By Carla Thomas

Jackie Wright has spent more than two decades helping people, organizations and communities understand the power of a well-told story.

As founder and president of Wright Enterprises, a San Francisco-based strategic communications and public affairs firm, Wright has built a career spanning journalism, public relations, media relations, crisis communications, community engagement and multimedia storytelling. 

As an award-winning communications professional, Wright has worked with corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, artists, and community organizations. In 2026, she expanded that work by launching an introductory public relations class for small businesses and nonprofits, offering practical tools for gaining visibility, shaping messages and building productive relationships with the media.

Wright’s commitment to storytelling is also deeply personal. She wrote and co-directed the 15-minute documentary, “Love Separated in Life…Love Reunited in Honor,” which chronicles the story of her parents, Specialist Five (S5 Wyley Wright Jr. and Ouida Fay McClendon Wright. Her father, a U.S. Army helicopter crew chief, died in Vietnam in 1964 while serving as an honor guard during a visit by then-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Decades later, Wright and her siblings had their father exhumed from a segregated cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida, and their mother moved from her burial place in Georgia so the couple could be reunited at Arlington National Cemetery in 2014.

The family journey later took Wright and her sister to Vietnam, where they discovered the former military compound that had been named in honor of their father and another fallen soldier. The documentary, centered on love, war, family, racial understanding, and remembrance, earned festival recognition at screenings.

“It was quite an honor to learn about my family’s history and share it on film,” said Wright.

That filmmaking experience complements Wright’s longstanding advocacy for independent cinema. She has served as a media partner and brand ambassador for Bay Area film festivals, including the San Francisco Black Film Festival, Oakland International Film Festival, and the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.

“It’s important to help filmmakers and underrepresented stories reach broader audiences,” said Wright.

Whether promoting a neighborhood organization, championing an independent filmmaker or preserving her own family history, Wright has remained consistent. Through Wright Enterprises, she has turned communications into both a profession and a form of community service, telling stories that might otherwise go unheard. 

“Our stories are an integral part of our history, and our history is not only American history, but worldwide,” she said.

Director Christopher Nolan’s anxiously awaited masterpiece, “The Odyssey,” arrived in New York for the star-studded world premiere which featured a massive 40-foot, roughly 8,000-pound replica of a Trojan horse, parked outside AMC Lincoln Square on Broadway & 66th Street in Manhattan, for the epic red carpet launch on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, which closed down three city blocks and drawing a large crowd of fans and onlookers who cheered the stars as they swaggered down the plush red carpet before entering the iconic theater.

Nolan and his wife and co-producer Emma Thomas were joined by cast members Charlize Theron, Matt Damon, John Leguizamo, Anne Hathaway, Samantha Morton, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, Logan Marshall-Green, Benny Safdie, Lupita Nyong’o, Himesh Patel, Corey Hawkins, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Travis Scott to see one of the greatest mythical films of all time!

From Universal Pictures comes a magnificent masterpiece about Greek mythology by a brilliant veteran visionary in the film industry. One of the cornerstones of Western literature is believed to have been composed nearly 3,000 years ago, and is traditionally attributed to the poet Homer. “The Odyssey” is Nolan’s big-budget adaptation of the epic Greek poem of the same name, shot across the world for the first time using brand-new IMAX film technology. The film’s wide theatrical and IMAX released on July 17, 2026, has garnered staggering acclaim and early Oscar buzz.

Set in and around the Mediterranean Ancient World, the poem and the film follow Odysseus, the heroic king of the Greek kingdom of Ithaca. After fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus begins the journey home to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, but the meddling of the Gods and a series of adventures with sirens, cyclops, and more turn his trip home into a 10-year fight for survival and a struggle to reclaim his kingdom from those who seized it in his absence.

“The Odyssey” features an ensemble cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as his wife, Penelope, and Tom Holland as Odysseus’s son, Telemachus. Lupita Nyong’o co-stars as the mythical Helen of Troy, and also plays Helen’s sister, Clytemnestra, and Zendaya as the Greek Goddess Athena. The supporting cast also includes Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Samantha Morton, John Leguizamo, and Travis Scott, making his acting debut as a palace bard.

The creative team behind “The Odyssey” includes writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan, co-producer Emma Thomas, cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, composer Ludwig Göransson, and casting director John Papsidera. and more. (Production Photos courtesy Universal Pictures / Premiere Photos by Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

Based on reporting by Harlem Community Newspapers.

By Carla Thomas

Community members gathered at the Black Panther Party Museum on Saturday, Aug. 15, in downtown Oakland for a screening of “Seeds for Liberation,” an award-winning documentary examining the Palestinian liberation movement and its connections to Black, Chicano and other movements for collective liberation.

The film reveals the face of conflict, struggle, and injustice today and yesterday. In one scene, a bleeding child pleads for help on a shell-shattered rooftop after a bombing in the Gaza Strip last year. In another scene, newly freed Nelson Mandela addresses thousands at the Oakland Coliseum in 1990, at the end of apartheid.

