AAFCA Celebrates 20 Years of Amplifying Black Voices in Film and TV
variety.comDominique Fluker In 2003 Queen Latifah was the first female hip-hop artist nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actress for her role in “Chicago.” Although she received a nod from the Academy, Black representation in the awards race was limited that year.
The same year, the (AAFCA) African American Film Critics Assn. emerged. Co-founded by Gil L. Robertson, Daryle Lockhart, Kathy Williamson, and Kevin “Chill” Heard, the organization’s purpose was clear: to amplify Black voices in film criticism and arts entertainment journalism from across the African Diaspora.
Today, the AAFCA actively reviews and spotlights cinema at large, with a particular emphasis on film and TV highlighting the Black experience.
The association’s members are also engaged in AAFCA’s advocacy work, which includes programming for students interested in film criticism and journalism and general community outreach. “We started AAFCA to address a need that existed at the time, and sadly still does regarding representation in the media of journalists of color, specifically Black Journalists,” says Robertson, President of the AAFCA. “We wanted to provide support to up-and-coming journalists, as well as active ones, as they were building their careers,” he continues. “We thought, as a collective, we would be able to address those needs within our ranks and amongst the next generation of journalists looking to create a career for themselves.” But AAFCA was likewise created to uplift and support the work of Black artists in Hollywood.
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