richardmurray

@aka Contrarian thoughts when 91 , remember her well and if you never knew her read on and be inspired. https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11759-reflections/ my comment https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11759-reflections/#findComment-75452

Mammoth pictures sage 32 submissions open winners announced January 30th maybe pinnochio Mammoth pictures sage 32 submissions open winners announced January 30th submission https://www.stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/12th-Annual-Search-for-New-Blood-Screenwriting-Contest Important Dates to Be Aware Of Super Early Bird Deadline: August 14th, 2025 Early Bird Deadline: September 10th, 2025 Regular Deadline: October 8th, 2025 Final Deadline: October 29th, 2025 Quarterfinalist Announcement: December 12th, 2025 Semifinalist Announcement: January 2nd, 2026 Finalist Announcement: January 16th, 2026 Winner Announcement: January 30th, 2026 article https://variety.com/2025/film/news/mammoth-pictures-stage-32-horror-development-1236482160/ INFO The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will get into a script development incubator and packaging fast track with Stage 32 & Mammoth Pictures, the producers behind the successful horror/thrillers THE NIGHT, PARALLEL, and more! The Grand Prize Winning screenwriter will receive: Mammoth Pictures Talent Incubator placement for script development and packaging with Mammoth Pictures (THE NIGHT, PARALLEL) Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources Personal Mentorship Track with dedicated 1:1 career development sessions from our success team Industry Marketing Campaign promoting winner to our exclusive roster of 2,500+ managers, agents, producers, and executives Strategy Partnership where Stage 32 and Mammoth Pictures executives collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market Our Finalists will receive: Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $1,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 2,500+ top entertainment industry executives, giving your work unparalleled exposure! But that’s not all! Everyone who makes the Semi-Finals will receive a Career Breakthrough prize package valued at $1,000, our Quarterfinalists will receive a Career Elevation prize package valued at $500, and all Entrants will get a prize package valued at $100! What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For? We are looking for Feature scripts like: BRING HER BACK, TALK TO ME, FINAL DESTINATION, SCREAM, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, M3GAN, WOLFMAN, TERRIFIER, SMILE, WATCHERS, CUCKOO, IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE, V/H/S, NIGHT SWIM, LONGLEGS, 5 NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S, EVIL DEAD, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, THANKSGIVING, FRIDAY THE 13TH, FEAR STREET As well as TV pilot scripts like: AMERICAN HORROR STORY, STRANGER THINGS, FROM, THE WALKING DEAD, SUPERNATURAL, EVIL, PENNY DREADFUL, THE TERROR, THE LAST OF US, RESIDENT EVIL, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, TWISTED METAL, GOOSEBUMPS, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, LORE, HAUNTED But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before! For the last 13 years, Stage 32 Contests have led to dozens of success stories including writers getting representation, sold, optioned, staffed, given writing assignments and getting produced. No other contest opens more doors and we want to do the same for you. If you have an horror story that needs to be told, now is the time to show us what you've got, because our goal is to amplify your voice, give you the access Stage 32 is known for, and take your writing career to the next level! Submit Now Full name Email address Please make sure you use the same email address as the one you use to sign in to Stage 32, otherwise you won't have access to your webinar. Promo code: Enter your promo code Yes! I want to receive coverage notes on my screenplay and have the option to submit a new draft for only $99! 12th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest Screenwriting Contest ? Yes! I want to receive discounted coverage notes on my screenplay after the quarterfinalists have been announced for only $49! 12th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest ? Yes! I want the option to send an updated draft later for only $39! 12th Annual Search for New Blood Screenwriting Contest ? Yes! I want to be eligible for a mentorship opportunity with Producer Ethan Erwin (ORPHAN: FIRST KILL), Producer Jonathan Barkan (SKINAMARINK), or Story Analyst Michael Schulman of am*zon Studios for only $29.99! ? My script is over 120 pages (add $20) I have read and agree to the Terms and Guidelines. - or - $49.50 TOTAL PRICE:

https://www.moonlightandmawazo.com/submissions Work must be submitted in PDF format via the website. The submission must range between 1,500 and 7,500 words. Submissions must be in Times New Roman, double-spaced and 12-point font. Anything outside of this range will be automatically disqualified. Broken files or non-PDF files will not be judged. You may submit up to 3 story entries. Each submission will need its own entry form and $25 entry fee. Students and Seniors 65+- $15 entry fee. Each submission will be considered under its own merit. All entry fees are non-refundable. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moonlight-and-mawazo-98aa782a5/

