Change is Hard
FEBRUARY 24, 2026 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Change is inevitable. Substantive change is very hard. But some strategies make it easier than others. As our industry adjusts to new realities, I implore us to ensure the voices and contributions of independent media makers are heard. I grew up in Southern California […]
Love Lessons from the ‘Benito Bowl’
Mixing art and love in contentious times Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. talked constantly about the enduring power of love to conquer hate. Last weekend’s “Benito […]
Upholding Carter G. Woodson’s Dream
February 4, 2026 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz As Black History Month marks 100 years of celebrations, do Americans have the collective will to keep it going? This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History celebrations in the United States of America. Back in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and […]
‘Seeds’ and the Oscar Documentary Landscape
JANUARY 27, 2026 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz I want to begin by acknowledging my own bias at this moment. Seeds is a film supported by Black Public Media, and I am proud that we get to bring films like it into the world. My reaction to its absence from the final Oscar […]
Saluting ‘American Sons’ and ‘The Inquisitor’
This winter, PBS will host the broadcast premiere of two BPM-funded films: ” American Sons” and “The Inquisitor.”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
JANUARY 6, 2026 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz We hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season and are now charging into the new year with renewed vigor. The work of bringing compelling Black stories to the public via traditional and digital media continues and helping people like you do that is […]
Thank You, Donors!
DECEMBER 10, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz . BPM just had the best Giving Tuesday in years. Last week, BPM asked our supporters to include us in their Giving Tuesday plans. We are thrilled by the response and are deeply appreciative of those who gave. I hope those of you […]
How Deep is Your Love for BPM?
Today is Giving Tuesday! It offers a great opportunity make a gift and show the haters we won’t be erased. BLACK STORIES MATTER!
WANTED: Heartfelt Stocking Stuffers
On Giving Tuesday, send Black Public media some holiday cheer. Heartfelt stocking suffers are deeply appreciated and sorely needed.
Channeling Sankofa Energy
On Veterans Day, we stop to recall the sacrifices and contributions many Americans have made through military service. That’s Sankofa energy.
Giving Thanks at Harvest Season
This has been a challenging year. Not just for Black Public Media and our public media partners, but for all independent media makers.
Forging New Alliances
Change is always somewhat uncomfortable. But it’s also exciting. This Thursday, I’m joining a panel discussion on “Forging New Alliances.”
The Power of Independent Voices
The Black Film Festival: Shorts Series, returned to Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater this month, filling the space with independent voices …
Resisting in Solidarity
Amid today’s steady barrage of attacks on public media and all things Black — I find it therapeutic to commune in solidarity with my …
Autumnal Festivals are Here!
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. This year is no exception. The season is full of film festivals, summits and other gatherings …
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Amid all the toxic rhetoric flowing through today’s national discourse, I welcome an occasion to celebrate. Hispanic Heritage Month …
This Fall, Show Your Love for Black Stories
We are SO ENERGIZED by your response to our 1.8M Donor drive! Many have already shown their love for Black stories by contributing …
We Can Do This!
The Summer of 2025 is effectively over. Time to get back to business. For BPM, that means cultivating 1.8M donors. Together, we can do this!
Say it Loud!
When James Brown released “Say it Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud,” it promptly became an anthem for the Black Power movement …
When the Facts Aren’t Enough
On Monday, the National Guard was depolyed to Washington, D.C., ostensibly, to beat back crime. Facts show violent crime at a 30-year low.
In Light of Recent Events …
I’m currently on vacation. But in light of the recent events, I felt I needed to speak to you directly.
The Cost of Cowardice
Despite millions of Americans’ please to preserve public media, Congress and the Senate opted to defund it.
The Power of Partnerships
You know who your REAL friends are when the going gets tough. Black Public Media is fortunate to have A LOT of powerful partnerships with friends — old and new.
Yes, We Will!
JULY 10, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Earlier this week, members of our board who reside in Los Angeles and I hosted an intimate gathering to discuss BPM’s history, our many accomplishments, and our future plans. Our guests included an assortment of prospective donors, former grantees and other interested parties. We […]
What Do YOU Think?
I’m currently on vacation. While I’m away, the BPM staff is conducting two audience surveys. We REALLY want to know, what do you think?
This Summer, Get On Board!
This summer, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on bills that will determine the future of public media.
Public Media Needs You, NOW!
