A Message From N.Y. Local President Ezra Knight

Dear Member,

I’m wishing you and all of our members a happy Black History Month. On Feb. 9, I had the honor of participating in an important conversation during New York Fashion Week at Black Beauty Roster’s celebration dinner. In a great room filled with flowers, this event recognized the spirit and dedication within landmark wins in hair and makeup equity — including our recent TV/Theatrical Contracts gains advocated by our Hair & Makeup Equity Work Group. These significant gains include the opportunity to meaningfully consult regarding any hair and/or makeup needs (e.g., product and tool preferences, use of particular hairstyling techniques) prior to commencing work, so that the hair and/or makeup department is adequately prepared to work with the performer, including ensuring that the production has appropriate hair and makeup products and equipment. We also achieved a commitment to discuss efforts to expand and maintain the pool of hair stylists and makeup artists who are qualified and available to work with people of all races and ethnicities as well as recommended funding for training to acquire the skills necessary to work with all hair textures and skin types. The important progress in this space includes and benefits every member of SAG-AFTRA and helps to move our industry forward, so this year, especially, I am proud to celebrate the activism of this union. 

February also means awards season. I hope that all eligible members have voted for this year’s SAG Awards. For information on how to vote, retrieve your Awards PIN, view nominated performances and FYC offers, please visit sagawards.org/voting. If, after visiting the site, you still have questions, please email the SAG Awards at awardsinfo@sagawards.org and include your SAG-AFTRA ID number. All ballots, whether submitted online or by mail, must be RECEIVED by Integrity Voting Systems by noon PT / 3 p.m. ET, this Friday, Feb. 23. And remember to watch the awards live on Saturday, Feb. 24, on Netflix at 8 p.m. ET. Congratulations to all of our nominees!

Lastly, the deadline to apply for eligibility for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s John L. Dales and George Heller scholarships is Friday, March 15. These scholarships are granted for study at accredited and licensed universities, colleges and junior colleges in pursuit of securing a college degree as well as for adult trade/vocational and specialty schools. SAG-AFTRA Foundation scholarships are available for eligible SAG-AFTRA members and their dependents. Details are available on the SAG-AFTRA Foundation website.

Forward together,

Ezra Knight
New York Local President