All human populations in humanity have the problem of groups inside said populations having dissimilar interpretations of the past. The black populace in the usa, second only to the first peoples of the usa , have a very hard time with this, and it is expected. It isn't easy coming to a consensus when you are dominated by another people or have differing views on moving forward. MY COMMENT @Pioneer1 On 8/3/2025 at 8:29 PM, Pioneer1 said: I don't believe they TRULY want a "Whites Only" nation or even city. Then who would they have to oppress and look down upon? Most wise and elite White people know that for racism to really work you need atleast 2 races in the environment. One to rule and the other to subjugate. You take away the people of color, soon you'll have a situation like Nazi Germany or Russia/Ukraine where you have White folks just warring against eachother ove who's the "whitest". On 8/4/2025 at 2:02 AM, Pioneer1 said: White folks NEED Black people for sex, artistic Creativity, cheap labor, ect.. All this talk of separation and "Whites only" is usually coming from some jealous poor White trailer trash who is insecure about having his sister or mother or daughter around Black men, lol. HE ain't got shit and don't mind living separate from Black people...unless he finds some dumb ass Black woman who loves him and then HE forgets all about it, lol. But the wealthy elitist Whites do NOT want us living separately from them. They know better. They want to live with and near us, they just want to be ON TOP. Well, you suggested a number of things to others I ponder to. First you suggest you believe, you are not certain, of the majority philosophy of whites in the usa. And that is fine, no one can know the future. If you are correct then your following stratagems hold wisdom BUT if your wrong, it can spell the greatest disaster for black folks in the usa at least. Second , I don't know what determines a white person is wise or elite, but your allusion to Nazi Germany is interesting. In NAzi Germany there was no problem with whites warring each other. the christian white germans put the jewish white germans in camps without much fuss. Modern Media makes it more dramatic than it was for the christian german populace to terrorize the jewish german + other white minorities. I wonder how many white jewish germans in germany couldn't believe what would happen in world war two after world war one. Third, I am not certain any fiscally poor people are needed. You assume whites need blacks for their egos or leeching ways but I am not certain of that. Fourth, when you say "usually coming from" what percentage ? in the Jim Crow era, by my assessment most financially wealthy whites were talking separation and whites only. Now you suggest that most fiscally wealthy whites lied about wanting blacks separated or away from them to sate fiscally poor whites. While I can't prove or disprove I can definitely say the argument can be made for or against that on even footing today or yesterday, the question is which is the majority and I can't say that can be proven easily. @ProfD Above explains Pioneer's basis to his thinking. As I always say in this forum. Various black people tend to have philosophies that lay the basis to their thinking that other black people have to first embrace before they can share their thinking. When Pioneer speaks to anyone else black, if said black person doesn't believe whites in majority want an integration with blacks where whites are superior , they can't embrace his larger points, so you get proselytization or just restating positions over and over as various black people with various beliefs tend to do. My one point about history is humans do change. He uses Nazi Germany, but that is an example of change that was unexpected and yet happened. I think the Schrumpft era presidency is a change presidency, one all have to live through even if we don't believe. Now the following is his reply to me straightly and I will reply to him after On 8/3/2025 at 8:29 PM, Pioneer1 said: Don't let them. Fight back. Historically, when we've actively opposed racism by whatever means at our disposal...we've won. ONLY when Black folks psyche themselves out into not fighting back or begin to argue with and turn on eachother, did they lose. There are not only towns but ENTIRE REGIONS of the United States where it's almost all non-White Latinos and even a few nearly all Asian regions. They aren't White....but White folks haven't stopped THEM for grouping together and doing their thing. First, my knowledge of history is lacking, when have black people in opposing white terrorism in the usa won at the end of the day ? I don't recall. Second to demographics in the usa. In NYC did you know while black people were being enslaved to whites, white asians + white/mulato/mestizo whites were owning business and participating in NYC as free individuals absent having to worry about slave catchers. For me white and light asians + latinos are white. I know you see them differently, but being white for me isn't about being european or speaking english. I argue that non black latinos + non black asians from the founding of the usa were allowed by white europeans who speak english, their cousins, far more than black people. Third, to the answer to my question. You already said you feel when black people have actively opposed white terror we have won, I don't recall that in the united states of america, though I do recall in the usa many black people fighting in the past. so the only question I have left is, what do you mean by Actively Oppose? Please define exactly what you mean by actively oppose and please state an example of this in the usa? comment referral https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11752-whites-only-planned-communities/#findComment-75446 prior point https://aalbc.com/tc/events/event/432-what-is-the-heritage-of-the-black-descended-of-enslaved-and-what-cultures-does-it-allow/ IN AMENDMENT @Troy 7 hours ago, Troy said: We will either live in a utopia or dystopia. The tech will make one of these outcomes possible. I doubt there will be anything in between. I think the future will be just like the past, always in the middle, some winners some losers, but most in the middle. In my view, the technology like all tools in the past and far in the future never lead to the various extremes people in the past as well as far in the future tout as coming. @Pioneer1 2 hours ago, Pioneer1 said: do you believe that White people support a "white supremist" system in which they THINK they are supreme over others? I don't know. That is the wisest plus honest answer to your question. I can state white, as I define them, groups acting to the communal benefit of all white people, sometimes interwoven in time, but i can also say when white individuals do for their own benefit which harms others including white people. As an engineer, a system of supremacy isn't worth much when it allows the people who are supposed to be supreme to be harmed. Cause being harmed or killed doesn't make one the highest. Do i think many whites think they are better than those not white? yes. but I have been fortunate enough to know various people who think of their particular race based on phenotype or gender as the best. so I don't know. I know you have things defined in your mind in such a way that you know , but I don't. 2 hours ago, Pioneer1 said: Who said that was how "I" defined Whiteness???? even enough I made an ass out myself. I don't know how you think intimately, nor do I know your mind, only the trickles that you share. Maybe you have the same definition of white is me, maybe you don't. but in your statement I quoted, below some of whom you suggest are not white I suggest are. On 8/12/2025 at 11:54 AM, richardmurray said: There are not only towns but ENTIRE REGIONS of the United States where it's almost all non-White Latinos and even a few nearly all Asian regions. They aren't White....but White folks haven't stopped THEM for grouping together and doing their thing. And I see. I wonder what frederick douglass/mlk jr/web dubois when younger would say to you. So many black people have followed their teachings and today in the usa black people individually while less so but still in a few cases collectively have betterment taking the nonviolent, integrated stances those leaders suggested. I am not saying I concur to Douglass or King but I do comprehend that many other black people to adher to that philosophy which is one of many in the black populace in the usa. so, I think those that share your view Pioneer and you need to come together, and do something to functionalize that energy. REFERRAL https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11752-whites-only-planned-communities/#comment-75484

