Entertainment Icons James Earl Jones And Tito Jackson Helped Shift Perception Of Black Culture And History
Marc H. Morial
President and CEO
National Urban League
“I look at it this way: anybody can carry a picket sign, but I think you should be able to articulate what that sign means … Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the same things that all those people demonstrating believe in, but I just look for plays or movies that say the same thing and play characters in them.” – James Earl Jones
America lost two Black icons of the entertainment industry in recent days.
James Earl Jones was a generation older than Tito Jackson, but both hit the peak of their fame in the 1970s and played a major role in shifting perception of Black culture and history.
Jones’ distinctive bass voice, which brought him his greatest fame in roles where his face was not even seen, brought a remarkable gravitas and dignity to characters whose race was of pivotal importance.
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The theme, "Honoring From Whence We Came," holds special significance as it marks several pivotal milestones in our nation’s history: the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Unrest in Rochester, NY—events that were catalysts for the founding of the Urban League of Rochester in 1965.
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United House of Prayer celebrated its 98th Annual Holy Convocation, emphasizing youth involvement in the marching band and awarding scholarships for academic achievement.
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Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts's (Boston, MA) YODA (Youth Opportunity Developing Achievers) works to ensure that minority students with the talent, intelligence, and capacity to excel in STEM fields receive the training and preparation required to develop their skills and build confidence.
With access to high-quality academic experiences at an early age, these students will grow into STEM leaders and help ensure that the future workplace is diverse and reflects the unique strengths of people from various backgrounds.
On Saturdays during the school year, in the camp format during the summer, and with programs throughout the year – we motivate, expose, and prepare students for futures in STEM fields. Youth learn from minority engineers, college students, and other STEM professionals.
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