The screening was hosted by the East Bay Democratic Socialists of America and the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation. Following the film, director Matthew Solomon joined local community leaders for a discussion about solidarity, resistance, and the historical connections explored throughout the documentary. 

Directed by Solomon and executive-produced by Donna Hadjikhani and Alana Hadid, “Seeds for Liberation” situates Palestinian experiences within the broader history of anti-imperialist and decolonial movements.

Through interviews with historians, legal scholars, activists and organizers, the documentary examines Palestinian resistance. It also details the role of social media in shaping the public’s understanding of the impact of Palestine’s 77-year occupation by Israeli forces, events in Gaza and the West Bank, and relationships between liberation movements across generations and geographic boundaries.

The film includes perspectives of people connected to the Black Liberation Army, La Raza Unida and the Stop Cop City movement. Those featured talk about colonialism, U.S. foreign policy, policing, racial justice and their views of what solidarity with Palestinians has meant.

Solomon developed the documentary following his previous film, “Reimagining Safety,” which explored alternatives to traditional policing.

“I use film as a medium to connect personal testimony with larger social and political questions,” said Solomon, who is currently touring the film across the nation as well as Canada and other countries.

Executive producer Hadjikhani brought a personal connection to the project. An Iranian American designer and social justice advocate, she traveled to Gaza and the West Bank as a college student in 1993 during the First Intifada. Hadid has since focused on Palestinian stories and other underrepresented voices.

The Oakland screening carried added historical significance because it was held in the Black Panther Party Museum, where the history of Black resistance and community organizing provided a backdrop for the film’s examination of interconnected struggles.

Activist and artist Cat Brooks passionately spoke about the fight for the freedom of all people. “No one is free until everyone is free,” she said.

Brooks played a key role in the struggle for justice for Oscar Grant, who was gunned down by a BART police officer in 2009 and is co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP), whose mission is to rapidly respond to and ultimately eradicate state violence in communities of color. 

Rather than treating liberation movements as isolated chapters, “Seeds for Liberation” asks audiences to consider how movements separated by time, race and geography have influenced one another and how solidarity has continued to evolve across generations. 

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By Carol Lee Tolbert

Boost African American and Black student literacy skills this school year by attending the 2026 ‘Right-To-Read’ film viewing on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An award-winning documentary exposing the literacy crisis impacting many African American and Black students in our public schools.

In the words of the film’s director, “It’s a game changer.” After the audience views this eye-opening film, our experienced panelists will provide information to parents, guardians, and advocates on how to help children become proficient readers, close the literacy gap, and share why literacy matters.

Here is an example of a comment by a past attendee: “Excellent experience!” “The panel was amazing!”

Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Sadly, African American/Black students ranked last in fourth-grade reading scores and 5th in eighth-grade reading scores. So, what’s the big deal? According to NAEP, just 10 points can mean a grade-level difference between two students in the same class!

THE MORNING ALSO INCLUDES: A Backpack Giveaway, Fun Activities for Kids, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes, and Materials!

To be sure, some African American/Black students are thriving in public schools, but far too many are not – as the data reveals. By watching this inspiring film and hearing from panelists, WCCUSD parents, guardians, and advocates can give children a jumpstart on the 2026-2027 school year. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed!

This event is sponsored by the Oakland Eastbay Alliance of Black Educators (OEABE), in partnership with Easter Hill United Methodist Church and United Women of Faith.

Pre-register by July 29 at www.oeabe.org. Space is limited. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected]. Event location is 3911 Cutting Blvd, Richmond.

About the Author

Carol Lee Tolbert, M.A., M. Ed., is a former School Board Trustee, Education Consultant, and Vice President of OEABE.

Members of the National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) will join whistleblowers, investigative journalists, filmmakers, attorneys, and citizen advocates from across the country at the 2026 Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival in Washington, D.C., to spotlight one of the nation’s most overlooked public policy issues—adult guardianship abuse and the need for meaningful reform.

Held July 24 through August 2, with its principal live events taking place July 27–30, the summit brings together individuals committed to exposing fraud, corruption, abuse of authority, and government waste. A featured event on July 27 at the Rayburn House Office Building will include a screening of “The Bad Guardian,” followed by a panel discussion examining adult guardianships and the growing movement to protect vulnerable seniors and adults from financial exploitation and abuse.

NPRC members will attend the screening and participate in discussions alongside nationally recognized advocates, including Rick Black of Center for Estate Administration Reform (CEAR), “The Probate Trap” authors Luanne Fleming and Robin Austin and other organizations working to increase public awareness of guardianship reform.

Producer Elizabeth Stephen has expanded her role beyond filmmaking to become an advocate for public education on guardianship issues. The discussion will also feature director Ray Contreras, whose documentary tells the story of his family’s experience after his father became the subject of a contested guardianship, and Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist Adam Walser, whose reporting has examined elder exploitation and public accountability.

For probate reform advocates, this year’s summit represents an important shift in how adult guardianship is viewed. For many years, families raising concerns about questionable guardianships often found their complaints dismissed as private family disputes. Today, advocates argue that when allegations involve Medicaid billing, misuse of public funds, fraudulent contracts, or other taxpayer-supported programs, they may also raise broader questions of government accountability.