FIYAH's SINNERS SAINTS HAINTS exclusive issue submission Here at FIYAH, it’s no secret that we LOVE horror—and y’all are damn good at writing it! Inspired by the film SINNERS, we want to celebrate the Southern Gothic renaissance with a special issue. From August 20th to August 31st, FIYAH is accepting submissions for SINNERS, SAINTS, AND HAINTS. This issue is exclusive to reprinted stories, i.e. stuff that has already appeared in other magazines. (If you have original fiction and poetry, please save it for a future issue!) Eden Royce and Shakeema Smalls will serve as guest editors for prose and poetry. This banger’s gonna drop October 31st, just in time to close out Black Speculative Fiction Month. Please see our website’s Submissions page for more info. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES https://fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/

Opening for the Boone theatre from the Black Movie HAll of Fame 100 black films list from the Black Movie Hall of Fame https://aalbc.com/tc/events/event/451-the-problem-with-list-black-100-films-from-the-black-movie-hall-of-fame/

I have said multiple times, I find labels are rarely well thought out in the USA, The list of 100 best black films by a supposed black organization [has to be financed and populated by blacks to be a black organization] includes films, not even directed or written by blacks. 6. “Claudine” (1974) - directed by a nonblack man, and I like Claudine 10. “Carmen Jones” (1954) - based on a nonblack theatrical play 21. “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert” (1979) How do you lump a live comedy show next to a fiction? 22. “Shaft” (1971) - story written by a white man 31. “Glory” (1989)- written directed and financed by whites 32. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) - a black version of a white character 63. “Black Orpheus” (1959) based on a white mythology, directed by a white man... and I like Orfeu Negro The Oldest is 50. “Within Our Gates” (1920) , personally happy 35. “The Emperor Jones” (1933) made it, fewer black people know Paul Robeson today, which is telling cause Paul Robeson more than Malcolm or Martin or many other Black men was a Black man of many talents registered by whites But within our gates is placed 50... the thing about white movie list is white movie list go reverse, the oldest get preference on top, the youngest go to the bottom. Within Our Gates is not better than the Heat of the Night... ok. And for me, to see Black Girl from Ousmane Sembene is ok, but , Emitai or Ceddo alone are better than most of the movies on this list. I will be blunt, Black Girl is good but Emitai or Ceddo are top 5 based on story and quality. And then the damn princess and the damn frog made it... and I don't see any films from India, a number of Indians from India are Kalo's/Habshi/Blacks , And a film from Kemet/Egypt I recall about a cleaning woman, a Nuba and has what I call a mamluk friend, whose husband goes to jail but he kills a man who hurt his wife while in jail... nahhh this list. I am not your negro is beneath friday ok I am glad 57. “Sonkofa” (1993) and 29. “Watermelon Man” (1970) and 90. “Daughters of the Dust” (1991) made it , cause some of the films many black people haven't seen or heard of. 86. “Bamboozled” (2000) is a criminal entry for me and the The Blood of Jesus 1941 from SPencer Williams not being on is a criminal absene for me. They show fun facts and say Sidney poitier is in six films, well let us list them 26. “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) 37. “Lilies of the Field” (1963) 43. “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) 69. “To Sir, With Love” (1967) for the record the black writer of the book hated this movie, anyway 85. “Uptown Saturday Night” (1974) the first of the cosby poitier triology 95. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967) this is Rich's best six sidney poitier films A Warm December 1973 Buck and the Preacher 1972 For Love of Ivy1968 The Long Ships 1964 Paris Blues 1961 And then Denzel WAshington is in more than any other thespian. Ok, but lets look at the top three with a Denzel Washington movie up there 1. “Malcolm X” (1992) 2. “Black Panther” (2018) 3. “Do The Right Thing” (1989) And as a writer, who mostly writes original stories, inspired from a wide swatch of Black fiction, including before the 1900s, I see these three films as indicative of the commercial problem for a black writer like me. The first film is a biopic, I despise biographies ninety nine percent fo the time. Do I love Brother Malcolm, son of a Garveyite, best male black leader in the 1900s ... 