The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) is proud to announce the selection of humanitarians Charisse Bremond Weaver and George Weaver of the Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade as the 2018 recipients of the Presidents’ Award. The award will be presented at the 24th Annual African American Film Marketplace (AAFM) and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase Gala and Opening “A Great Day in Black Hollywood” on Friday, April 27, 2018, 7:30 p.m., at Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4708 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016. This award is presented at the Presidents’ discretion and is given to a person or persons who have gone above and beyond in support of the BHERC organization and its mission over many years.
“The Weavers have done just that. In addition to the remarkable work that they do at the Brotherhood Crusade, they have been extremely supportive of BHERC and our effort to advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history and future of Blacks in film and television,” states founder and BHERC President Sandra Evers-Manly. “Both Charisse and George share a plan to make a difference in our community and they are carrying out that plan. Together, they exemplify outstanding characteristics and loyalty that uplift others, removes barriers and provides opportunities to underprivileged in society.”
Bremond-Weaver has been president of the Brotherhood Crusade, the community service and development organization since January 2006. Ms. Bremond-Weaver serves as the chief executive officer of Brotherhood Crusade. She served as the first woman President of the African American Unity Center and as the first-ever Executive director of Sabriya’s Castle of Fun Foundation. She serves as director of Green Dot Public Schools. Ms. Bremond-Weaver is a graduate of Utah State University, where she attended on a women’s basketball scholarship and received her degree in Communications. Bremond Weaver a champion of firsts.
George Weaver, program director of Brotherhood Crusade, and his team developed a mentoring program which includes remedial academics, hands-on science and technology training, theater, soccer, and golf. Such opportunities are made possible through a network of champions, collaborators, and sponsors that the Weavers cultivate among Brotherhood Crusade alumni, local community groups, major foundations, Hollywood celebrities, and corporate partners to foster personal growth and development.
The Weavers have a plan to defy the odds, one young person at a time with their Proud to be Me initiative. Within the 70 square miles of South Los Angeles, more than a million people live in poverty, and children growing up in this area often face numerous obstacles that diminish their chances to grow into healthy, educated adults. At the Brotherhood Crusade they serve more than 3,500 5-24-year-old young people annually and an additional 25,000 youth and families through special projects. The program model includes:
• mentoring,
• job training
• remedial academics
• hands-on science
• technology training
• theater
• sports activities
• films
Such opportunities are made possible through a network of champions, collaborators, and sponsors like BHERC that the Weavers cultivate among Brotherhood Crusade alumni, local community groups, major foundations, government, Hollywood celebrities, and corporate partners. “If we don’t know the answers, we have a partner who can help,” states Bremond Weaver. “We make it clear to young people that this community of partners is not going to give up on them. That’s the starting point for change.”
The Brotherhood Crusade is one of the most respected community-based organizations in South Los Angeles. For 50 years, the organization has championed the cause of the disenfranchised and under-represented on both a local and national basis. Brotherhood effectively provides critical services through a variety of social programs focused on education, health, economic growth, and institution building.
Additional highlights of the festival include: the opening gala held at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center Friday April 27, the AAFM at Raleigh Studios on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 29, 2018. Films are screened on both days from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. The BHERC Youth Diversity Short Film Festival, featuring young aspiring filmmakers of tomorrow from local arts organizations and high schools; Industry Panels and Salons on both days from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Closing of the festivities on Sunday night includes the classic Soul Food & Film Reception at 10:00 p.m. The costs include: Opening Night Festivities $55 (at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4708 W Washington Blvd, LA, CA 90016); a pass for a block of films is only $15 for students with ID and $20 for adults; All Day Pass is $50; 21 and Done Premiere $25, $15 for students; Panels $20; Anatomy of a Script Panel (FREE); Closing Night Reception is $25 (Soul Food & Film); and the Weekend Pass (includes Opening Night, All Day Pass for films, Panels, Closing Night Reception, T-Shirt and BHERC Commemorative Bag) is $150.
To purchase tickets and for the complete schedule, please visit www.BHERC.org or call (310) 284-3170. To attend the Film Festival consider riding LA Metro – Go Metro: Take the Metro Local Line 10/48 to Melrose Ave. & Van Ness. Raleigh Studios is right across the bus stop on Melrose Avenue. Plan your trip on metro.net or call 323.GO. METRO (323.466.3876).
