{"id":741,"date":"2019-03-10T17:15:16","date_gmt":"2019-03-11T00:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/?p=741"},"modified":"2019-03-07T16:09:54","modified_gmt":"2019-03-07T23:09:54","slug":"see-jane-salon-gotta-keep-on-tryin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/2019\/see-jane-salon-gotta-keep-on-tryin\/","title":{"rendered":"See Jane Salon \u2013 Gotta Keep on Tryin\u2019!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Shining A Spotlight on Women in Literature and Hollywood<br><\/em>Hosted by 72andSunny &amp; LAI Communications<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/gottakeepon-240x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-744\" width=\"180\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/gottakeepon-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/gottakeepon-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/gottakeepon-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/gottakeepon.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2nd Annual Black History Month celebration once again shines a spotlight on women and girls of color in Hollywood and media using literature as its entry point. The evening featured dramatic readings from the works by New York Times best-selling authors, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, along with the newest release of the novel, <em>Blurred Lines<\/em>, by Courtney Parker and Mona Scott Young. An empowering panel discussion followed on the current state of women of color in Hollywood and media. The panel also highlighted recent research studies by Baylor University as well as Creative Artists Agency and shift7. The former study found that movies starring women of color had strong staying power (which equals profitability) in movie theaters on an average of 20 weeks. The latter study looked at movies, from 2014 to 2017, and found that films with female leads earned more than their male-led counterparts. With all of the great successes and progress for women in 2018, there is still more work to do. We \u201cGotta Keep on Tryin!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moderator: Madeline Di Nonno, CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; Panelist: Yolanda Brinkley, Founder, Diversity in Cannes; Kellee Edwards, Travel Expert &amp; Television Host; Sharon Liggins, PR Strategist; Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren, PhD\/MBA, Business Executive, Artist, Entrepreneur; Courtney Parker, VP Alternative Programming, Adaptive Studios and Co-author, Blurred Lines; Actors: Joni Bovill, Napiera Groves, Benita Krista Nall, Fredericka Meek<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gotta Keep On Tryin\u2019!<br>By Samantha Marcus, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 19<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gotta Keep Trying by Samantha M.\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/py17Fb3T-lE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I absolutely loved attending the stage reading and panel\ndiscussion about gender in media. It left me feeling empowered, driven and\nmotivated. While there aren\u2019t as many women in media as there are men, we can\nchange that. After hearing about five successful women finding their voices and\nmaking a difference in the world, I can\u2019t wait to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, this\nevent highlighted the dynamics of gender in media, shining an immense spotlight\non women of color in literature and Hollywood.\nWomen of different races, backgrounds and lifestyles gathered to view stage\nreadings from two pivotal novels: Gotta Keep On Tryin\u2019! by Virginia Deberry and Donna Grant, and Blurred\nLines by Mona-Scott Young and Courtney Parker. Both novels illuminate the power\nof women and recognize how women need to be a driving force in changing the way\nthey are represented in society today. The panel discussed their career paths\nand struggles within our ever-growing and diverse society<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"242\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ifshecanseeit-1024x242.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ifshecanseeit.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ifshecanseeit-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ifshecanseeit-768x182.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The panel consisted of Yolanda Brinkley, Keller Edwards, Sharon\nLiggins, Dr. Tyrha Warren and Courtney Parker. Each woman emphasized how never\ngiving up is imperative in making your dreams come true. I admire how Courtney\nParker, co-author of Blurred Lines, personalized her writing passions by\nsharing how she questioned Goldilocks and the Three Bears, when she was only\nfour years old. Kellee Edwards developed her own show Travel Channel after she\nfilmed herself traveling the world on YouTube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavisinstitutte.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-746\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavisinstitutte.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavisinstitutte-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite part was meeting Geena Davis. She is such an inspiration to me and she was so happy to take a picture with me. I aspire to be like her when I grow up. The message of this event is to find your voice. It wasn\u2019t easy for these women, but once they did, nothing was impossible. This event was appropriate for ages 13 to 18, as well as adults. Teenage years are divine in a young woman\u2019s life, so make the most of them. To learn more about the Geena Davis Foundation, become a member and attend their monthly events, go to<a href=\"http:\/\/www.seejane.org\/\"> www.seejane.org<\/a>. To all the young women reading this, promise me you\u2019ll let nothing stop you. If men can do it, so can we!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tryin\u2019 to Sleep in the Bed You Made<br>Shining A Spotlight on Women in Literature and Hollywood<br>By Jordan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/JordanMillar2-272x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-751\" width=\"136\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/JordanMillar2-272x300.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/JordanMillar2-768x848.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/JordanMillar2.