Blackstuntmen Travel To Smithsonian
Donation protected
We need to reach our goal by September 20th
The money raised will be used for travel and lodging to Washington DC.
They have exhausted all other avenues of funding and are still short by $15,000.
MISSION:
The Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA) was also founded for the sole mission to train, protect, preserve and honor the memory of African- American Stuntmen and Minority pioneers of the Motion Picture and Television Industry.
HISTORY:
During the Hollywood era in the 60’s, African-Americans were not allowed to act as stunt doubles in the film industry. As the civil rights movement began to gain momentum in the 60’s, blacks and other minorities were featured more prominently in movies and television, the practice known as a “paint-down” became even more prevalent. Consequently, in 1967 the Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was established for the pursuit of equality for stunt people of all races and genders.
George Wallace presented lifetime achievement awards to these original stuntmen, it was the first time ever that these Stuntmen were ever honored. Today, many of the original stuntmen and women are retired, deceased and or have been left permanently injured and poorly compensated due to unfair practices and lack of safety and resources at the time. However, these trailblazers opened the doors for many minority stuntmen that today enjoy increased opportunities, good pay and fair and equitable treatment.
The BSA also produced some of the world’s most renowned stunt performers and 2nd unit directors, including the acclaimed Stuntmen Henry Kingi, Tony Brubaker, Richard Washington, Ernie Robinson, Bob Minor, Calvin Brown, Jophrey Brown (stunt double Morgan Freeman) Greg Elam. Today, Greg’s son are still in the Industry, performing stunts for Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Don Cheadle, Brandon T. Jackson among others. These exceptional craftsmen created an exemplary body of work on critically acclaimed and blockbuster projects. However, there were tragedies, veteran stunt performers Sonja Davis (killed while performing on the set of Vampire in Brooklyn); John Sherrod (killed driving home after a long shoot) and all the nameless stunt performers who risked everything to perform their talent--- died with nothing.
We are raising funds to help the remaining founding members who are now in their twilight years attend the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24 which will also honor the BSA with a permanent display honoring their achievements over the years .
The opening will be the focus of a week-long celebration that begins with a dedication ceremony where President Barack Obama will cut the ribbon. The celebration continues with extended visiting hours and a three-day festival showcasing popular music, literature, dance and film. Also planned are events co-hosted by other museums around the country and in Africa.
It is through the efforts of these unsung heroes that minorities and people of color are able to work in more aspects of the movie and television industry than ever before. This will undoubtedly be their swan-song and the last time the all of the living survivors will be together.
Even as their numbers dwindle they still plant the seeds of hope establishing the William Robison / Black Stuntmen Association Scholarship in cooperation with Wells Fargo and The Stockton Unified School District .
All funds remaining funds from this campaign will go towards funding future scholarships from the “William Robison / Black Stuntmen Association Scholarship”
to high school seniors.
There are no words to express how grateful the BSA and future generations of aspiring college students will be for your help in achieving our goal.
Thank You!
The money raised will be used for travel and lodging to Washington DC.
They have exhausted all other avenues of funding and are still short by $15,000.
MISSION:
The Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA) was also founded for the sole mission to train, protect, preserve and honor the memory of African- American Stuntmen and Minority pioneers of the Motion Picture and Television Industry.
HISTORY:
During the Hollywood era in the 60’s, African-Americans were not allowed to act as stunt doubles in the film industry. As the civil rights movement began to gain momentum in the 60’s, blacks and other minorities were featured more prominently in movies and television, the practice known as a “paint-down” became even more prevalent. Consequently, in 1967 the Black Stuntmen’s Association (BSA), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was established for the pursuit of equality for stunt people of all races and genders.
George Wallace presented lifetime achievement awards to these original stuntmen, it was the first time ever that these Stuntmen were ever honored. Today, many of the original stuntmen and women are retired, deceased and or have been left permanently injured and poorly compensated due to unfair practices and lack of safety and resources at the time. However, these trailblazers opened the doors for many minority stuntmen that today enjoy increased opportunities, good pay and fair and equitable treatment.
The BSA also produced some of the world’s most renowned stunt performers and 2nd unit directors, including the acclaimed Stuntmen Henry Kingi, Tony Brubaker, Richard Washington, Ernie Robinson, Bob Minor, Calvin Brown, Jophrey Brown (stunt double Morgan Freeman) Greg Elam. Today, Greg’s son are still in the Industry, performing stunts for Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Don Cheadle, Brandon T. Jackson among others. These exceptional craftsmen created an exemplary body of work on critically acclaimed and blockbuster projects. However, there were tragedies, veteran stunt performers Sonja Davis (killed while performing on the set of Vampire in Brooklyn); John Sherrod (killed driving home after a long shoot) and all the nameless stunt performers who risked everything to perform their talent--- died with nothing.
We are raising funds to help the remaining founding members who are now in their twilight years attend the dedication ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Sept. 24 which will also honor the BSA with a permanent display honoring their achievements over the years .
The opening will be the focus of a week-long celebration that begins with a dedication ceremony where President Barack Obama will cut the ribbon. The celebration continues with extended visiting hours and a three-day festival showcasing popular music, literature, dance and film. Also planned are events co-hosted by other museums around the country and in Africa.
It is through the efforts of these unsung heroes that minorities and people of color are able to work in more aspects of the movie and television industry than ever before. This will undoubtedly be their swan-song and the last time the all of the living survivors will be together.
Even as their numbers dwindle they still plant the seeds of hope establishing the William Robison / Black Stuntmen Association Scholarship in cooperation with Wells Fargo and The Stockton Unified School District .
All funds remaining funds from this campaign will go towards funding future scholarships from the “William Robison / Black Stuntmen Association Scholarship”
to high school seniors.
There are no words to express how grateful the BSA and future generations of aspiring college students will be for your help in achieving our goal.
Thank You!
Organizer
Danny Titus
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV
