Matthew A. Cherry Joins the Jackie Robinson Arts & Humanities Lecture Series for Special Screening & Discussion On the Future of Black Animators In Hollywood

    PASADENA, CA, March 19, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Today, Pasadena City College has announced Part Three of the Jackie Robinson Arts & Humanities Lecture (JRALS) Series 2021, entitled "Bearing Witness: The Black Animation Phenomenon".

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 5 pm (PST) / 8 pm EST, the performative arts virtual salon series returns with special guest Writer, Director, Producer, and Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Matthew A. Cherry. Highlights of the evening include a special screening of his animated short-film "Hair Love" (featuring the voice of Actress, Producer, and Director, Issa Rae), followed by a one-on-one dialogue with Cherry, hosted by Actor, Author, and JRALS Program Curator, Charles Reese (Beauty & the Baller, CEO, Teeth and Eyes Communications, LLC).

During the conversation, Cherry will not only discuss the importance of Black representation in Hollywood, but he will also share his journey from NFL wide receiver to winning the coveted Oscar for Best Short Film in 2020 for "Hair Love". The discussion will be followed by a moderated Q&A session. Learn more at http://www.matthewacherry.com/

"I am humbled to be invited to share my story on this platform. I hope I am able to inspire new generations to consider Animation not only as a form of artistic expression but as a career. Representation matters and we must be present in these rooms to make sure our stories make it to the big screen," offers Cherry.

This year, the series theme "Art as Activism in the Era of Covid-19 & Civil Unrest in the USA: Re-Set, Re-Discover & Re-Imagine!" Has set the stage for much-needed discussions concerning education, social justice, and responses to the pandemic by artists, educators, and students in communities of color.

As Program Curator, Charles Reese states, "I am passionate about continuing to bring impactful artists and change-agents to the forefront in the wake of Covid-19 and beyond. I will continue to champions the ability to connect to our global community, something that is needed now more than ever."

A special opening address from Dr. Christopher David West, History Professor & Diversity Initiative Coordinator at Pasadena City College, will kick-off the evening. "Joy, love, and the craft that is animation expressed through the Academy Award Winner Mathew Cherry is a rare and wonderful gift to the campus community, looking forward to seeing all of you for this exciting event. These are the narrative(s) of Black excellence that the Jackie Robinson Arts and Humanities Lecture Series has been telling for nearly a decade," says Dr. West.

Throughout the evening, guests will be treated to soundscapes and musical vibrations from DJ Lynnée Denise. Her DJ Scholarship is making noise and empowering musicians across the globe. Learn more about her mission at www.djlynneedenise.com.

ASL Interpreters are provided by Pro Bono ASL and will be available throughout the series for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Complimentary registration is now open. Reserve your virtual seat early as space is limited at https://jackierobinsonlecturemarch30th2021.eventbrite.com.

For more information on the Jackie Robinson Arts & Humanities Lecture Series, contact Dr. Christopher David West via Email at [email protected] or call (626) 585.7236.

About Jackie Robinson Arts & Humanities Lecture Series (JRALS) at Pasadena City College.
The Jackie Robinson Arts & Humanities Lecture Series at Pasadena City College embodies the College's motto: "Proud Past, Global Future" as a multi-ethnic, multi-disciplinary professional development annual event that exposes the College community to a vast array of artists, scholars, musicians, performers, writers, playwrights and other contributors to the quest for social justice, equity, and other humanitarian issues focused on deepening the understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity/inclusion—a crucial component in preparing for a global future. www.pasadena.edu/jackierobinsonlecture.

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