Banner image of (l-r) Marcia Smith, Stanley Nelson and Leslie Fields-Cruz. Credit: Ed Marshall Photography NYC.
MAY 6, 2026
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA
WEEKLY DISPATCH
by Leslie Fields-Cruz
Last week’s PitchBLACK Forum and Awards program was outstanding! If you were lucky enough to be there for both events, you know what I’m talking about. If you attended one or the other event — in person or virtually — you had a chance to experience the excitement and uplift these media makers offered. If you couldn’t make either, all I can say is: “You missed something REALLY special.”
At a time when public media is working hard to reinvent itself and commercial media appears to be self cannibalizing, it was nice to see the artists behind everything we do remain laser focused on what matters most: compelling stories.
BPM Trailblazers Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith offered testimony to the personal and professional rewards and sacrifices that come from unearthing stories that not everyone is ready to hear, but which must be shared. Their unwavering commitment to this work AND to the artists who create it will continue to inspire makers for generations. We can never thank them enough for their courage, artistry and vision.
In this edition, you’ll read more about who competed, who won and how much fun we all had. Not yet subscribed? Fill out the “Subscribe” box below so you’re not left out.
May the stories these makers shared prompt you to circle the last few days in April on your 2027 calendar so you won’t miss our 10th PitchBLACK Forum and Awards celebration. It’s gonna be spectacular!