NAACP Hollywood Bureau

Impact Statement

The Hollywood Bureau advocates for equitable opportunity and authentic representations in the entertainment industry that reflect our diverse communities. The alliances, coalitions, and partnerships we forge are dedicated to honoring the diverse and multicultural forms of artistic expression and promoting responsible approaches toward commercial exploitation.

Today’s digital distribution systems allow media platforms to deliver unlimited content to audiences across the globe, but earlier days of electronic media were marked by limited channels and bandwidth, and even more limited and stereotypic characterizations of African Americans – drawing great concern from the NAACP. At its annual convention in July 1951, the NAACP passed a resolution critical of the television series Amos ‘N’ Andy and other shows that perpetuated unimaginative tropes. The resolution maintained that such programs “depicted black people in a stereotypical and derogatory manner, and the practice of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, persons, or firms sponsoring or promoting this show, or other shows of this type are condemned.”

Concerns about Black representation in the film, television, and digital content industries continue, with the dearth of employment opportunities being key, as greater inclusion behind the scenes is certain to arrest the longstanding problem. Despite the monumental developments that have blossomed in the movements for equal education, voting rights, women’s rights, and employment, the entertainment industry remains deficient in adequately reforming its business practices in ways that will produce the equitable opportunities and outcomes that are required.

Our Goals

Accountability

Hold the entertainment industry accountable for more diverse representation in all aspects of industry – in content, personnel and business.

Advocacy

The Hollywood Bureau provides advocacy opportunities for members of the industry to take part in and champion on our behalf.

Consultation

The Hollywood Bureau is considered a thought leader and a creative content resource in the industry.
NAACP is a respected and sought out organization for an array of social issues that the industry may want to address through storytelling.

Access / Representation

Increase minority representation,Black/African American primarily, but also Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and others.
Create more access for Black/AfricanAmerican and other underrepresented groups for employment in the industry.

Collaboration

Broaden and strengthen our associations in order to deepen the impact of our combined efforts, which includes more diverse programming and greater employment opportunities for people of color across the entertainment industry.
The Hollywood Bureau is considered a trusted partner and advocate among other affinity groups working towards more diverse representation in the entertainment industry.

Inclusion

Kerry Washington stated: “Just as we must ensure that ‘We, the people’ includes all Americans regardless of race, class, gender and sexual orientation we must also work to ensure that the stories we tell, the movies we make, the television we produce, the theatre we stage, the novels we publish are inclusive in all those same ways.”
To ensure adequate representation relative to the consumption and contribution to mainstream culture.

The NAACP Hollywood Bureau

When the television networks unveiled their 1999 – 2000 fall season lineup of 26 new shows with no actors of color in leading roles, the NAACP initiated an ongoing campaign to not only to address the lack of minority representation on TV but also the lack of employment opportunities behind the scenes.

As a result, in 1999, the networks signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NAACP and its Coalition partners. The purpose of the Coalition is to advance the cause of diversity in the entertainment industry and create milestones by which to measure future progress in Hollywood. Additionally, this historic agreement focused on implementing initiatives across all areas of operations. Members of the Coalition include the NAACP, Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, National Latino Media Coalition, and American Indians in Film and Television.

Soon after the signing of the MOU, then-President Mfume became convinced it was the right time to create an official NAACP Hollywood entity to better support and pursue a standing diversity initiative. Thus, the NAACP Hollywood Bureau was launched. Established in 2002, the Bureau is charged with fostering a climate of progressive change and accountability, by advancing diversity in front of and behind the lens.

The NAACP Hollywood Bureau upholds a proud tradition of social advocacy in the entertainment and media industries. In addition to managing the NAACP Image Awards, the Hollywood Bureau consistently meets with movie studios, networks, guilds, labor unions, and others in pursuit of a more inclusive industry. NAACP Image Awards recipient Kerry Washington communicated this sentiment beautifully as she accepted her President’s Award honor. “Just as we must ensure that ‘We, the people’ includes all Americans regardless of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, we must also work to ensure that the stories we tell, the movies we make, the television we produce, the theatre we stage, the novels we publish are inclusive in all those same ways.”

