Los Angeles- First Lady hopeful, Michelle Obama created a buzz in Hollywood as she was invited to present the LaHitz Media Sojourner Truth Award at the recent Women In Media Panel, “Bronze Beauties: Commanding, Telling Their Stories and Taking New Ground” during the Pan African Film & Arts Festival at the AMC Magic Johnson Theaters in Los Angeles.   Regrettably, Mrs. Obama was unable to add the Pan African Film Festival to her campaign stops as her husband Barack Obama heads into the Ohio and Texas primaries with 10 consecutive wins. “We were looking forward to Mrs. Obama presenting the Sojourner Truth Award to “Yo-Yo” Whitaker (Rapper & Los Angeles Radio Personality) for her humanitarian work with young people,” said Jacquie Taliaferro, founder of LaHitz@Cannes Film Series and panel organizer.

Panelists cited the need for global interaction among filmmakers and media experts in the African Diaspora without limiting work with other cultures and people.  “We are calling out to our brothers and sisters from around the world to come to Trinidad,” said actress Evelyn Caesar Munroe. “Even our government is working with us to help make films that give a positive image of our people.”   Dianah Wynter, director, producer and college professor, who has just completed “The Rebel Heart” starring Bill Cobbs in Trinidad, affirmed Caesar Munroe’s comments.

The panel was divided into two sections: on-camera personalities and the behind the camera experts.  Among the call for international connections, creating self-determined opportunities, ownership of media companies by the African Diaspora, and participation in mainstream media companies at decision-making levels, panelists also discussed the impact of the image of Barack and Michelle Obama.  “It’s like soothing balm to the eyes to see the love, hard work, determination and unity of the Obamas,” said Jackie Wright.  “It’s that type of image of the African Diaspora that the world needs to see and it a refreshing image that represents millions of African American families that never hit the mainstream airwaves before.  It’s not only good and inspiring to people of African descent, but for everyone.   Many economic decisions are based on the images perpetrated by media and for that reason alone images sent forth must become fair and balanced.”

“We appreciate the work of Ayuko Babu, Ja’Net Dubois, Asantawa Olantunji, and all the staff of the Pan African Film Festival (http://www.paff.org) that just completed its 16th season, and we were pleased to organize the panel discussion, added Jacquie Taliaferro.  “The panel was rich with experience from Rikki Hughes, who has negotiated a 12 picture deal with a major studio, Charlotte Burley, who is both actress and producer, Sonya Maddox, actress and singer who has just completed a CD “Truly” with husband, world renowned guitarist, Phil Upchurch to Dianah Wynter, who just directed a film in the Caribbean; everyone on the panel was a heavy weight,” said Taliaferro.   Filmmakers and actors, Neema Barnett, Vanessa Williams, Terri J. Vaughn, Malinda Williams and Robin Nicole Bates, author of newly released “Soul on the Seine” were scheduled attend, but unexpected circumstances, precluded their participation.


Panelists:

“Yo-Yo” Whitaker- Recipient of the 2008 LaHitz Media Sojourner Truth award, Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker) is a Grammy nominated American hardcore rapper and actor. Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequent sexism found in rap music. Yo-Yo dubbed her rap crew the IBWC, which stood for the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition. Yo-Yo first appeared as a guest on Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted album in 1990. Her critically acclaimed debut was 1991's Make Way for the Motherlode. The album's biggest single was You Can't Play With My Yo-Yo, which also featured Ice Cube.  Yo-Yo’s Film credits include “Boyz N the Hood” and “Menace to Society” and other films including television roles on Martin, Undercover and other various shows.

Sonya Maddox- CEO of WONDERVISION Music & Entertainment, has the grace and charm of a southern belle coupled with the confidence and allure of a Hollywood diva.  The Award-winning Atlanta-born actress/singer/producer/music publisher, Maddox recently reached another plateau in Hollywood.  In the largest grossing film Spider-Man 3, you may have recognized Maddox – A beautiful, familiar face that has graced the television scene in more than 200 commercials including Listerine, AT& T, Listerine, Viactive, Walmart, Honey Bunches of Oats, Home Depot, and South Beach Diet and “the beat goes on.”  Dubbed the “commercial queen” because of her success and the essence she brings to her projects – Maddox reached another height when she landed a speaking role in the film. Email: wondervisionent@aol.com

Charlotte Burley- is the sexy and sassy host/producer of BETJ’s number one rated television show “The Turn On.”  Produced by Burley for Libra Baby Burley Productions, The Turn On is a one-hour HIT talk show infusing slow jam music videos with sexy celebrity interviews. “The Turn On” has featured a cornucopia of celebs including Janet Jackson, Lyfe Jennings, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Regina King, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Magic Johnson, Boris Kodjoe, Vivica A. Fox, Pam Grier, Jennifer Beals, Marlee Matlin, John Singleton, Lamman Rucker, Serena Williams, Macy Gray and Samuel L. Jackson just to name of few! The release of her critically acclaimed novel Cosmopolitan Girls in 2004 made Burley one of the first women of color to embrace the chick lit movement and generated media coverage ranging from UPN, Fox, and Essence to The New York Times.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLkSc_-9fP4

Victoria Platt- is a star in stage, film, and television.  She is in “Cover,” the soon to be released film directed by Bill Duke that details with the Down Low in the Black community. Other film credits include: Winchell, ‘Round Midnight & Alma’s Rainbow.  TV credits include: Barbershop, Strong Medicine, CSI: Miami, Crossing Jordan, Guiding Light, All My Children, State of Grace, The $treet & Cosby. Some theatre & musical credits are: Jelly’s Last Jam - Asphalt – the REDCAT, Dreamgirls, Private Battle, The Vagina Monologues, HAIR, Hoopz!, Smoke, Lilies and Jade, 2 Divas & the Dog, Women of Plums, Conrack, The Hot Mikado. This year she was nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award for lead female in “Hope Runs Eternal” (Nate Holden Theatre). She was also nominated last year for an NAACP Theatre Award for “Opening Doors,” which she co-produced and co-starred in at the Elephant Theatre.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHhohoh0Z7o

Rikki Hughes- Executive producer is currently shooting the 2nd season of “Baisden After Dark” the late night talk show featuring the syndicated talk show host Michael Baisden.  She recently served as a producer of “The Big Black Comedy Show”, a 12 volume DVD series distributed by 20th Century Fox and Executive Produced by Ralph Farquhar (Proud Family, The Parkers, Moesha, Second Time Around). December of 2005 marked Hughes’ entrance into the ranks as Executive Producer through BET’s 25th Anniversary Special, BET Awards 2006, but Rikki's path is leading her once again. She has joined forces with award winning Producer, Carl Craig of 5th Gear Entertainment (Players Club, Mo Money, I’m Gonna Get You Sucka, Hollywood Shuffle etc…) to form Bonnie and Clyde Pictures.   Previously at Priority Records, she spearheaded the international careers of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Master P and the No Limit Family. She also handled Sharon Osborne's record label, DIVINE RECORDINGS.  Soundtrack film credits include Blair Witch 2, Rock Star, Save the Last Dance and Training Day.

Evelyn Caesar Munroe-hails from Trinidad.  Most recently she starred in the critically acclaimed “Sista God,” a film by Yao Ramesar.  She is well known for her multiple roles on stage.  A performer of fourteen years, she has come full circle and works as the Theatre in Education (TIE) Co-coordinator and an Administrative Assistant for Trinidad Theatre Workshop. A former music festival competitor, she has trained in acting, voice, dance and graphic design.   Caesar Munroe has received rave reviews in her portrayals in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “A Man of All Seasons,” “The Rope and The Cross,” “Julius Caesar,” “The Vagina Monologues” among other credits. http://evelyn-c-munroe.tripod.com.