Tomorrow, factions within the U.S. Congress will try to end public media. They’ve eliminated funding in the so called “BBB” and are now trying to claw back the 2024 appropriation.
The Sunny Season is Finally Here!
Pride Month. Juneteenth. Longer days. Hot nights. What’s not to like about the sunny season? BPM moved its “AfroPoP” series to June …
Veteran Stories Beyond Black & White
Public Media executives understanding the unifying power of veteran stories. Which is why during the Memorial Day holiday …
Strengthening Our Collective Resolve
For the past few days, I’ve been catching up with my public media colleagues at the PBS Annual Meeting in Atlanta. This marked my 24th Annual Meeting. …
Salute the Winners, then Lean In
We appreciate all who attended PitchBLACK whether in-person or virtual, and we salute all the winners. Now, it’s time to lean in.
Why Public Media Matters
A Message from Black Public Media MAY 6, 2025 WEEKLY DISPATCH At Black Public Media, we know that public media is more than just a source of stories — it’s a public service that keeps our communities informed, educated and connected. Public media is one of the last truly accessible platforms where stories are told […]
It’s Time to PitchBLACK!!!
When we started PitchBLACK back in 2015, there was nothing else quite like it in the documentary world that hyper focused on Black stories
Trailblazin’ Ain’t for the Faint of Heart
PitchBLACK is two weeks away. This year’s BPM Trailblazer is Lillian E. Benson … She knows that trailblazin’ aint for the faint of heart.
As Federal Grants Fade, What’s Next?
Last week, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced sweeping staff cuts …
As American as Apple Pie
APRIL 2, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Like many of you, I grew up with public media. Together, my siblings and I would practice our ABCs and counting drills to songs sung on our favorite public TV shows. They exposed us to different forms of music and art. They taught us […]
Reserve Your Spot at PitchBLACK
MARCH 11, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Ok, so you’re probably thinking: “That‘s what she always says.” You’re not wrong, But this year, it’s even MORE true because for the first time ever we’re bringing PitchBLACK to Harlem! Both the PitchBLACK Forum and PitchBLACK Awards will take place at the new […]
Staying Sane Amid the Chaos
MARCH 4, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Change is funny. Sometimes it rolls in at the speed of molasses. Other times, it arrives so abruptly, we lose our balance. Right now, I feel we’re experiencing both simultaneously. Staying sane amid the chaos isn’t easy. But for me, doing the work we […]
February is a Necessary Starting Point
Black History Month 2025 is nearly over. I hope you’ve enjoyed a wide array of media and cultural events that center the Black experience.
Navigating Stormy Weather
FEBRUARY 11, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz During this second week of navigating stormy weather for Black History Month, BPM is pleased to co-present the public media premiere of What the Storms Taught Us, one of several short films featured in Season 2 of the series Homegrown: A Part of/Apart From. […]
Time to Stay Motivated
JANUARY 28, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz It’s been a hell of a month. I’m already feeling knocked around a bit by the weather and the wave of changes made in Washington, D.C., recently. The flood of emotions is A LOT! If I ignore the headlines for the day, I tend […]
Recording and Restoring when Nature Takes Away
JANUARY 14, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Wildfires are no joke. This week, we’ve all seen how quickly nature takes away what we’ve built. Having grown up in Southern California, I’m no stranger to the Santa Ana winds or to wildfires. Still, I’ve never seen anything like what is occurring in […]
2025 Opportunities & Challenges
JANUARY 7, 2025 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz As we step into a new year, Black Public Media reflects on both the triumphs and challenges of public media and looks ahead with renewed commitment to amplifying stories that celebrate and examine the fullness of Black life and history. No doubt, 2025 […]
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
DECEMBER 23, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Subscribe Today! If you’re not already receiving the BPM monthly newsletter and Weekly Dispatch, fill out the “Stay Informed” box at the bottom righthand corner of this webpage to subscribe. BPM is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with further funding from the […]
Our Board is Awesome!
Nonprofit board service is not for everyone. Our board is AWESOME! Join us in celebrating their commitment.
Celebrate #GivingTuesday with BPM
DECEMBER 3, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Make a gift and help us help independent media makers Today is #GIvingTuesday! Launched in 2012, the occasion invites hundreds of millions of people across the globe to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. This year’s event falls in the middle of Black Public Media’s year-end […]
We’re So Thankful for You!