One of the Summit’s educational themes is the federal False Claims Act, commonly known through its ‘qui tam’ provisions, which allow individuals with credible evidence of fraud involving government funds to bring claims on behalf of the United States. When successful, such cases may result in government recoveries and financial awards for qualifying whistleblowers. Advocates emphasize that not every guardianship dispute falls within these laws, but cases involving fraud against publicly funded programs may warrant careful legal review.

The Whistleblower Summit itself was founded by veteran whistleblower advocates, including Marcel Reid and Michael McCray, who transformed their experiences exposing government misconduct into an annual forum promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen oversight.

The National Probate Reform Coalition believes the summit provides an opportunity to elevate adult guardianship reform to the national stage. By bringing together families, policymakers, legal experts, journalists, and whistleblower advocates, the coalition hopes to encourage greater oversight, stronger protections for vulnerable adults, and increased public awareness of the challenges facing families across the country.

As advocates gather in the nation’s capital, they share a common goal: ensuring that allegations of abuse are taken seriously, that public institutions remain accountable, and that America’s elders receive the dignity, protection, and justice they deserve.

Tanya Dennis is the lead facilitator of the National Probate Reform Coalition.

For Julia Griggs, receiving a proclamation from the City of Memphis was a moment she never saw coming.

The Memphis native, a veteran journalist, award-winning filmmaker and founder of independent film studio Kingdom Stride Productions, has spent much of her career shining a light on the stories of others. Now, the city that helped shape her story is recognizing her impact.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young issued an official proclamation last month honoring Griggs for her commitment to truthful and impactful storytelling, highlighting her documentary “Brannu: The Urban Horseman,” and recognizing her work to preserve culture, uplift underrepresented voices and inspire the next generation of journalists and filmmakers. The proclamation also recognizes Griggs for bringing distinction to Memphis and exemplifying the positive influence dedicated storytellers can have on their communities.

“I was truly shocked,” Griggs said. “Receiving a proclamation from the City of Memphis is deeply meaningful to me, especially as a daughter of Memphis who grew up in North Memphis. This recognition feels truly special, and I’m grateful to the mayor for acknowledging my work in this way.”

Griggs’ path to national newsrooms and award-winning filmmaking began in Memphis. Before building a career in journalism and media production, she worked as a flight attendant. But determined to create a new future for herself, Griggs returned to school and earned a degree from the University of Memphis. While still working in the airline industry, she spent her days off gaining experience in media, which eventually led to opportunities with major national news outlets, including CNN, where she established herself as a respected producer and storyteller.

The proclamation serves as recognition for years of perseverance and purpose, said Griggs, who now lives in Atlanta.

“It reflects the work, dedication and passion I have poured into my career,” said Griggs, who thanked Mayor Paul Young on her LinkedIn page. “It inspires me to continue making a positive impact through my work.”

Grigg’s latest project, “Brannu: The Urban Horseman,” an award-winning documentary, explores Black horsemanship, land ownership, displacement and community resilience through the story of Brandon “Brannu” Fulton, an Atlanta-based horse stunt rider. The project was recently screened in Memphis.

“This honor represents years of hard work. Much of it done quietly, without recognition, but always with purpose,” Griggs said. “’Brannu: The Urban Horseman’ shifted the trajectory of my career. It deepened my perspective as a producer and reaffirmed my passion for telling impactful stories.”

Throughout her career, Griggs has remained committed to amplifying voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. As a Black journalist and filmmaker, she acknowledges the journey has sometimes been hard.

“I’ve faced my share of challenges in this industry — moments that tested not only my work, but also my purpose,” she said. “Through faith and prayer, I’ve been able to overcome those obstacles and continue pushing forward in a field where representation matters deeply.”

That commitment to authentic storytelling continues to guide her work today. Whether producing national news coverage or creating independent films, Griggs says her personal mission to tell stories that matter remains unchanged.

“What I’m most proud of is the opportunity to bring impactful voices to national news coverage,” she said. “I’m also proud of the creative growth I’ve experienced as a filmmaker and the relationships I’ve built with other storytellers.”

As she looks toward the future, Griggs hopes her journey will inspire others, especially young people in Memphis, to dream beyond the limitations of circumstance or condition.

“I hope my work can inspire people to believe beyond their zip code,” she said. “Do the work. The work is what opens doors.”

Her message is one grounded in faith and preparation. And while this latest honor celebrates what she has already accomplished, Griggs says she remains focused on what comes next.

She recently helped co-produce the short film “Back To You” in collaboration with Sheila B Productions, an independent film and media company. The Black cowboy love story will premiere July 25 at NCG Cinema in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with another screening slated for Aug. 8 at Georgia Gwinnett College, about 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.

“As I continue moving forward,” said Griggs, “I’m focused on giving my best in whatever God has for me next and staying open to the opportunities ahead.”

Based on reporting by Tri-State Defender.