Jessie Maple, Trailblazing Black Director and Cinematographer, Dies at 76
thewrap.coma statement on Twitter Wednesday, saying that she “passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.”“Her films, books, and unapologetic push to highlight discrimination and injustices within the news and entertainment industries will remain with us,” the announcement continued. “The world through Jessie’s lens offers views of humanity that are often overlooked due to race and power dynamics.”Please read the media announcement that the family of Jessie Maple asked that we share.
We extend our deepest condolences to the entire family. We're committed and dedicated to honoring her legacy. ~ Black Film Center & Archive pic.twitter.com/TXLrnbRzdIMaple is recognized as the first Black woman to write and produce a full-length film in the post-civil rights era releasing her directorial feature debut “Will” in 1981.
She was also the first Black woman to be admitted to the International Photographers of Motion Picture & Television Union in the 1970s.
Born in Louisiana in 1947, Maple worked as the head of a bacteriology and serology lab before shifting to journalism, writing for the New York Courier.
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