NOVEMBER 26, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz I hope you plan to surround yourself with good company and good food this coming Thursday. Despite its fraught origin story, Thanksgiving Day offers a time for us to reflect about all the ways our lives are enriched by others. I, for one, am […]
Elevating and Celebrating Excellence
This week, I and several of my BPM colleagues are in Lincoln, Neb., elevating and celebrating excellence in public media storytelling.
Join BPMplus at Torrents this Weekend
This weekend, our BPMplus program will host two Art & Tech Showcases at the third iteration of Torrents: New Links to Black Futures, in Washington, D.C.
We’re Startin’ Somethin’
I had no idea Quincy Delight Jones’ paternal grandmother had been enslaved. The producer of Michael Jackson’s hit, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” …
Time to Focus on a Different Campaign
OCTOBER 29, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz By this time next week, the United States of America will be engaged in the final day of an historic election. Regardless of how it turns out, I hope everyone has a safe voting experience and I look forward to finding out who will […]
Honor Our Foreparents’ Sacrifices: VOTE!
Regardless of who you choose for president, I sincerely hope you’ll honor our foreparents’ sacrifices and VOTE on Nov. 5.
Showcasing Africa’s Narrative Storytelling Talent
OCTOBER 8, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz AfroPoP 17 to Include Narrative Features My first visit to Africa was a business trip in 2007. I’ll cherish those memories for the rest of my life. Upon return, I recall wishing every Black person living here could have that opportunity, at least once. […]
Why Black Political Documentaries Matter
OCTOBER 1, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Last Friday, I moderated a post-screening Q&A at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema in New York City. The occasion reminded me why Black political documentaries matter. Filmmakers Dawne Langford and Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough were there to discuss their latest film, The Body Politic, which airs […]
Five Keys to a Strong Open Call Submission
BPM’s Open Call deadline is approaching. This week’s blog discusses the elements we look for in competitive submissions.
Explore the Black Sides of Hispanic Heritage Month
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Last month, perhaps in anticipation of Hispanic Heritage Month (which began a couple of days ago), the U.S. mint debuted its latest coin in its American Women Quarters series. The coin features an engraving of music legend Celia Cruz on the tail side with […]
This Fall, BE HEARD!
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Happy Fall! If you read last week’s Weekly Dispatch by my colleague Denise Greene, you know that we are in the midst of our latest BE HEARD social media campaign, #ShopLikeNana. Stream it on our TikTok and Instagram channels. You’ll also find it on […]
Save the Planet, ‘#ShopLikeNana’
BPM’s latest BE HEARD campaign, #ShopLikeNana, highlights planet-friendly alternatives to fast fashion.
Are You Ready for BPM’s Open Call?
AUGUST 27 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Denise Greene I always look forward to the end of summer because for me and the rest of the BPM programming team it signals the start of a new year. September is when we issue BPM’s Open Call. This year, the submissions portal will open on Sept. […]
Nurturing Young Talent
I am a living example of what can happen when organizations commit to nurturing young talent. When I first came to BPM in 2001, I was …
Black August: Remembering Black Freedom Fighters
Black August is a time for us to commemorate Black freedom fighters, political prisoners, and resistance against oppression and inequality.
Why We Support BlackStar
JULY 30, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz The BlackStar Film Festival is celebrating its 13th season this week. Running Aug. 1-4 in downtown Philadelphia, the slate includes dozens of indie film screenings – both narrative and documentary – panel discussions, virtual screenings, and several social gatherings. BPM’s director of programs, Denise […]
Seeing ‘The Forgotten Ones’
July is off to a hot and steamy start … I’m prompted to remember the forgotten ones who, for a variety of reasons, live outdoors.
The Opportunity of July 4th
If you’re like me, you look forward to the opportunity to celebrate July 4th … But recent events have stirred a mix of feelings …
Delivering Public Media is No Solitary Endeavor
Black Public Media and TPT execs meet to discuss how delivering public media is not a solitary endeavor
A Peabody for ‘AfroPoP’
Last Sunday, makers of “Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters,” and I accepted a Peabody for the “AfroPoP” Season 15 film.
Bringing it to the Peabody Awards
This Sunday, I will join filmmakers Rosalynde LeBlanc and Tom Hurwitz at the 84th Annual Peabody Awards to accept an award for …
Traveling this Summer?
I hope you had an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend. I spent it on the West Coast visiting my parents. … Are you traveling this summer? …
A Bit of Input On INPUT
This week in Charleston, S.C., hundreds of public media executives and television producers from around the world are gathering for INPUT.
