As the U.S.-wide educational achievement gap persists for African American boys – as compared with their white counterparts; even factoring in socioeconomic status – we’re brainstorming about how new developments in social media can be part of the solution.

What exactly is the “social media revolution” anyway? This video from the recent Third Annual Media Convergence Forum offers some statistics to blow your mind a little on the changing nature of media:

Did You Know 4.0

A question we’re asking ourselves is how to get lower income and lower middle-income African American and Latino families to “buy into” high-tech strategies to help their child succeed and feel confident and positive about education?

Is there an “app” for that?

These topics and more will be explored at the Harvard University Achievement Gap Initiative’s Parent Leadership Network’s January 2010 conference.  The conference will discuss the role of new media in closing the achievement gap. The Rada Film Group has been invited to present our work in progress documentary An American Promise as the keynote presentation to a group of parents, educators, administrators, scholars, researchers and policymakers.

We’ll be keeping you posted.

 Here’s an insightful article by Juell Stewart from Colorlines on the successes and pitfalls present in the new movie Precious, directed by Lee Daniels:

 The Black Matriarch as Villain

We received this email about this wonderful upcoming event in L.A., in honor of legendary filmmaker St. Clair Bourne, a dear friend:

To continue the mission of the late founder of the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West, St. Clair Bourne, BAD West would like to present “St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Screening Series”.
St. Clair Bourne’s 3rd Thursday Documentary Film Series is a monthly gathering for artists actively working in film, television and theater to stimulate discussion on culture, political principles, creative techniques and the exchange of ideas that can help us all make the most powerful work possible to help create a culture of resistance in these important times.

On Thursday, November 19th, at 7:00 pm, BAD West will screen STILL BILL, an intimate portrait of soul legend Bill Withers to kick off the monthly documentary series at Vegan Village Cafe, located at 4067 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. Vegan Village, a pillar in the community, shares our vision through promoting health and culture.
The 3rd Thursdays documentary screenings are free, but we strongly encourage attendees to support Vegan Village by trying their menu of healthy food and beverages. Parking is free in the rear of the building.
STILL BILL is an intimate portrait of soul legend Bill Withers, best known for his classics “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Grandma’s Hands,” and “Just the Two of Us.” With his soulful delivery and warm, heartfelt sincerity, Withers has written the songs that have – and always will – resonate deeply within the fabric of our times.
Filmmakers Damani Baker and Alex Vlack follow Withers and offer a unique and rare look inside the world of this fascinating man. Through concert footage, journeys to his birthplace, interviews with music legends, his family and closest friends, STILL BILL presents the story of an artist who has written some of the most beloved songs in our time, and who truly understands the heart and soul of a man.