NAACP+ Studio Collection

Advancing Equity & Supporting Talent Empowering Black creators through accessible production spaces and resources that support growth, collaboration, and community—from emerging voices to industry veterans.

Entertainment Advisory Council

The Council brings together NAACP leadership, the Hollywood Bureau, and industry executives for bi-annual meetings to discuss initiatives and share insights on advancing equity and authentic representation in entertainment and technology.

Be in the Biz

A national outreach initiative bringing Hollywood insights to emerging storytellers in underserved media markets—empowering local creators through seasonal activations and community-driven events.

Partnerships, Alliances and Coalitions

Reimagine Coalition

A conglomerate of prominent entertainment/media advocacy organizations determined to secure equitable outcomes in the interests of respective and collective constituents.

Choose Kindness Alliance

A partnership among of the nation’s leading advocates for anti-bullying, intentional inclusion, and mental wellness, designed to foster collaboration and innovation to expand reach and impact with youth, families, coaches, and other caring adults.

Entertainment Advocacy Council

A body of entertainment/media/technology industry leaders convenes semi-annually with NAACP leadership to exchange perspectives on impactful methods to achieve the goals of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau.

Pipeline Development Programs

NAACP/FedEx Summer Internship

College undergraduates are employed by the NAACP Hollywood Bureau during the summer and attend the NAACP National Convention, to work in the areas of communications, public relations, and production.

NAACP Editing Fellowship in partnership with Adobe

This is a 14-week paid fellowship that includes training, mentorship, and hands-on workplace experience. (Ongoing, Program Jan – August)

NAACP x HBCU-in-LA Journalism Track Internship Program

NHB has established ajournalism track in the HBCUin LA program for studentspursuing journalism. Thefunding is used to subsidizetravel/lodging costs for theHBCU journalism students.(Prep work Fall/Winter,Program May – August)

CBS/USC/NAACP Scholarship and Internship Program

The NAACP, Viacom CBS and USC have partnered to provide an annual scholarship to a graduate student in the USC School of the Cinematic Arts writing program. The student is awarded a scholarship, an opportunity to be considered for the CBS WriterMentor Program and to intern with theNAACP Hollywood Bureau to gain production experience during theImage Awards. (Prep workSummer/Fall, Internship Winter)

NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship

Society Awards is the manufacturer of the Image Awards trophy. This scholarship was established to encourage and support commercial art education. It is awarded to Black students or students of color who are pursuing an a major in the visual/performing arts (film, theater, fashion, photography, graphic design, dance, music, journalism, mass communications. (Prep workWinter/Spring, Submissions, Review and Announcement Summer/Fall)

NAACP Glam Squad Training Program

The NAACP partnered with the Handy Foundation to expand its pipeline programs, this time creating an entry point for BIPOC hair and makeup artists interested in working in production. The program is designed for a cohort of 10 trainees to participate in a 7-week program. At the program’s completion, one or more participants will have an opportunity to work as a production assistant in the hair and makeup department on set with one of the Handy Foundation’s production partners. (Program – Spring and Fall)

NAACP Cinematic Shorts Competition

This competition takes place at National Convention and gives six filmmakers the opportunity to make a short film in four days. Paired in teams of two, the filmmakers work under the guidance of a professional mentor to produce a 5-7 minute short documentary film. Participating filmmakers will present their finished short films during the NAACP Convention and attendees vote for their favorite film. All of the filmmakers receive a full expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the 54th NAACP Image Awards. In addition, the winning filmmakers will receive one-on-one meetings with several high-level industry executives to help them take the next step in their careers. (Prep work and competition -Spring/Summer, LA portion – Winter)

Publications

Thought Leadership Opportunities

Panels, Festivals, Speaking Engagements

Hollywood Bureau leadership and staff have been invited to speak on panels at various festivals and events, some include: Sundance, AFM, Essence Festival, Cannes Lions, Academy Museum, Golden Globes, Ohio University, UCLA, HBCU in LA. (Ongoing)

Cultural Consultancy

NAACP Hollywood Bureau provides cultural consultancy services in the areas of our expertise -Black/African American experience and our focus areas for innovation and impact – voting rights for all, health equity, race & justice, education innovation, and environmental and climate justice.(Ongoing)