Dianah Wynter- recently returned from Trinidad & Tobago where she directed feature film The Rebel Heart, starring Bill Cobbs.  It is the first of three movies she is directing with the Caribbean American Film Company.  Writer-Director, Wynter began her professional career in the theatre. Mentored by legendary Broadway director Lloyd Richards at the Yale School of Drama, her first major production was the second company staging of Fences starring Samuel L. Jackson at Seattle Repertory. Other productions include To Take Arms starring Sanaa Lathan, and Mules starring Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls). She received an Emmy Nomination for the ABC movie “Daddy’s Girl” which featured Elise Neal, Ruben Santiago Hudson and Lauryn Hill. Episodic credits include the hit Showtime series Soul Food, The Parkers, and several series for Nickelodeon. She wrote and directed the BET feature Intimate Betrayal starring Monica Calhoun, Khalil Kain and Erica Gimpel. Documentaries include ESPN’s Bearing the Torch: Politics & The Olympics for which she was Executive Producer.

Lesa Fouther- formed Equalaris Productions, with her husband Michael in 1996.  The recently completed “Cordially Invited” is their first feature films.  Originally it began as a design studio supplying an environment to create architecture, mixed medium works, and film projects.  Gradually over the years the company evolved eventually shedding its original shell and emerging as a full time film production company. It is their goal at Equalaris Productions to seize the opportunity to create and design within the independent film market. http://www.equalaris.com; www.cordiallyinvitedmovie.com.

Jackie Wright- a three-time Associated Press Award winning broadcast journalist is the president of Wright Enterprises, a full service public relations firm based in San Francisco serving the corporate, non-profit and government sectors.  A seasoned media and public relations professional, Wright has 20 years of media experience having worked with ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates.  As Executive Producer for “A Journey of Purpose,” the AIDS Lifecycle Ride between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in 2005 her work garnered an Emmy and other recognition.  www.wrightnow.biz.

Moderator
Jacquie Taliaferro-Native San Franciscan, filmmaker, community activist, independent film advocate and founder of the LaHitz Media @ Cannes Film Series, Taliaferro has developed numerous film panels in the academic arena and has lent his expertise to co-organize national and international film festivals.  The LaHitz Media Sojourner Truth Award is presented annually at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles and the LaHitz Film Series in Cannes, France to an individual who uses the power of media for humanitarian work.  Recipients include: “Yo-Yo” Whitaker, Jean-Marie Gaston Kabore, the cofounder of FESPACO held in Burkina Faso; Danny Glover, Neema Barnett, Melvin Van Pebbles, South African Film Commissioner, Eddie Mbato, filmmaker Rahmatou Keïta of Niger and U.S labor activist, Maria Elena Durazo, Marla Gibbs and Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame.  www.lahitz.com.

Editor’s note:  Attached photo left to right includes:
Jackie Wright, Dianah Wynter, “Yo-Yo” Whitaker, Victoria Platt, Evelyn Caesar Munroe, Jacquie Taliaferro, Lesa Fouther, Rikki Hughes, Charlotte Burley, Sonya Maddox, Phil Upchurch and Photographer Ian Foxx (www.photosbyfoxx.com) holds playbill of his film, “The Club.”  Foxx handed his camera to publicist Keith Underwood (http://www.umaworldwide.com) to take the candid at the AMC Magic Johnson Theaters in Los Angeles.


About LaHitz Media

Jacquie Taliaferro -Native San Franciscan, filmmaker, community activist, and independent film advocate is founder of the LaHitz Film Series Film held annually during the Cannes Film Festival in France (www.lahitz.com).  The LaHitz Sojourner Truth Award presented in Cannes and at the Pan African Film Festival held annually in Los Angeles. Taliaferro has developed numerous film panels in the academic arena and has lent his expertise to co-organize film festivals nationally and internationally.  His work centers on bringing a voice to the masses.  For more than a decade Taliaferro has advocated for an accessible media facility in the Mission and Bay View Hunter’s Point neighborhoods in San Francisco.  “In addition to the entertainment value, the media should use its power and influence to educate and improve the state of humanity.  That is my mission with La Hitz Media.”  – Jacquie Taliaferro