yara-shahidi
Ford Motor Company Fund is returning as presenting sponsor of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium, which marks its 11th year with the theme, “Hollywood:  New Ideas and the Next Generation.”The annual event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. The event is free to the public, and college students are encouraged to attend. A portion of Ford’s sponsorship will directly benefit community programs, including a $10,000 grant to LA based non-profit organization to be announced at the event.
This year’s theme “Hollywood:  New Ideas and the Next Generation,” explores what millennials have launched careers in the entertainment industry using YouTube, Vine, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, APPs, Tumblr, Google Plus+ and other forms of social media networking.
“Ford is proud to partner again with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium to present this interactive symposium that will reveal enterprising strategies to successfully break into Hollywood,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund.
More than 400 people including Hollywood entertainers, NAACP board members, members of the NAACP Image Awards’ committee and television academy, as well as film and television students from local colleges and universities will convene for the event.
Panel participants include millennial leaders: Yara Shahidi (ABC’s Black-ish); Numa Perrier (Black&Sexy TV); and Philippines native Jose Antonio Vargas (Documented: A film by an undocumented American). Ramsey Jay will serve as panel moderator. Jay was named by EBONY Magazine as one of the top “30 Young Leaders Under 30.”
Ford Motor Company’s support of the African American Community dates back to the early 20th century when Ford was the largest employer of African Americans in the auto industry.  Ford is building on that century- long commitment to supporting the African American community with other signature initiatives that include:

  • Ford has donated $1 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to help celebrate the richness and diversity of the African American experience.
  • Ford Freedom Unsung,a national program that celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions in their local communities, yet often go unrecognized for their outstanding work.

Ford Motor Company supports programs that make a positive difference in the neighborhoods and communities where the company does business.
The Hollywood Bureau Symposium is one of several popular events held during Image Awards week. The 46th NAACP Image Awards will air on TV ONE on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 9pm/8c as a two-hour special. A one-hour pre-show will air live from the red carpet at 8pm/7c.