Masterclass Under a Microscope

Overview

The portrayal of Black women in media has long been a complex and contested issue, often shaped by stereotypes that reflect broader societal attitudes toward race and gender. These representations have not only influenced public perceptions of Black women, but have also contributed to the denial of their agency, power, and potential—particularly in positions of leadership. One of the most pervasive and enduring stereotypes of Black women in film and television is that of the "mammy" figure, the "sapphire," or the "jezebel."

These reductive images, which often exclude any form of political or professional leadership, have worked in tandem with the systemic exclusion of Black women from leadership roles in real life. By limiting the visibility of Black women in power, fiction has helped fuel the damaging idea that Black women are inherently unsuited for positions like the U.S. presidency.

Our Position

In order to challenge these deeply embedded stereotypes, we must continue to push for inclusive, powerful representations of Black women in leadership, both on screen and in the real world.

Our Approach

To address the issues, éLan Statistics plans to spend the first two months focusing on the creation of impactful content, starting with a 15-minute short film that will span the stages of pre-production, production, and post-production.

In parallel, the organization will organize a masterclass aimed at fostering deeper conversations around the film's themes. This masterclass will include exclusive screening events in collaboration with community partners, designed specifically to engage youth, particularly young Black women aged 11 to 25, in meaningful dialogue about negative images of Black women and its effects.

Additionally, the short film will be submitted to various film festivals throughout the year to amplify its reach and impact. This multi-faceted approach aims to not only raise awareness but also provide a platform for marginalized voices, drawing attention to the alarming scale of negative images of Black women portrayed in the media.