Culture can be transformed, and so can our industry. Here at WIF, we aim to create community and spaces for women, particularly BIPOC women, to nurture creativity, build and sustain careers, create avenues for the next generation, and claim our power. We know that we can only end the long-established pattern of racism in Hollywood if we prioritize the changes that women of color need to thrive.
When we first established the Black Member Forum in summer 2020, our country was rocked by righteous protests against ongoing establishment violence against Black people. What emerged from our first town hall-style virtual discussion and subsequent gatherings was a deeper understanding of what BIPOC in our community need from WIF as an organization. By offering events for Black members only, to support our Black members’ wellness and professional development, we aim to take action against white supremacy in our industry and culture.
This organization was founded by women who knew that building community and mutual empowerment was the only way to achieve parity in the male-dominated and sexist entertainment industry. We pledge to deepen and sustain our investment in equity for all women in the screen industries, and this means acknowledging and addressing the specific needs of women of color in protected, respectful, and culturally-sensitive spaces.
The research is clear. The number of people from underrepresented groups working in Hollywood has increased in recent years, but women of color and Black women in particular remain significantly underrepresented both behind and in front of the camera. WIF has a bold vision for change and we are proud of our dedication to uplifting our members of color. Thank you for being part of a community that shares our commitment to equity and justice.
WIF is dedicated to achieving equity for all women in the screen industries. As part of this mission, we believe that focusing on underrepresented populations is part of the strategy. Our programming includes events for specific communities (e.g. Black Member Forum) and we respectfully request that members who don’t identify as part of that community refrain from attending.
