AUGUST 3, 2021
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA
WEEKLY DISPATCH
By Leslie Fields-Cruz
Even in the best of times, it can be difficult to stay focused this time of year. Not only do distractions abound, but tempers can flare, malaise can set in, and productivity can wane. Throw in the seemingly endless drama of this pandemic and keeping it together can be a challenge.
In this month's edition of our newsletter, we aim to help. It features a couple of stories that speak to the issue of mental health. I encourage you to read them and share them with your network. As Simone Biles' 2021 Olympic experience proves, admitting that we're overwhelmed is often the first and best step toward wellness.
Despite the challenges of these times, this month is also ripe with opportunity. Between our 2021 Open Call, our MIT & BPM Fellowship, the NYC Artist Corps grant program, and a new program being offered by If/Then and the Redford Nature Center, we're pleased to report on the many exciting possibilities available to Black media storytellers. Read this month's newsletter to find out which might be right for you.
As the summer winds down, I hope you'll connect with BPM by streaming one of our AfroPoP films or an episode from our Technically Brilliant Talk Show; attending one of the virtual panels we're co-presenting at BlackStar; or listening to NPR's Felix Contreras discuss Bakosó with filmmaker Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi. We also invite you to attend our monthly virtual film club for a discussion about Michele Stephenson's film Stateless; and to contribute to our efforts by donning a cap or tee from our BPM Shop or supporting our BPMplus fund campaign.
Whichever you choose, know that we appreciate you and we're doing everything we can to ensure that this community continues to grow and thrive.
Be well!
Black Public Media is supported in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, with further funding from the MacArthur Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts, and Acton Family Giving. For more information about underwriting and contributions, please contact Alisa Norris (Alisa@ blackpublicmedia.org). To donate, click here! In addition, you can donate to BPM through your Amazon purchases by going to smile.amazon.com/ch/31- 1335950.
Copyright @ 2021 Black Public Media. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 8 West 125th Street, Ste. 0D3117. New York NY 10027