A very special visitor came to SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Aug. 6: U.S. Representative and Chair of the House Financial Services Committee Maxine Waters, D-California.
Waters’ visit coincided with the HBCU in L.A. internship program, an initiative of the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program. This year, more than 30 students from various historically black colleges and universities nationwide took part in the program and had the opportunity to gain access to industry opportunities through training and internships. A screening at the union’s headquarters highlighted the students’ work on their self-written, produced and directed project, Uchawi, which tells the story of how two sisters use magic to cope with the loss of their mother.
After an introduction by SAG-AFTRA Chief People Officer Tashia Mallette, Waters gave a keynote address. Throughout her speech to students and industry guests, Waters spoke of the impact of the program and emphasized the importance of diversity within and outside of the entertainment industry.
“Diversity in your industries affect diversity in all others,” said Waters. “Your learning and dedication confirms the value of these programs and justifies their continuation, expansion and replication in other industries, and your success will help launch your careers and those that will follow you in this program and others like it.”
Photo: U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, D-California, on Aug. 6.
This item was originally featured in the fall 2019 issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine.