By Simone Robinson
Staff Writer
Macy’s department store celebrated Black History Month on Thursday with a stylish panel of African American innovators in film, television, social media and journalism.
At 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, an award-winning actress; Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock which is a nonprofit aimed to mentor and empower young women of color and Eunique Jones Gibson, founder of the “Because of Them We Can” photo series campaign posing kids as influential black public figures throughout history, took the stage on G Street in Washington, D.C. with host Anji Corley to discuss the emerging leaders of black culture and their career journeys. The panel offered advice for aspiring serial entrepreneurs in the audience.
“It starts one project at a time,” Bond said. “Teamwork makes the dream work. Find like-minded people that are willing to help you and work with you. Just build your team, and build your team around the different projects.”
“The team you start with might not be the team you grow with,” added Jones Gibson. “And so, don’t be so married to the people. Be married to the production, to the progress and the success.”
Smollett-Bell, who’s starred in numerous motion pictures including “The Great Debaters,” alongside Denzel Washington, and Tyler Perry’s “Temptation,” premiered a surprise behind-the-scenes trailer of the highly anticipated WGN America series “Underground” produced by John Legend.
“It is about the Underground Railroad, which was the first integrated civil rights movement in our history. It’s the first time there’s ever been a film or television show about the Underground Railroad, and it’s exciting,” said Smollett-Bell.
Following the panel discussion was a special reception, sponsored by Cîroc Vodka, where attendees bonded over cocktails, music and hors d’oeuvres, including delicious Mac n’ Cheese balls.
Attendees were later invited to the stage for a special meet-and-greet to take pictures and chat with the panel.
robinsss12@bonaventure.edu
