Chromatic Black announces 10 emerging Black artists as finalists in the inaugural Ida B. Wells: Disrupting the Master Narrative Fund.

Finalists were from over 400 submissions, include: critically acclaimed filmmaker Julie Dash, director of the groundbreaking “Daughters of the Dust”, Gloria Steinem, renowned political activist; and Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte, Academy and Emmy Award-nominated, Golden Globe-winning producer – The full list of 2021 jurors can be viewed here.

Named after investigative journalist and anti-lynching activist, Ida B. Wells, the fund is rooted in the understanding that building an equitable society is a creative act. Hon. Chair Paula Giddings notes, “justice begins with the imaginary power of Black creatives to deconstruct stereotypes, build cultural power, and envision a future through powerful storytelling.”

“The slate was all that we hoped for – great stories that need to be told:  provocative, risky, culturally resonant that help make meaning of our past, present, and future.” Emil Pinnock

2021 Ida B. Wells Fund Finalists Are:

Lamard W Cher-Aime, “Captain Zero: The Animated Series,” speaks to the importance of mental health awareness in Black communities;

Elishia Constantine and Kristina Pupo, “Black Sage,” is a story of a superhero who saves the world only to come home to save her marriage;

Chuck Gomez,” Opus Pointis #1: A Symphony for Social Justice,” details the struggles of eight African American classical musicians;

Mylrell  Miner, “Hang,” invites audiences to engage critically into the dynamics of gentrified communities;

Javier Molina and Gabriel Furman, untitled project; Jana Smith, “Baptême,” is a satirical “mockumentary” inspired by the Real  Housewives reality show that explores what it means to survive sexual harm;

Christine Swanson, “Sunflower: The Fannie  Lou Hamer Story,” looks at modern-day voter suppression through the powerful words of the 60’s Civil Rights heroine; Lynelle White, “Hatchback,” looks at a blue collar  African-American family struggling to make it;

Renée Wilson, “HoneyPot,” is about Ella and her confidante, V., her chatty vagina;

Riley S. Wilson, “The Cookie Crunch  Club,” follows a trio of black children who, in light of a defunct police department, start their own secret detective agency.”