100% do I think he's biopic from spike lee should be higher than fifty ? no. But it makes sense, black people in the usa in particular are a boring peoples. We like soap operas/telenovelas/cheap drama... biopics are that, cheap dramas. Malcolm's life can be read and important points known, seeing the dramatized version is really just that. Black panther, written by a non black originally, produced by a non black firm to gather modern black movie going dollars which are bigger than ever before. ok... I still love Milestone better than DC or Marvel and... my favorite comic in Milestone comic is blood syndicate but ok. Black people love black white characters either black characters that are phenotypical versions of non black characters or black characters that come from non black imaginations. I tend to write neither. Finally... Do the right thing... nice cast, godo scenes but what is it really? Urban Drama, when you see the power series, which is financially very profitable, you see Do the right thing. The intro to Do The Right THing has a dance sequence by a mulatta woman. The end is a neutral ending with a reconciliation amidst or within an imbalanced or uneven city, that being New York City. The idea is a neutral embrace of the usa, black pride to grow but integrated peace to live aside the non black determined. Very statian but I am not so sure how many black people in the usa in the past or now, truly believe that path, but simply abet it because of impotency. But I have experience with these things. For me, what matters after looking at a list is how it was made. Who voted? Yeah ok, somebody made a list, that is nice, but how was it constructed, who voted? I didn't vote, the village didn't vote. Most times in the usa list of the best are always made by a group that doesn't reflect all or even evenly. And that is whether black or non black. I went to the team page and see two people, so these two people made this list, that explains everything. https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/our-team/ And then I finally saw the following https://blackmoviehalloffame.org/the-critic-lists/ Black Critics made this list, ok. Black Film Critics/judges like most film judges have a huge bias based on their employer or their own personal taste and all of these critics are based in the usa , applying themselves to a list of a globally existing thing like Black film so ok. I comprehend. I get the 100 and it is fine. It isn't indicative of the black populace, but should be titled, the BLACK STATIAN FILM CRITICS 100 BEST BLACK MOVIES IN AMENDMENT I wish they would had not made a list. That would had been better in my view. Stop making lists, stop trying to tell people what is best or what is better. Stop trying to make complex histories in the arts or away from the arts structured in some order of supposed value. I see this in AALBC all the time, people post their views and want to rank , which I sadly have done as well. But, I try to not do it, and if I owned or managed a supposed Black organization I will spend time making something that makes all black people feel welcomes, equal. For example, instead of a all time black 100 list, why not a map. Why not a map of films involving Black people, not black films, films involving Black people, which includes Black Films (produced by/directed by/writtenby /starring mostly black people) plus non Black Films (produced by /directed by/written by/starring mostly non black people). In this way, it can grow and all are equal. If anyone is willing to make map these films for fun, and join me, just send me a message. Let's have fun. I end with , I hope the renovation of the theater in misouri goes well, it will be done February 28th 2026 , but I am not a fan of Afro Americana, and I find the placement of black things away from the black geographic distribution of black people in the usa states is... saddening. I will be blunt, the black populace in the usa should have only three locals for all things: New York City/Los Angeles/New Orleans... New York city for the north east which includes the northern south (maryland/virginia) and the north center (detroit,chicago, cleveland) Los Angeles for the west coast blacks as the black populace in the usa has a huge gap in its geographic distribution. New Orleans for the confederate south and neighbors(missouri/tennessee/texas /florida/carolinas) Kansas City come on, that isn't a black center, look at this map. Black people can live anywhere in the usa today, it doesn't mean the black populace is centered everywhere, come on. It can't be for most black people when it isn't at a central point. Missouri doesn't even have a majority black county I wonder how many Black children will be able to make the trip to the Black Movie Hall of Fame outside Kansas City? REFERRAL https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11758-the-100-best-black-movies-ever/ COMMENTARY https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11758-the-100-best-black-movies-ever/#findComment-75435

