CAAN-LA Black History Panel
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." — Booker T. Washington
One of the great privileges of being part of the Columbia College Chicago National Alumni Board is representing the Board at CAAN events. The CAAN-Los Angeles network has been ably built up and guided by Sarah Schroeder, the West Coast Regional Director for Columbia, and her events are always top notch, well represented by our up-and-coming alumni, and well attended. [gallery ids="5185,5184" type="rectangular" orderby="rand"] Yesterday's Black History Panel featured our Columbia alumni who are also some of the trailblazers and innovators in Black filmmaking and entertainment: Producer-Director-Writer George Tillman, Jr., who has been the creative force behind some of my favorite movies, including the Barbershop films and Men of Honor; Writer-Director-Actor Kenny Young, the genius behind You Can’t Fight Christmas, Chance, and One Week; Producer-Development Executive Crystal Holt, engineer behind Rebel (BET), and The Swap (Disney Channel); Actress Erica Hubbard, who had pivotal roles in Chicago Med, Let’s Stay Together, and Lincoln Heights; Producer Paul Garnes, who gave us Selma, and Queen Sugar; and on-air personality, Grammy-Nominated Music Producer-Songwriter, and co-founder of Da Internz, Marcos "Kosine" Palacios. [gallery ids="5183,5182,5176,5180,5178,5175" type="rectangular"] The panel was moderated by some really talented and thoughtful Columbia student moderators: Jocelyn Shelton and Marquise Davion.
Gearing up for our CAAN-LA's Black History Month Alumni Panel with some fabulous filmmakers and student moderators Marquis Davion and Jocelyn Shelton. George Tillman, Jr. discussed how he got into film, and how the presence of African-American creators and filmmakers has grown since he first came to Hollywood. Kosine talked about his journey, encouraged the alumni still pursuing their dreams to simply, "Stay in the game," and urged that, "Black History Month is a great time for African-Americans to be networking with each other," and to take advantage of this and motivate each other towards excellence. As an actress, Erica Hubbard discussed the high bar set by the writing and talent she experienced on the "Lincoln Heights" set, and how it is difficult to accept projects that don't meet that standard. If Paul Garnes did nothing else, he helped launch director-producer Ava Duvernay to the world. Paul shared his journey in filmmaking, how he met and got started with Ava, and working on Selma with David Oyelowo, and Oprah, as well as Queen Sugar. Kenny Young talked affectionately about his mentors and the people who helped steer him in his career. He also talked about making determinations. He said at one point that he didn't want to work a full-time job ever again, and he hasn't since then. He has found a way to juggle, struggle, and forge ahead on his drive and talent, while still earning a living in Los Angeles. Crystal Holt gave, what I felt was the most powerful and practical advice. "Drive is something you cannot teach, and that goes further than talent... You have a goal in mind, and you are working toward that plan for your life. Don't give up on that." She also gave some sage advice on contracts and equal pay: "Trust no one! Be contract literate, and read it from front to back before you sign." While this old dog gleaned from their practical wisdom, I also enjoyed hearing about the endeavors and adventures of our young alumni; like the delightful Toy Monique, who works for Will Packer Media in their scripted and unscripted television department. Toy is a recent transplant to L.A., having gone through Columbia's Semester in L.A. program in 2016. She laid the groundwork back then, and came back to Los Angeles as an employee at the place where she interned! What a smart lady—we'll definitely be keeping an eye on her, and very happy to stay in contact via Instagram and LinkedIn.