The issue of diversity in Hollywood’s entertainment community and in the broader society was the focus of a recent Saturday evening event featuring a talk and panel discussion that drew several hundred attendees.The session was sponsored by the diversity committee of the International Cinematographers Guild and the Screen Actors Guild diversity department. The featured speaker was Tim Wise whose topic was “Beyond Diversity: Race, Privilege and Power in the 21st Century.” Wise, author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race, From a Privileged Son, dealt in his speech with the white male power structure that he said continues to dominate the entertainment business, despite efforts to make employment more diversified.Actor Elliott Gould hosted a panel discussion following the talk that included Wise and actor Lou Gossett Jr.. The three took questions from the audience. The event was coordinated by Kristin Glover, national chair of the ICG diversity committee, and Angel Rivera of the SAG diversity department. Also attending was Karen Bass, member of the California Assembly from the 47th District and Majority Whip. Lively discussion and interchanges continued through the buffet dinner that followed the formal program.
Written by Jack Egan
