NewsCLBC Seeks Answers After Mass Exodus of Black Film Executives

CLBC Seeks Answers After Mass Exodus of Black Film Executives

Legislators from the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) are raising eyebrows after an alarming number of Black women left C-suite positions in the film industry.

The CLBC voiced concerns about the film industry undervaluing diversity in higher-level positions, Variety reported.
The outlet reported that the organization held a press conference after film executives Vernā Myers, LaTondra Newton, Jeanell English, Karen Horne, and Terra Potts vacated positions at leading film studios. The legislators believe the close timings of their resignations and terminations are not coincidental.

Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Ángeles) said she thinks something else is happening. “This is a troubling pattern,” Smallwood-Cuevas noted during a recent press conference. “A pattern that suggests diversity, equity, and inclusion is no longer a priority at the highest levels of the film industry, where decisions are made and institutional change happens.” Smallwood-Cuevas also predicted that more Black women would soon leave C-suite positions at film studios.
Sen. Dave Min (D-Orange County) spoke as an ally of the CLBC. “As Vice Chair of the Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I am proud to stand in solidarity with my colleagues in the California Legislative Black Caucus to denounce the recent dismissals of leading African Americans in the entertainment industry,” he said.

The outlet reported the women held leadership positions at Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Newton, former chief diversity officer for Disney, left the company after six years, the New York Post reported.

Myers will work with Netflix in a different capacity. “I will be returning to my consulting company [The Vernā Myers Company] working across global organizations and industries while continuing to advise Netflix,” Myers said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Horne and Potts both left their roles at Warner Bros. CNBC reported Horne was senior vice president of North America DEI. The news outlet also said Potts left her post as executive vice president of Worldwide Marketing. She was with Warner Bros. for 13 years.

Source: Black Enterprise

Musician Prince’s Younger Sister, Tyka Nelson, Dies at Age 64

Nationwide — Tyka Nelson, the younger sister of legendary musician Prince, has passed away at the age of 64. The news was shared by...

Black Mom of 5 May Be Permanently Disabled After Being Attacked Following a Night Out

Nationwide — Javoni Fortner, a hardworking African American mother of five with two jobs from Houston, Texas, could possibly be permanently disabled after being...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest

Musician Prince’s Younger Sister, Tyka Nelson, Dies at Age 64

Nationwide — Tyka Nelson, the younger sister of legendary...

Black Mom of 5 May Be Permanently Disabled After Being Attacked Following a Night Out

Nationwide — Javoni Fortner, a hardworking African American mother...

Newsletter

Don't miss