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 136px) 100vw, 136px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On February 20, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender\nin Media hosted a See Jane Salon celebrating the 20th anniversary of <em>Tryin\u2019 to Sleep in the Bed You Made<\/em> by\nNew York Times best-selling authors Virginia Berry and Donna Grant. Held in\nhonor of Black History Month, the event was a lively discussion about the state\nof people of color in media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded by Academy-Award winning actor Geena Davis, the Institute is a research-based organization in the media and entertainment industry focused on eliminating bias, highlighting gender balance and challenging stereotypes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavis-300x261.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-752\" width=\"150\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavis-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/GeenaDavis.jpg 345w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The event featured dramatic readings from some of\nthe authors\u2019 most popular books including <em>Tryin\u2019\nto Sleep in the Bed You Made, Gotta Keep on Trying, What Doesn\u2019t Kill You <\/em>and<em> Far from the Tree<\/em>. Readings featured actors Roseanne Currry,\nMagaly Coleman, Lisa Wilkerson and Harry Lennix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of the performances took the audience through a\nrange of topics from friendships to a troubled marriage to young womanhood.\nSome of the scenes were humorous and others were more traumatic and emotional.\nIt was interesting to see all of the books portrayed live, a much different\nexperience than just reading them. It was like watching a play in action with each\nbook a different scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The readings were followed by a panel discussion on the state of people of color in the media. The panel was moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Madeline kicked off the discussion by asking each of the panelists to share their journey to success, including challenges, and then provide advice for breaking into the industry and share their thoughts on where media is now. It was a lively discussion filled with humor and honesty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tryingtosleep-196x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-753\" width=\"147\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tryingtosleep-196x300.jpg 196w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tryingtosleep.jpg 310w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 147px) 100vw, 147px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Authors Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant shared their journey to becoming best-selling authors and the challenges of breaking into the literary industry as women of color. They discussed their journey from meeting as plus size models in the fashion industry, to becoming best-selling authors. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren discussed her experience working in television and film development with the Creative Artists Agency and Edmonds Entertainment. Actor Harry Lennix, currently on NBC\u2019s hit show <em>The Blacklist<\/em>, discussed his process to becoming a successful actor from stage to screen. He noted that in order to become an actor, you need to study the work of those that you admire. Entrepreneur Yolanda Brinkley, discussed founding Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes. The goal of her program is to highlight diversity in independent film at the international festival each year. Yolanda discussed the importance of people of color in Hollywood having a seat at the table. Because Beyond Borders is not yet an official part of the festival, Yolanda stressed pushing hard to advocate for what you are passionate about doing. She is still striving to make it an official event, but shared how she works to reach out to actors and filmmakers of color to get the word out and the event is growing each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talking with\nauthor Virgina DeBerry about the direction of women and people of color in the\nmedia, DeBerry stated \u201cWe need to continue to get better representation,\nespecially for women in the media. We are so interesting and have so many\nfacets and the media tends to pigeon hole people. We need to be able to break\nout of the slot and show all that we have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event and the panel discussion was inspiring. It\nwas good for the audience members to not only hear the journeys of the\npanelists, but get their advice on how to begin journeys of their own.<br>\n<br>\n<br>\n<br>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2nd Annual Black History Month celebration once again shines a spotlight on women and girls of color in Hollywood and media using literature as its entry point. The evening featured dramatic readings from the works by New York Times best-selling authors, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, along with the newest release of the novel, Blurred Lines, by Courtney Parker and Mona Scott Young. An empowering panel discussion followed on the current state of women of color in Hollywood and media. The panel also highlighted recent research studies by Baylor University as well as Creative Artists Agency and shift7. The former study found that movies starring women of color had strong staying power (which equals profitability) in movie theaters on an average of 20 weeks. The latter study looked at movies, from 2014 to 2017, and found that films with female leads earned more than their male-led counterparts. With all of the great successes and progress for women in 2018, there is still more work to do. We \u201cGotta Keep on Tryin!\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[46,43,47,44,40,38,45,41,42,39],"class_list":["post-741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-jury-updates","tag-benita-krista-nall","tag-courtney-parker","tag-fredericka-meek","tag-joni-bovill","tag-kellee-edwards","tag-madeline-di-nono","tag-napiera-groves","tag-sharon-liggins","tag-tyrha-m-lindsey-warren","tag-yolanda-brinkley"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=741"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":755,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/741\/revisions\/755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}