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Jessie Maple, a pioneer in the film industry and civil rights movement, passed away at 76 on May 30. 

Her death was confirmed by her loved ones in a statement released by the Black Film Center & Archive. Maple was the first Black woman admitted into the International Photographers of Motion Picture and Television Union. Her work as a cinematographer and director is immortalized in her 1981 independent feature film “Will,” one of the first black female-directed films released in the post-civil-rights era.

Maple was nothing short of a trailblazer. Hailed as one of the first Black female filmmakers to complete a feature-length film, she broke barriers within the film industry for her achievements and determination to advocate for Black representation.

Please read the media announcement that the family of Jessie Maple asked that we share. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire family. We’re committed and dedicated to honoring her legacy.
~ Black Film Center & Archive pic.twitter.com/TXLrnbRzdI

— BFC & A (@BlackFilmCenter) May 31, 2023

Maple was born in 1947 in Louisiana. Her goal was not always filmmaking. Instead, for many years, she worked in bacteriology. However, she later began to explore writing, her first job being as part of a New York program for the Manhattan Tribune. The program’s funding dried up soon after Maple’s acceptance but she remained near the offices in hopes of finding pieces to write. She successfully published many stories under the publication until she later received work at the New York Courier. 

The 1968 release of the Kerner Commission Report, which identified poor representation of Black Americans as a cause for concern, led Maple to expand into filmmaking. She began training in organizations to jumpstart her career including Black Journal and Third World Cinema. 

Maple’s love for film blossomed even further after attending Ossie Davis’ Third World Cinema through the National Education Television Training School. She blossomed on projects including “Shaft’s Big Score!” Later in her career, she joined the New York camera operators union. However, this was not an easy feat, Variety reported.

“You can’t stop progress. You can hold it up for a minute, but you can’t stop it.” – Jessie Maple.

The entertainment industry was still rife with racial prejudice during the 70s. As a Black woman, Maple could not simply join the Union like her male, white counterparts. Instead, a lengthy legal battle ensued, which Patton recounted in her book, “How to Become a Union Camerawoman.”

After her admittance, the Union had Maple black-listed by studios, which resulted in her filing lawsuits against media conglomerates ABC, NBC, and CBS. While she ultimately succeeded, it was an obstacle she endured in her quest to bring more representation into the filmmaking world. 

Maple created many documentaries throughout her career. She worked as an editor, producer, writer, and cinematographer as well. Maple leaves behind her husband, three daughters, a grandson, and many nieces and nephews. 

RELATED CONTENT: Maverick Entertainment Celebrates 25 Years of Championing Black Voices in Film & TV

Three former teachers at the Donda Academy are filing a lawsuit against the school, claiming poor treatment, conditions and bullying from the higher ups. Original plaintiffs Cecilia Hailey and her daughter Chekarey Byers were joined by a third, Timanii Meeks, as they pursue a case against musician and fashion designer Kanye West’s school. 

All three teachers allege that they experienced racism, bullying and retaliation when they brought up conditions occurring in the building that were less than safe for adults and kids alike. They even alleged that there were checks where the pay was lower than usual, sometimes by the thousands. 

In the new complaint amended on June 1, Meeks stated that she believed that “building was not safe for occupants, let alone children.” This wouldn’t be the first time the public has been exposed to alleged poor conditions and lack of support at the Donda Academy. Early this year, it was alleged that the school lunch had been limited to Sushi for an extended period of time, amongst other disturbing alleged issues and concerns. 

Hailey also raised the concern in their complaint that they’d gone to the principal, Moira Love, on three occasions. However, when the concerns were raised to Love, instead of taking action, she called Byers and Hailey “aggressive” in front of people. Byers and Hailey both felt a racial bias in Love’s response, saying it “facilitates stereotypes about African-American women as being confrontational simply for doing their job and voicing their legitimate concerns in order to provide a safe environment and proper education for their students.” Hailey even noted that she had tried to reach out to Mr. West himself, to no avail after she was allegedly “threatened not to reach out to him.”

While Meeks was fired months before Byers and Hailey from the school, she and the two other plaintiffs have similar termination stories that can support their suit against the school. The suit is currently in progress. 

BGN interviews actor Issa Rae (Spider-Woman) for the Sony Pictures film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

Interviewer: Jeandra LeBeauf

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently playing in theaters.

Meet Wendy Wiltz, the New Orleans realtor who’s on a mission to empower and encourage the Black community to own and invest in real estate.

Fresh off the heels of inking a travel television series on Tubi and Xumo that follows her global tour of real estate properties, the “Invest Away” host is focused on educating African Americans on the power of ownership in real estate.

With real estate serving as a natural passion for Wiltz, the former model made a career shift to generate a second source of income that didn’t demand too much of her time or physical presence. Since making the shift, Wiltz uses her platform to promote ownership and share the industry keys that are normally gatekept.

As part of her mission, and in honor of National Home Ownership Month, Wendy Wiltz shared five resourceful tips for aspiring homeowners.

 

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A post shared by Wendy Wiltz I MBA I New Orleans Realtor® (@wendywiltz_realtor)

1. Automate Savings: Set up an automatic deposit into a separate account and/or consider a money-saving app such as Albert which automates savings based on your income and bills.

2. Strive For the Best Credit Score Possible: Higher credit scores obtain a better interest rate saving thousands in the long run and allowing you to spend more on your home and less on interest payments. Reach out to a credit advisor to determine if there is room for improvement.

3. Speak to a Realtor ASAP: The earlier this is done, the sooner you’ll become familiar with the process and can get answers to your questions. Don’t assume what you don’t know, get the facts. Most Realtors offer buyer and seller consultations completely free and can help guide you in the right direction.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Compare Lending Options: Not all lenders have the same rates and/or fees. Shopping around for the best mortgage within a 45-day timeframe will result in one inquiry on your credit. This is a big purchase and it’s significant to get the best deal.

5. You Don’t Have to Spend the Entire Pre-Qualification Amount: Don’t be afraid to set your own limits. Let your lender know what you are comfortable spending each month. Avoid being house broke! There will be other things in life you’ll want to do with your family aside from paying a mortgage.

6. Consider Your Day-To-Day Activities in Terms of Location. Purchasing a home convenient to your day-to-day activities can make life easier. For example, don’t hesitate to take the drive from home to your workplace before making the commitment.