New York Local President Ezra Knight Speaks at Black Artists Panel

As part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts in honor of Black History Month, SAG-AFTRA Vice President, New York and N.Y. Local President Ezra Knight was a participant on the Making Equity Real: Creating Career Pathways and Good Jobs in the Arts panel on Feb. 28. The panel took place in person at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., with Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su serving as moderator. Among those in attendance were Black local artists, theater workers, unionists and student artists. 

The hourlong discussion centered on Black artists in the entertainment industry and the importance of improving their work through collective bargaining. Knight shared with the crowd his experiences as a working artist and cited his efforts as a union leader to expand and further Black talent within entertainment and media. In addition, he highlighted the efforts of SAG-AFTRA’s various diversity, equity and inclusion committees, and educational programming. He also praised the legislators and grassroots supporters during the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike and the contract gains made in the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts, including those made toward hair and makeup equity. 

“Our recent victory was phenomenal and could not have happened without solidarity and a sentiment in this country that’s pro-union,” said Knight. 

The full panel is available on the Department of Labor’s YouTube channel. 

All photos are courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Photo: U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, center, and panelists from the ‘Making Equity Real: Creating Career Pathways and Good Jobs in the Arts’ panel in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 28.