I will try and post a video if something is made public. Forum post Tananarive Due teaching and giving an excerpt - Black Literature - African American Literature Book Club Now for anyone writing a book or screenplay, this is a great opportunity to learn from Tananarive Due, writer of the Reformatory and the cowriter of the Twilight Zone episode " A Small Town" side her husband Steven Barnes. From Steven Barnes of Lifewriting People have called Tananarive the "Queen of Black Horror." Her latest book, THE REFORMATORY, has sold more copies than anything in her career - and we're in post-production on our first horror short film, THE KEEPER. We've taught thousands of writing students, and we're ready to expose three lies that keep writers struggling to reach their dreams to write horror that haunts and sells. Why ‘talent’ is a myth (and what actually sells 100K+ books). The one thing more important than goals. The shocking truth about "solitary genius." Free live webinar: The Three Lies of Writing Horror, August 13th at 8p ET / 5p PT Stay to the end for an exclusive peek at her upcoming new novel. (She'll read an excerpt!) Reserve Your Spot Now - www[dot]freehorrortalk[dot]com CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK TO RESERVE https://diamondhour.aweb.page/p/3b0523f7-6884-4da0-80ea-db2a72b132e2 If there is a video I will try and place it

The most trophied black player , ten rings all together and added one of the few who also won as a player + coach. He left coaching because he was asked by white owned media if he felt he was worthy to be a coach, after just winning the NBA championship as a coach, so he comprehended that no matter what he did, media would act like he still hasn't earned or still hasn't warranted, so he left. Bill Russell's spirit flew as well, the most honest Black basketball in media ever on coaching LINK on Black Youth LINK I PAraphrase Bill russell, use the link above to verify or read the whole"You have guys who have been pampered for 10-15 years. So you can't say this is an example. Or this is an average guy. Most athletes, my self included, are self centered. Maybe psychologically that is why we plays sports, but it is not normal. ... If i am going to go into Harlem, and go to a play ground and say to kids, if you work hard you can do the same thing I did, that would be a lie. That would be unfair to myself and unfair to the kids. I can say to the kids, do your best and fight it everyday. But to say I am an example of the greatness of the country, that is not true. If I am going to be honest to myself, I am an exception and have treated as an exception for years and years. The problem is I am only treated as an exception in certain areas. "

