Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Mark Ruffalo and a host of community activists nationally and in Flint joined for an online chat Saturday of the #FlintWaterCrisis. The event was co-hosted the National Black Programming Consortium and Blackout for Human Rights. Details follow. You can link to the talk here on National Black Programming Consortium’s YouTube Channel:,, if the video link does not
https://youtu.be/c8cACv90cyE
Blackout for Human Rights and the
National Black Programming Consortium
Host Live #JusticeForFlint Online Chat
Saturday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m. EST
Moderated by Van Jones, the chat will feature local leaders and national activists
to discuss the impacts of the Flint water crisis
What: As a lead up to Sunday’s live broadcasted #JUSTICEFORFLINT event, Blackout for Human Rights will join with the National Black Programming Consortium to host a live online chat about the issues impacting the City of Flint, Michigan. Moderated by Van Jones, the chat will feature members of Blackout and local leaders and community members based in Flint.
When: Saturday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m. EST
Who: Filmmaker and Blackout for Human Rights Founding Member Ryan Coogler; filmmaker and activist Mark Ruffalo, political activist, author and commentator Van Jones, Campaign for Black Male Achievement VP for Communications Rashid Shabazz, PICO National Network “Live Free” Campaign National Director Michael McBride, Flint Organizer and Michigan Faith in Action Executive Director Rick Carter, Justice League NYC activist Carmen Perez, and other local and national leaders.
Where: To join the chat, visit http://blackpublicmedia.org/
Why: Nearly 100,000 residents of Flint have been consuming water contaminated with dangerous levels of lead. The long-term consequences for public health, community infrastructure and finances are immeasurable. As the United Nations recognizes, "The human right to water is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity. It is a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights." The events in Flint -- whose residents are disproportionately poor and of color, and who have been battling this issue for nearly two years -- call for mobilization and action to address this state-sponsored human rights violation.
Using the power of the arts to shed light on the situation in Flint, and to raise donations to help remedy the crisis, #JUSTICEFORFLINT will feature live musical performances with today's leading artists. The event will also include presentations and open dialogue with the local community, the goal being to help build and support the durable infrastructure needed to assist the citizens of Flint. REVOLT TV serves as principal media sponsor for the event, and will stream the program live on their website.
#JUSTICEFORFLINT will include performances and appearances by filmmaker and Founding Blackout Member Ryan Coogler, Grammy-nominated artists Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Andra Day, Vic Mensa, and Musiq Soulchild, Grammy-winning artist Robert Glasper, actor/activist and Blackout Member Jesse Williams, “Empire” star and activist Jussie Smollett, EBONY Magazine Senior Editor Jamilah Lemieux, hip-hop artist and activist Jasiri X, hip-hop artist Mysonne, hip-hop artist Vic Mensa, hip-hop artists/producers and Detroit natives Royce da 5'9 and Denaun Porter, Flint native Jon Connor, Pastor Patrick Sanders of the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church in Flint, and more. Comedian Hannibal Buress will serve as event host.
Local sponsoring organizations include Michigan Faith In Action and the Flint Democracy Defense League. National sponsoring individuals and organizations include the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Color of Change, All Def Digital, ARRAY, Sankofa.org, NY Justice League, Colorlines, M.A.D.E. PICO National Network, The Solomon Group and Clarence Thomas, past secretary-treasurer ILWU Local 10.
About Blackout For Human Rights
BLACKOUT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS is a collective of filmmakers, artists, activists and concerned citizens devoting their resources to address the staggering number of human rights violations in the United States. The collective was founded by filmmaker Ryan Coogler and comprises both high visibility and everyday citizens. Members include Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Charles King, Ava DuVernay, Jesse Williams, Nate Parker, John Burris, Donald "Childish Gambino" Glover, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rosa Clemente, Scott Budnick, David Oyelowo, Michael McBride and many others.
Blackout has hosted national protest actions, donation drives, and special events including the recent #MLKNOW event celebrating MLK Day at Riverside Church in Harlem, which drew over 2,200 attendees and nearly half a million views online. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/
About NBPC
The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) is committed to enriching our democracy by educating, enlightening, empowering and engaging the American public. The nonprofit supports diverse voices by developing, producing and distributing innovative media about the Black experience and by investing in visionary content makers. NBPC provides quality content for public media outlets, including, among others, PBS and PBS.org and BlackPublicMedia.org, as well as other platforms, while training and mentoring the next generation of Black filmmakers. Founded in 1979, NBPC produces the AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange documentary series and manages the 360 Incubator and Fund, a funding and training initiative designed to accelerate the production of important Black serial and interactive content.
