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Join Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell in her Illuminate talk as she explores the power of imagination through Langston Hughes' "crystal stairs" and the vision of a 5-year-old in a NASA jumpsuit. She discusses how imagination can drive movements, inspire leadership, and address inequities within the California legislature.

Recognized by Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine for her role in passing The CROWN Act, Supervisor Mitchell has authored over 90 laws in California.

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Join us at melaninmeetups.org and discover more Illuminate talks for inspiration at melaninmeetups.org/illuminate

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Join us for an inspiring talk by U.S. Senator Cory Booker at Illuminate, where he shares a transformative encounter with Ms. Virginia Jones, a tenant president in New Jersey. This powerful meeting shaped his worldview and creativity in advocating for justice and change. Booker emphasizes the importance of personal leadership in today’s climate and how change begins within ourselves.

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Fear is a powerful force for Black creatives like Charles Ray Hamilton, a Black, queer writer who made it to Hollywood, penning for STARZ's POWER. Fear doesn't disappear with success—it fuels creativity and resilience. Hamilton’s story reveals how embracing fear can drive you forward. Download now to see how fear can be your greatest asset on the creative path.

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The 2019 Illuminate Fireside Chat at hClubLA brought together Van Lathan and Jarrett Hill for a powerful conversation on what it means to be a Black American journalist in today's polarized media landscape. With the press labeled as a "threat" by former President Trump, Lathan and Hill explored the heightened responsibility of Black journalists in delivering nuanced, accurate, and truth-telling coverage. Van Lathan, known for his viral confrontation with Kanye West, discussed the critical role of Black voices in shaping the narrative, while Jarrett Hill, NABJ Vice President, highlighted the stakes for the African-American community. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of media and representation. Share and support Black journalists on the front lines. 

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"You're cute, for a black guy." This microaggression is just one of the many experiences that inspired television writer Cameron Johnson's powerful short documentary titled as such. Through humor and insight, Johnson explores how television shapes the way we view Black gay men, and why it's crucial for them to be in the writer's room. Representation matters—authentic Black gay love on screen isn't just vital for those who live it but for society as a whole. Download now to see how love and fiction can reshape perceptions and break down stigmas.

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What does it mean to be a strong black woman? Hollywood is transforming the portrayal of Black American artists, especially Black women, who are now breaking out of traditional roles and showing more nuanced experiences. Dr. Starnes explores how to challenge stereotypes and the impact of the "strong Black woman" trope and what it means for the future of Hollywood. Download and share this vital conversation!

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What's in a name? For many southern Black Americans, their last name is not their own yet belongs to someone else beginning on American Plantations or was picked by themselves. With their identity so malleable and a society that has routinely tried to define them with labels and stats, how can they take more control of their narrative? What if they began to honor the very homes where some of the worst atrocities known to mankind occurred, and in doing so created the space to heal not just themselves, yet the world? 

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What does it mean to be disconnected from yourself? What does it mean to be disconnected from your body after trauma? What does healing look like for the African-American community and the Black American after historical and contemporary traumas? How will this impact our self-esteem and mental health?

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Join us at melaninmeetups.org and discover more Illuminate talks for inspiration at melaninmeetups.org/illuminate