Celebrating Inclusion Icons

This week, the MPAA partnered with Icon Talks – a platform offering intimate discussions, insights, and performances with inspiring figures across all walks of life – to host a “Celebrate of Multiculturalism and Diversity.” Now in its second year, the event promotes inclusion and multiculturalism in entertainment and beyond by sharing the stories of inspiring advocates for creativity and civil rights.

The 2017 honorees included:

• Gina Adams, Fedex Corporation Senior Vice President for Government Affairs
• Laz Alonso, Television and Film Actor
• Congressman John Conyers, Jr.
• Senator Patrick Leahy
• Nicol Turner-Lee, Brookings Institute Fellow
• Talitha Watkins, Creative Artists Agency Executive in Business Development

We honored these icons during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference here in Washington, D.C. – a week filled with a variety of events, panel discussions, and meetings.

Each year, the MPAA is proud to participate in this conference as part of our efforts to support authentic and inclusive storytelling because as the MPAA’s new CEO Charles Rivkin said last night, “great storytelling requires a diversity of voice and background, perspective and heritage.”

In addition to our work with the Congressional Black Caucus, the MPAA collaborates with more than 20 national civil rights organizations and multicultural groups, hosts or co-sponsors upwards of 35 programming events each year, and partners with numerous groups, including the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to help aspiring filmmakers and creators share their stories with the world.

Visit our Inclusion & Multicultural Outreach page HERE.