Recognized writer, producer to discuss personal experience overcoming diversity barrier
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, a man who wears many hats, will speak from experience on diversity in the entertainment industry.
Hilton-Jacobs, a renowned actor, writer, director and producer, is the guest speaker for the 11th annual Conversation on Race and Entertainment Media on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Halmi Screening Room.
Hilton-Jacobs has been in television and film for more than four decades, according to a Feb. 13 SU News release. His resume includes starring roles in films ‘Claudine,’ ‘Cooley High’ and ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream,’ as well as the ABC TV series ‘Welcome Back, Kotter,’ which featured actor John Travolta.
Hilton-Jacobs will share his experience on what it’s like trying to break into the industry as a person of color and what it takes to stay afloat once there.
Though this event is a lecture brought by the university, it’s important to point out that it’s a conversation and not really a lecture, said Richard Dubin, host of the conversation and professor of practice at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
The discussion is expected to be an interactive one, where students, faculty and community members are encouraged to ask ‘intimate questions,’ Dubin said.
Erica Morrow, a broadcast and digital journalism graduate student, and Brandon Maxwell, a television, radio and film graduate student, both said they are familiar with Hilton-Jacobs and his various roles, but were surprised to know he’d be speaking at the university.
Both Morrow and Maxwell said they thought the university should have publicized the event more.
‘There should be more billboards posted up,’ Maxwell said. ‘The one I saw had a picture that was ‘uber’ small of him, but they have a big ole picture of Ron Meyer advertising the president of Universal Studios coming here.’
Tula Goenka, Newhouse Diversity Committee member and associate professor of television, radio and film, said she has high hopes for Wednesday’s crowd.
Said Goenka: ‘I hope there’s a diverse population of students so that they can hear what it is like to be a minority in the industry because it is very difficult.’
Published on February 28, 2012 at 12:00 pm
