Hollywood for Black actors and creators is has for a long time been an isolated space plagued with systemic racism and discrimination, but in Canada, the lack of opportunities for Black talent is becoming more apparent.
In a bid to tweak the industry in a new direction, Canadian actors and brothers, Shamier Anderson and Stephan James have just launched The Black Academy, an extension of their nonprofit B.L.A.C.K. Canada (Building a Legacy in Acting, Cinema + Knowledge) which was founded in 2016, meant to honor and celebrate Black Canadian talent.
The Black-led organization, funded by the Canada Media Fund will reportedly showcase the country’s established and rising Black talent, thus amplifying overlooked English and French-Canadian artists across the country.
“The impetus of The Black Academy stems from our long-lasting commitment, deep ties to our community, and an awareness of the lack of opportunities to celebrate and elevate Black talent in Canada,” the “Wynonna Earp” star Anderson told Variety. “The Black Academy celebrates and inspires Black Canadians, not only in the arts, but culture, entertainment and sports. This is something that’s the first of its kind, and we’re excited to really bring it up and bring it out and build awareness around it.”
James also spoke with Refinery29 about the gaps for Black representation that exist in the Canadian industry. He and his brother’s view on the ratio of opportunities offered to white versus Black actors is what fueled the two to create The Black Academy.
“We recognized this gap in being able to create a star system that grades, highlights, and ultimately gives Black artists an opportunity to grow and further their careers on a global level. We recognized the power of having people see themselves on stages and on screens. The Black Academy really is a culmination of what we already started with B.L.A.C.K and a response to this grand national call to end systemic racism. With The Black Academy we want to create a place where we can tackle all those ideals. For every gap that was once open, we want to fill it with this academy.”
With the academy being launched, Anderson and James are focusing their efforts on raising awareness for the organization and finding corporate partners aligned with their mission to help build up this pillar in Black Canadian Hollywood.
“The most important thing right now is building this awareness and letting people know that it’s here, and it’s happening,” Anderson said to Variety. “And then we can find partners at a high level.
The general Black Academy’s mission is to breed a new generation of Black Canadian talents destined for great things. By creating more opportunities for these artists, the organization will eventually provide more visibility and recognition for them within the Canadian entertainment industry.
