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Unleashing the Power of Art, Culture, and Media to Transform Black Communities

The two videos showcase the Black Male Re-Imagined campaign’s kickoff event in December 2010.  The “Opening Night” segment features a town hall, hosted by the Harlem Children’s Zone, American Values Institute, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations Campaign for Black Male Achievement. The conversation featured an intergenerational group of speakers who discussed the intersection of culture and social change. Speakers included John O’Neal, Nick Cannon, Russell Simmons, Jordan Coleman, Lupe Fiasco, and Ann Beeson.

The “Convening Highlights” video provides an overview of the two days of discussion that followed the town hall. Representatives from all corners of the entertainment, media, and nonprofit sectors discussed the various ways they can work together to create real change in the lives and perceptions of black men and boys.

The Black Male Re-Imagined campaign aims to encourage the media industry to help transform how black males are portrayed in popular culture and public discourse. Over the next two years, the American Values Institute will continue the momentum from this December 2010 Black Male Re-Imagined convening by building a national network of thought leaders, media influencers, cultural artists, policy makers and other key stakeholders to challenge stereotyped depictions of black males in the media.

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