8 vote.

Should Gov. Gavin Newsom sign the bill, an estimated 550,000 fast food workers in California would earn a minimum wage of $20 per hour.

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who authored the bill – and who later became a key dealmaker in negotiations critical to the passage of the legislation — expressed his satisfaction that opponents and proponents were able to reach a compromise that is mutually beneficial.

“I think it was important that we were able to get a resolution to the conflict between the coalition of businesses with franchisees and franchisors,” said Holden, a member of the California Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC). “But also making sure that we accomplish a goal of setting a council to the ongoing ways of looking at the workplace and making sure that the workers had a safe place to go to work.”

Holden said the bill will improve protections and foster a healthy work environment in California’s fast-food industry.

AB 1228 enforces a joint-employer liability theory between a fast-food restaurant’s franchisor and franchisee, by requiring the franchisor to share “all civil legal responsibility and civil liability for the fast-food restaurant franchisee’s violations.”

To secure its passage, Holden, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, and labor unions brokered a compromise to stave off a referendum scheduled for the November 2024 General Election that aimed to repeal A.B. 257, also known as the Fast-Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act.

“I thought it was a good outcome for all parties,” Holden told California Black Media of the negotiations. “They were sitting at the table with us as we were presenting the bill (Sept. 12).”

AB 257, which was signed into law in September 2022 facilitated the creation of a “Fast Food Council” composed of employees, advocates, franchisors, franchisees, and government officials tasked with overseeing wages and working conditions in fast-food facilities.

In May, a group known as The Stop the Attack on Local Restaurants coalition, which includes social justice advocates, local restaurant owners, small businesses, ethnic business leaders, restaurant brands and trade associations, expressed their concern that AB 1228 would cut off inroads to business ownership for minority entrepreneurs.

On Sept. 11, the Save Local Restaurants coalition announced that a “comprehensive legislative agreement had been reached regarding quick service restaurants” and legislative and regulatory issues in California.

“(The agreement) provides meaningful wage increases for workers, while at the same time eliminates more significant – and potentially existential – threats, costs, and regulatory burdens targeting local restaurants in California,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO, International Franchise Association.

All 12 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Holden, voted for A.B. 1228. The members were CLBC chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), vice-chair Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights) and Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) and Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa).

Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), Minority Leader of the California Assembly, said complicated bills such as AB 1228 should not wait “until the 11th hour” to be voted on.

“If it’s anything after 8 p.m. it usually not good,” said Gallagher, who voted against Holden’s bill.

By McKenzie Jackson |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Sofia Mbega’s first exposure to technology – more specifically, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) — happened years before she moved from East Africa to the Golden State.

Mbega was a student at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, when her mother, Gloria Mawaliza, suggested she take a technology course after learning about computer science from co-workers at the international children’s nonprofit World Vision.

Mbega, now a Stockton resident, said taking courses in software engineering, which she received a degree in 2015, was previously unheard of in Tanzania.

“We were the first batch of students,” Mbega said of herself and her classmates. “It was a new profession for my country.”

When she learned about A.I. systems, a topic that continues to grab headlines across the U.S. with experts and pundits wrestling with its merits and dangers, Mbega was intrigued.

“I was so excited,” she recalled. “But I did not picture things would be like this. I thought A.I. would only be something to help software engineers.”

The technology has moved well beyond that purpose.

A.I. floodgates opened into the mainstream of human consumption late last year with the release of the generative A.I. ChatGPT, which uses natural language procession to create humanlike conversational dialogue for public use. A.I.’s popularity has spearheaded discussions on how chatbots and other A.I. applications like face recognition and A.I. voice generator will impact the workforce, educational systems, entertainment, and individuals’ daily lives.

Despite only accounting for a small percentage of the technology sector workforce, Black women like Mbega, a 31-year-old independent data analysis contractor, are constantly assessing the positives and negatives of A.I. and what it is like to work in the industry.

Although she is still excited about A.I., Mbega says alarm bells are ringing.

If you ask large language model-based chatbots like ChatGPT a question. It will answer. People have used A.I. to do draft emails, compose music, write computer code, and create videos and images.

