It is well know that the mainstream media does not always portray people of color in a positive light. In response, in 1997, ImageNation was founded to provide an alternative to the mainstream media. The organization wants to introduce new audiences to positive images of people of color.
The organization prides itself on offering progressive media by and about people of color.
“ImageNation wants to have outlets of positive images of Black and Latino people and provide an alternative option to mainstream media,” said Moikgantsi Kgama, founder of ImageNation.
The ImageNation Outdoor Film and Music Festival is happening during this year’s Harlem Week. This is the sixth year that ImageNation has participated in Harlem Week.
“The outdoor series is all about opening audiences to independent films. [ImageNation] receives its films from submissions and from bigger film festivals,” said Kgama.
There are three events left for this year’s Harlem Week, on Aug. 20, 27, and Sept. 11.
On Aug. 20, DJ Cool Gee will perform at 7:30 p.m., with two films, “Stormy Weather” and “Rubber Soles,” to follow at 8:30 p.m.
On Aug. 27, child star Maurice Johnson will perform at 7:30 p.m., followed by “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” and “Say It Loud.”
The festival’s closing event is Sept. 11. The film to be shown is “Mooz-lum,” which stars Evan Ross, Nia Long and Danny Glover.
The outdoor series takes place at St. Nicholas Park on 135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.