PitchBLACK Gratitude and Joy
Last week was full of great Black storytelling, gratitude and joy. I am so grateful for everyone who contributed to PitchBLACK’s success …
Time is Running Out …
If you’re planning to attend PitchBLACK you’d better hurry. Time is running out to reserve your spot. Registration closes Friday.
What to Expect at PitchBLACK 2024
Most people never get to hear from media makers while they’re in the process of making their films or emerging media projects …
Elevating Our Stories Matters
It might be hard to imagine now, but not that long ago millions of Americans acted as if Black stories mattered only to Black folk.
‘AfroPoP’ Turns Sweet 16 Next Monday
It’s hard to believe our signature series, “AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange,” turns 16 next Monday.
Prepare to be WOWED at PitchBLACK 2024!
Prepare to be WOWED at PitchBLACK Forum & Awards this year as we honor Sam Pollard and as competing teams vie for awards of up to $150K.
Saluting Women in Media
The celebration continues this month as we transition from celebrating Black history during February to saluting women in media history in March.
Pitch Practice
February 27, 2024 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Qiona Woffard Over President’s weekend, 11 teams of media makers descended upon the Edith Macy Center in Chappaqua, N.Y., for Black Public Media’s PitchBLACK Bootcamp. The weekend was filled with warmth, laughter and hard work as the artists supported each other in polishing their pitches. This is […]
Elevating Black Her-Stories
I’m so excited about the Feb. 15 premiere of a new film by Sandy Rattley and Charlotte Mangin. It elevates the her-story of Augusta Savage …
What’s the Future for Black History?
This Black History Month, a conversation has emerged that challenges the traditional approach to acknowledging the profound contributions of Black Americans to our shared national history.
A Little Light for the Journey
Award-winning producer Colin “Topper” Carew reached out to me recently to discuss a new project. It had something to do with a little light.
The Disquieting Throes of Change
I hope you had an enriching MLK Jr. holiday weekend. Amid today’s disquieting throes over DEI programs it is reassuring to see our nation continue to devote a full day to remembering where we’ve been and why more work is needed.
New Year, New Opportunities
Happy New Year! I’ve no doubt 2024 will be lively. I look forward to the new opportunities and compelling Black stories that will emerge from it.
Fa la la la la, la la la WATCH!
WOW! In a few days, 2023 will be a wrap. The BPM team and I thought we’d share a few recommendations for your holiday viewing.
Ever Wonder What Public TV is Like Abroad?
While in Charleston, S.C., last week reviewing content for the 2024 INPUT conference, I visited the International African American Museum.
Celebrate with Us at Art Basel
On balance, 2023 has been a good year for BPM and the media makers we serve. Now, its time to celebrate! Here are some suggestions …
Asanteni Sana!
“Asanteni Sana” is a phrase commonly used by the roughly 200 million Swahilii speakers around the globe to express plural gratitude.
Be Thankful, Be Informed, Stay Connected
Thanksgiving is a season of family, food and joy … I view the season as one to be thankful, be informed and stay connected.
‘VOTE! BeHeard,’ Again!
We’re sending this edition early today because it’s Election Day! Time to Vote! BeHEARD! Remember, your vote matters!
We Appreciate You!
In today’s info-saturated world, the thank you note — emailed, snail mailed or delivered via social media — can get lost in the shuffle.
Pursuing the Film Industry’s $10B Opportunity
A new McKinsey article says DEI offers the film industry a $10 billion opportunity in annual revenues.
In Perilous Times, Diverse Storytellers Matter
We’re living in perilous times. There is ongoing social unrest and political chaos in the U.S.A. Gangs are running amok in Haiti. The bloodletting in Sudan and Ukraine is relentless. Climate change is wreaking havoc across the globe. Authoritarianism is on the rise. And now there’s a war in Israel.
Hello Fall!
As I write this Dispatch, I am enjoying the last little bit of my vacation. The fall is off to an exciting start! I and my BPM colleagues extend our deep appreciation to all who attended our D.C. mixer a couple of weeks ago.
Who’s Still With Us?
Who’s still with the effort to eradicate systemic racism?
The Time is NOW!
Next week, the United States Congressional Black Caucus will hold its annual legislative conference. The convening provides a platform for Black lawmakers, thinkers and influencers to come together and discuss the issues that matter most to Black communities. It provides attendees a unique opportunity to hear from experts in various fields, learn from successful initiatives and develop strategies to advance Black interests.