Mbega worries that bad actors could use A.I. for nefarious reasons.

“Someone can make a video of someone saying a crazy or bad thing and people will believe it,” she said.

Oakland resident Joy Dixon, a software engineering manager at Hazel Health and the founder of Mosaic Presence Inc., is concerned about students becoming too dependent on A.I. to do educational tasks such as write papers and solve problems.

“How much is it really advancing them?” Dixon asked. “Is it doing us a disservice that we won’t see now, but maybe in five to 10 years?”

Her main concern with A.I. though is prejudices present in the technology.

“A.I. is built on models of people, and people have their own biases and challenges,” Dixon said. “Computers aren’t neutral.”

There are documented instances of A.I. image generators producing distorted or stereotypical images of Black people when directed to create an image of a “Black” or “African American” person. The technology has created images depicting Black people with lighter skin tones or non-Black hair.

In July, Bloomberg analyzed more than 5,000 images generated by Stability AI’s Stable Diffusion and revealed that the text-to-image model amplified stereotypes about race and gender. It portrayed individuals with lighter skin tones as having high-paying jobs and people with darker skin tones having occupations such as dishwashers, janitors, and housekeepers.

Google disabled it’s A.I. program’s ability to let people search for monkeys and gorillas through its Photos app eight years ago because the algorithm was incorrectly putting Black people in those categories.

A.I. developers have said they are addressing the issue of biases, but Dixon, 53, who has worked in tech since 1997, believes the problem will persist unless more people of color participate in constructing the systems A.I. technology is built upon.

“When car airbags were first released, they killed more women than saved women because nobody tested them on crash dummies that were the size of women,” she said. “There is similar concern about A.I. If you are only building models with a certain subset of the demographic, then you are leaving whole groups out.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Sept. 6 to examine the use, development, and risks of A.I. in the state and to shape a process for deployment and evaluation of the technology.

Newsom called A.I. “transformative technology” and noted that the government sees the good and bad of A.I.

“We’re taking a clear-eyed, humble approach to this world-changing technology,” he said.

Dr. Brandeis Marshall, a data scientist and professor at Atlanta’s Spelman College, said Black women in technology have skills equal to or better than their counterparts, so more should be involved in the construction of A.I. systems. However, they do not get the same opportunities.

“I meet plenty of Black women who have all the chops, but they haven’t been promoted,” she said. “You tend to be the only one in the room.

Black Women in A.I. founder, Angle Bush of Houston, said Black women can contribute much to A.I.

“We have had to be innovative,” she said. “If we don’t have something, we figure out a way to create it. There are a lot of ideas that haven’t come to fruition because of lack of access and opportunity. It has nothing to do with our aptitude.”

Mbega believes the technology can be groundbreaking in health care and help identify ailments such as brain cancer.

Marshall said any discussions of A.I. systems taking over the world like in a Hollywood blockbuster are overblown.

“Right now, we get inundated with all the cool things,” she said. “Then, we seem surprised that there are harmful things. Let’s get a 360 view before we put all of our chips in one basket.”

By Lou K Coleman

And what do you do? You turn your head as if nothing is happening around you. Woe unto you!  Jesus and the apostles exhorted us to actively “watch!” [Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:32-37]. The command to “watch” includes being alert to newsworthy events happening in the world we live in. When we see major shifts in the political climate and see nations jockeying for position and preparing for war, we must take note! Likewise, we should be alert to potential biological and environmental disasters that we are told will happen in the end-times. We must be aware of time and events so that we can be ready for what is coming. [Revelations 22:20]. Understand all that Christ and the apostles meant and the wide-ranging implications, because your survival and salvation depend on that understanding and your action.

“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. [Jeremiah 5:21]. The Luciferians tell you what they’re going to do ahead of time. They have a code of ethics, and one of the facets of their code of ethics is they must tell the world everything they are going to do before they do it. Certainly, we are not ignorant that evil, the workings of Satan, are all around us. Staying aware of the powerful behind-the-scenes role of Satan and his demons enables us to understand the atrocious evil and madness of this world. So, what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” [Mark 13:35-37]. “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” [1 Peter 5:8].

