Perception matters.
This is why the NAACP Image Awards has heralded the artistic achievements of people of color for 50 years. The award show’s milestone celebration airs March 30 on TV One with “Black-ish” star Anthony Anderson hosting for the sixth consecutive time.
As for the emphasis on imagery, it’s a concept Frederick Douglass embraced nearly two centuries ago when he weaponized photographs of himself to combat racist viewpoints. Unfortunately, NAACP organizers say, in a fractured society in which racism and bigotry persist, the battle is far from over.
“Frederick Douglass was the most photographed public figure in the 19th century,” says Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. “During his era, the majority of Americans — white and black — were illiterate. Newspapers and publications utilized cartoon caricatures to convey public policy messages. Within that were very negative stereotypes of African-Americans.
“So Douglass embarked on a campaign to be photographed as a dignified and intelligent African-American man,...
This is why the NAACP Image Awards has heralded the artistic achievements of people of color for 50 years. The award show’s milestone celebration airs March 30 on TV One with “Black-ish” star Anthony Anderson hosting for the sixth consecutive time.
As for the emphasis on imagery, it’s a concept Frederick Douglass embraced nearly two centuries ago when he weaponized photographs of himself to combat racist viewpoints. Unfortunately, NAACP organizers say, in a fractured society in which racism and bigotry persist, the battle is far from over.
“Frederick Douglass was the most photographed public figure in the 19th century,” says Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO. “During his era, the majority of Americans — white and black — were illiterate. Newspapers and publications utilized cartoon caricatures to convey public policy messages. Within that were very negative stereotypes of African-Americans.
“So Douglass embarked on a campaign to be photographed as a dignified and intelligent African-American man,...
- 3/29/2019
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- Variety Film + TV
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