You Can’t Turn Off the Spigot
Use any combination of these words in an article, a book, or a script, and it could be censored in parts of this country.
Calling All Climate Stories
BPM’s Open Call for climate stories welcomes submissions starting this Friday, Sept. 1. Visit our website for details.
Storytelling When Climate Disasters Strike
Climate disasters, like the one unfolding on Maui, remind us of the vital role local storytellers can play in the healing process.
BlackStar Shines Bright Like a Diamond!
BlackStar Shines Bright Like a Diamond! Last week, several of my co-workers and I attended this year’s BlackStar Film
I Love Giving Away Money
I Love Giving Away Money Perhaps the best parts of my job is being in a position to say “yes” to storytellers who
It’s That Time Again!
It’s that Time Again! Last week, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting released a statement about the upcoming federal
Summer Heats Up with Great Content
Summer Heats Up with Great Content I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but in the New York metro area the
Independence Day Blues
Overcoming the Independence Day Blues “Until that year, day, hour, arrive, With head, and heart, and hand I’ll strive, To
Keeping the Fire Lit
Keeping the Fire Lit “We need to know our history, we need to know what’s gone on before us, we need to be guided by that as we
Wildfire Smoke is No Joke
BPM invites climate change stories in this year’s Open CallLast week, the New York City metropolitan area was engulfed in wildfire smoke.
Celebrate Black Media Storytellers with Us
The stories of African griots have sustained West Africans for thousands of years. Black media storytellers are modern day griots whose work
It’s Time to Celebrate!
April is BPM’s Season to Celebrate!It’s April and we have AfroPoP and PitchBLACK on our minds all month!!
PitchBLACK is Coming!
PitchBLACK is Less Than a Month Away!AfroPoP Season XV starts next Monday, April 3
Elevating Black Her-Story Year-Round
Elevating Black Her Story Year RoundIt’s women’s history month! For Black and other women of color it’s an extra month, another 31 days
What Are We Really Awarding?
When Only Those Who Can Afford to Pay Enter, What Are We REALLY Awarding?After reading Addie Moorfoot’s article in Variety
Black E’RY Month
Black ERY MonthThis week marks the end of another wonderful Black History Month celebration.
Show Your Love for Black Media Storytelling
Show Your Love for Black Media Storyteling at Our Black History Month Celebrations By Leslie Fields-Cruz
With Education Under Siege, A Challenge for Filmmakers
With Education Under Siege, A Challenge for FilmmakersTomorrow marks the official start of Black History Month.
Not Attending Sundance? Try Denton Black Film Fest
BPM was present and well represented at BlackStar this past summer, and we are hosting a mixer at Denton Black Film Festival this Friday (Jan. 27).
Welcome 360 Incubator+ Fellows
When we launched the 360 Incubator+ program in 2015, we knew the breadth of the Black experience had yet to be adequately represented
New Year, New Opportunities
Greetings BPM Family!I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and that you’re looking forward to the possibilities this brand new year has to offer.
Enjoy the Holidays!
I hope you are geared up to enjoy some downtime during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. I know that’s not the way it works for everyone
It’s Time to Celebrate!
It’s Time to Celebrate!It is true that the older you get, the faster time seems to fly. Perhaps it is because as the years pile on
2022 Is a Wrap!
The year 2023 will be upon us in just 26 days. Where the hell did 2022 go? Oh, I know, we were oh so busy the time just whizzed by
Support BPM on #Giving Tuesday
When contemplating what to write for today’s Dispatch, I considered talking about the Independent Film and Media Briefing just released
Transgender Day of Remembrance
When Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999, to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester in Alltson, Mass.
Time To Speak Up for Climate Justice
The Story Summit’s keynote speaker, Ms. Doris Brown, a Houston-area climate justice advocate, issued a clarion call to Black communities.
Don’t Just Worry About Climate Change, Do Something!
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA WEEKLY DISPATCH By Leslie Fields-Cruz Don’t Just Worry About Climate Change, Do Something! Black storytellers are invited to BPM’s first Story Summit on Climate Justice, Nov. 12 If you read this blog often, you know that BPM is hosting a Black Media Story Summit on Climate Justice in […]
Here’s Why I Vote
By this time next week I hope everyone who’s reading this blog post has either sent in their absentee ballot or cast their vote