In Revelation 13 it tells us that the four beasts of [Daniel 7] become one beast, the united government of the Antichrist [The New World Order]. What’s happening in the world today? The Beast Rising from the Earth: [Revelation 13:11-18]. Watch and pray that you may escape all that is about to happen, that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” [Luke 21:36].

What I say to you, I say to all: Watch!

NEW YORK, NY— EBONY Magazine will return to print for a Fall issue that is slated to hit newsstands on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  In partnership with entertainment company Mass Appeal, the limited-edition print issue celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop with five unique cover stories highlighting Hip Hop legends: 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, and Swizz Beatz.  To punctuate Hip Hop’s interdisciplinary reach, both brands have collaborated to create and house original Hip Hop 50 content. In sponsorship with Google Pixel, EBONY.com serves as a digital hub for always-on multimedia content exploring the legacy of Hip Hop across art, music, activism, fashion, business, and more.  Readers can access the content online and the print issue will be available nationwide and in select international markets.

“For the past 50 years Hip Hop has been a cornerstone in our community and an undeniable world force,” says EBONY EVP of Brand and Marketing Ashlee Glenn. “We hand-picked our Fall cover stars because they represent the excellence of the genre.  Their style and business acumen are as influential to our culture as their musical prowess, and we could not miss this opportunity to give our loyal readers what they have long been asking for – a physical copy of our legendary print magazine.”

EBONY Magazine has been a leader in media because of the brand’s history of producing buzz-worthy news stories, provocative covers, and highlighting the best of Black culture.  EBONY’s coveted Fall issue will showcase the far-reaching impact of Hip Hop with features penned by leading journalists that have played an integral role in chronicling its evolution, including trailblazer Emil Wilbekin, award-winning writer Kevin Powell, and historian Elliott Wilson. Shot on various locations in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, the commemorative edition features covers by legendary photographers Keith Major and Shamaal Bloodman.

“EBONY Magazine has been a pioneer publication documenting Black life in America since its inception. EBONY has photographed and profiled some of the most iconic figures in Hip Hop, those who have influenced culture and shaped society. It is a pleasure to partner with EBONY to continue documenting the moments that made history and those which undoubtedly will,” adds Mass Appeal SVP of Partnerships & Content Acquisition Jenya Meggs.

Of particular excitement is Mass Appeal’s “Hip Hop 50 List,” to be featured on EBONY.com. The curated feature will celebrate the artists, creators, and industry trailblazers who have made an indelible mark in Hip Hop and beyond.

Garrison is the first Black woman to serve as a full committee staff director in at least five years

WASHINGTON—- The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies applauds Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, for promoting Eyang Garrison to the role of majority staff director.

Garrison is the first Black full committee staff director since the Oct. 2021 departure of David Strickland, who served as staff director of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. There are a total of 37 full committee staff director positions in the Senate.

Prior to the new role, Garrison served on the committee as deputy staff director since March. She also served as chief of staff to former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh and deputy chief of staff and legislative director to then-Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH). She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

“It’s exciting to see Ms. Garrison take on such an important role in the Senate, especially considering that she will be the first Black woman to serve as a Senate full committee staff director in at least five years,” said Joint Center Interim President and Vice President, Policy Jessica Fulton.

“With a proven track record that includes leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and in Congress, Ms. Garrison brings in-depth knowledge and policy expertise during a pivotal moment in U.S. agricultural policy, which affects our communities through food, farms, and nutrition. We commend Senator Debbie Stabenow for her commitment to promoting top staff diversity and for recognizing Ms. Garrison’s invaluable expertise, leading to her well-deserved appointment. We hope other senators follow her lead and recruit talented people of color for top staff positions, ensuring that congressional top staff reflects the diversity of America.”

ATLANTA, GA—- Awakened Lounge, a visionary production company, is thrilled to announce its latest cinematic masterpiece, “Jubilee Amor”. This enchanting romantic comedy is set to captivate audiences and leave an everlasting impression with its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters.

Written and directed by the talented Naomi K. Bonman, “Jubilee Amor” takes us on a journey of love, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles. Set in the vibrant City of Atlanta, the film follows the story of a former playboy and a strong independent woman navigating jealousy, tragedy, and the quest for true love. It’s a beautifully crafted narrative that explores the complexities of relationships while delivering moments of laughter and inspiration.