From @Troy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK BOOKSTORES OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES TO CHAMPION BLACK LITERARY CULTURE Sacramento, CA (August 4, 2025) — Inspired by the legacy of the country's first Black-owned bookstores and the remarkable individuals behind them, the official launch of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) took place today. As a first-of-its-kind national organization, NAB2 has been built to unify, elevate, and empower Black-owned bookstores across the country. NAB2 is a nonprofit collective created to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black culture by increasing the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores and booksellers. The organization represents a powerful step toward creating long-term infrastructure and collective advocacy for one of the most vital cultural cornerstones of Black America. “For decades Black bookstores have been the connective tissue in communities across the nation. Many of us have talked for years about the power of collective action and now, with the founding of NAB2 we have the ability to institutionalize policies and practices that will allow for the further growth and flourishing of these important institutions”— Blanche Richardson, Founding Board Member and Owner, Marcus Books The organization’s inaugural board includes trailblazers from some of the country’s most historic and impactful Black bookstores. Many of these are now being led by third, fourth and fifth generation family member bookstore owners including Marshall’s Music and Books (Jackson, MS), Hakim’s Bookstore (Philadelphia, PA), Marcus Books (Oakland, CA), and Source Booksellers (Detroit, MI). NAB2’s multi-tiered membership model invites bookstore owners, professional booksellers, and at-large industry allies, authors, publishers, and distributors, to join in shaping a national agenda rooted in equity, culture, and commerce. “My mother, Mother Rose, founded and ran Underground Books in Oak Park. My involvement in the National Association of Black Bookstores is deeply personal. It’s a way for me to honor her legacy and ensure that the stories, voices, and spaces she cherished continue to thrive,” said Kevin Johnson, Founder, National Association of Black Bookstores. The core priorities of the organization are as follows: Elevating the Black bookstore community by offering professional resources, increased visibility, and a strong network of support; Expanding representation in the bookselling industry by supporting long-term financial sustainability and growth; Leveraging economies of scale to benefit both current and future Black bookstores and booksellers; Serving as a collective voice for Black bookstores through advocacy and public engagement; Educating the public about the rich history and enduring legacy of Black bookstores in America. Structured with a full board of directors, advisory board, and general membership body, NAB2 plans to convene virtually and in person throughout the year, with key events slated during Black Lit Weekend in New York (August 15–16) and the Sacramento Black Book Fair (September 12–13). For more information, to become a member, or to support NAB2, visit www.nab2.org or follow @nab2blk on social platforms. About the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) is the first and only national organization dedicated to empowering Black-owned bookstores and booksellers. Founded in 2025, NAB2 exists to promote literacy, amplify Black voices, and preserve Black cultural heritage by strengthening the visibility, sustainability, and impact of Black bookstores across the United States. Through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and a unified membership network, NAB2 supports Black literary spaces as engines of community, commerce, and cultural change. Learn more at www.nab2.org and follow @nab2blk on social platforms. Media Contact: Pristina Alford Alford & Co. Public Relations pristina@alfordandco.com USE THE FOLLOWING QRCODE TO SHARE TO ANY BLACK BOOKSTORE YOU KNOW TO SIGN THEM UP URL https://aalbc.com/tc/topic/11761-national-association-of-black-bookstores-officially-launches

OPEN CALL for African Filmmakers: WHY FREEDOM? (Africa Edition) Submit by August 12th 2025 https://mydocubox.org/ In partnership with THE WHY, DOCUBOX EADFF is calling on filmmakers across the continent to pitch short documentaries (5–15 min) that explore freedom, from your perspective, in the context you know best. Political, personal, social, economic, or environmental — all interpretations are welcome. With democracy and individual freedoms under increasing pressure, this series is part of a global effort to spotlight the many lived realities of what freedom looks like, feels like, or is still being fought for. From grounded reflection to bold perspective, we’re looking for 6 clear, compelling narratives — anchored in voices you’re well-positioned to share, with real connection to the people, places, or moments at their core. Call Details: $7,000 USD production grant Online Story development lab 5-day Physical Editing Lab Mentorship in Nairobi (Dec 2025) Global distribution via THE WHY Foundation ***Deadline: 12 August 2025*** “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela If your story questions what freedom is, or isn’t , in your context, we want to hear it. Apply now via link the in bio or via submission.mydocubox.org #WHYFreedom #Docubox #AfricanFilmmakers #OpenCall