APRIL 7, 2026
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA
WEEKLY DISPATCH
by Leslie Fields-Cruz
Anyone who has ever worked a garden or toiled in a field knows that creating new pathways and planting new seeds is arduous work. Not only must you navigate virgin terrain, you’re constantly assaulted by forces that sting, bite, prick, and resist your every move. It’s tough enough opening a path for yourself, but creating a path for others to traverse — and continue to improve — is even more grueling.
BPM’s Trailblazer Award recognizes accomplished independent media makers who’ve not only produced impressive bodies of work, but who’ve gone the extra mile to create opportunities for others to follow in their wake. This year, BPM is honored to present its Trailblazer Award to Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith. Their partnership has and continues to transform this industry for the better — all while delivering stories that enlighten and evoke awe.
A Retrospective Tribute
We invite you to join us at this year’s PitchBLACK Awards ceremony on Thurs., April 30, where we’ll pay special tribute to Stanley and Marcia. The evening will include an intimate Artist Chat moderated by journalist and NPR host Brittany Luse. Earlier that week, on Mon., April 27, we’re hosting a special in-person screening of Stanley’s award-winning film We Want the Funk. The screening is followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. Tickets to that event are free, but they’re going fast. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your spot.
During the two weeks before and after PitchBLACK, we’ll also offer all registrants free, exclusive access to our Trailblazer Retrospective — a two-week virtual screening opportunity featuring nine titles from Stanley and Marcia’s extensive body of work. The BPM Trailblazer Retrospective takes place on the BPM website April 27-May 10.
Don’t Miss Out
If you haven’t already reserved your tickets to PitchBLACK, now’s the time to do it. I’m a big believer in giving folks their flowers while they’re still able to experience and enjoy the appreciation. Stanley and Marcia are certainly not done shaking things up, but few people in our industry are as deserving of our appreciation as they are. We look forward to having you join us as we thank them for their courage, creativity, wisdom, generosity, tenacity, and vision. It’s gonna be a spectacular celebration!