Under the visionary leadership of Awakened Lounge, the production team for “Jubilee Amor” includes Lillie Mae Jones as the Casting Director and Producer, Quinton Cammick as the Assistant Director, Marie France Louis as the Associate Producer and Gaffer, and Blaire Hastings as the Production Assistant, among other talented individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into making this film a reality.

“Jubilee Amor” is more than just a film; it’s a movement. Awakened Lounge is committed to empowering emerging artists and promoting diverse storytelling. The storylines and characters in “Jubilee Amor” reflect the richness of Atlanta’s black filmmakers and actors, bringing their unique perspectives to the forefront.

However, creating a high-quality film like “Jubilee Amor” requires not only passion and creativity but also financial resources. Awakened Lounge invites individuals who share their vision and believe in the power of independent filmmaking to contribute to the success of the project. By donating to support the production of “Jubilee Amor,” you can play a pivotal role in bringing this enchanting story to life.

To make a donation and support the film, please visit theawakenedlounge.com/jubilee-amor. Every donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference in realizing the artistic vision of “Jubilee Amor.” As a token of appreciation, the names of generous donors will be prominently featured in the film’s credits.

Awakened Lounge is a company passionate about curating luxury and holistic travel experiences for creatives of color. To learn more about the company and its mission, please visit their About Us page at theawakenedlounge.com/about-us.

Join Awakened Lounge on this cinematic journey of love, laughter, and self-discovery. By supporting “Jubilee Amor,” you are not only contributing to the growth of independent filmmaking but also uplifting underrepresented voices and celebrating the magic of storytelling.

For many states, September represents International Underground Railroad Month. The State of Maryland initiated this commemoration in 2019. During this month, we hope to elevate and share Underground Railroad histories with our communities and better understand how the actions of freedom seekers and their allies shaped the world we live in today.

September represents International Underground Railroad Month because it was the month that two of the most well-known freedom seekers and Underground Railroad operatives, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, escaped from slavery.

There was no singular path to freedom. Freedom seekers may have chosen to travel within the United States, but some travelled internationally to secure their freedom: to the Caribbean, Mexico, England, Canada, etc. The journeys of freedom seekers themselves is part of what connects nations across the world to the history of the Underground Railroad.

Wherever and whenever slavery existed, there were efforts to escape. We know free Black communities, and in some cases Indigenous tribes, came together to aid freedom seekers in their fight for freedom: not just Quakers and wealthy white abolitionists. We know that freedom seekers who made the decision to escape traveled not just North to Canada: but South to locations like Spanish Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico to reclaim their freedom. All these puzzle pieces can help us understand the Underground Railroad as one of the first American Civil Rights movements.

In September 2019, the State of Maryland initiated the commemoration of September as International Underground Railroad Month and invited other states to join them in the future.  In 2020, Maryland Office of Tourism and the Michigan Freedom Trails Commission reached out to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom to collaborate with sites, facilities, and programs with documented connections to the Underground Railroad.  The Network to Freedom’s role is to bring communities together and provide them with an opportunity to engage with these stories in a new way.

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program defines the Underground Railroad as “resistance to slavery through escape and flight.” The Underground Railroad would not exist were it not for the bravery of freedom seekers who self-liberated: and thus, it is imperative that discussion of the Underground Railroad is centered on the experiences of the freedom seekers themselves. Everyone who escaped slavery has a unique story, and though it is possible to draw trends from the hundreds of individuals who escaped, we must understand that there is no such thing as a “routine” or “typical” escape story. By examining the Underground Railroad in this way, we can more thoroughly understand the obstacles freedom seekers faced, the motivations of allies and enemies, and the complexity and nuance of one of the first Civil Rights movements in the United States.

Digital versions of proclamations will be available in the coming days.

Events are being held all over the country and internationally to commemorate International Underground Railroad Month. The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Organization Calendar Page has information relative to Network to Freedom Members that are hosting events for International Underground Railroad Month, as does our International Underground Railroad Month landing page.