Actor, comedian, producer, writer, and director Marlon Wayans will join Hollywood & Mind founder Cathy Applefeld Olson for a pivotal fireside chat focusing on the mental health implications of how the Black experience is portrayed on-screen and within the broader culture.
Presented by global sports, music, and entertainment company Wasserman in partnership with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, the event will take place September 12, from 4p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the NAACP Screening Room.
The Black community has long endured the silent struggle of mental health challenges, burdened by the stigma that surrounds seeking help. Even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a beacon of strength and resilience, reportedly suffered from severe depression but refused treatment, despite the urgings of his closest advisors. This tragic reality is all too familiar to many people of color, cutting across families at every economic level.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/the-legend-behind-the-wayans-patriarch-howell-wayans-passes-away-at-86.html
https://lasentinel.net/marlon-wayans-living-his-best-life-in-encino.html
Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial. During the era of slavery, it was widely and wrongly believed that enslaved people were not capable of experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. The repercussions of these harmful beliefs linger today, with only 25% of Black individuals seeking mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of their white counterparts.
Wayans will be joined by a distinguished panel of speakers, including actor Daniel Ezra, actress-writer-director Maria Sten, actress Christina Elmore, Wasserman Vice President of Impact and Inclusion Lindsay LaBennett, and choreographer-performer Dexter Carr. These thought leaders will delve into the state of Black representation across various sectors of the entertainment industry, from on-set roles to the writers’ room, creator ecosystems, and executive suites.
The NAACP Hollywood Bureau has been dedicated to influencing the output of Hollywood’s image-making apparatus for over two decades, working to secure equitable opportunities and authentic representations in media. Their alliances and partnerships aim to honor diverse artistic expressions while promoting responsible approaches to commercial exploitation.
For more information and to register for the event, visit https://www.hollywood-mind.com/spotlightonblackreptickets.
