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Folklorist’s Advocacy for Africatown Inspires Hope

Health equity and social change public affairs firm Langco + Partners congratulates folklorist, oral historian, and African American Studies professor Dr. Kern Jackson’s contributions to academic research, equity, and advocacy.

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Award-Winning Film Descendant Named to 95th Academy Award Shortlist

WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — Health equity and social change public affairs firm Langco + Partners congratulates folklorist, oral historian, and African American Studies professor Dr. Kern Jackson’s contributions to academic research, equity, and advocacy.

The award-winning film Descendant, which Dr. Jackson co-produced and co-wrote, was named to the 95th Academy Awards shortlist for the Documentary Feature category. His research illuminates the need for social justice, as the moral and political significance of Africatown is made visible by the first-hand accounts of community leaders.

The nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. The Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Dr. Jackson played a pivotal role collaborating with remarkable director Margaret Brown, as well as Kyle Martin and Essie Chambers who produced the project. Executive producers are Participant’s Jeff Skoll and the late Diane Weyermann; Kate Hurwitz of Cinetic Media; Two One Five Entertainment’s Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman.

“I’m so honored and humbled to be a part of a tremendous team and to join forces with Margaret once again,” said Dr. Jackson. “Making The Academy’s shortlist, and, most importantly, bringing the leaders of Africatown and descendants of Cudjo Lewis into the project, has galvanized awareness to this part of our history. Together, we give voice to the ancestors and people of Africatown,” he added. “While the film educates and celebrates the power and resilience of the human spirit, my hope is that the world stage will finally rise to face and rectify the on-going economic, environmental, health, and social injustices that inspired the film.”

Descendant follows members of Africatown, a small community adjacent to Mobile, Alabama, as they share their personal narratives and community history as descendants of the Clotilda, the last known ship carrying enslaved Africans to the United States.

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“I love the attention the film is bringing to Africatown. The job though is not done,” said Emmett Lewis, a descendant of Africatown founder Cudjo Lewis. “Africatown still needs justice!”

The shortlists sweep across 10 categories, which includes Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound, and Visual Effects.

Descendant premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January, where it won the U.S. documentary special jury award for creative vision.

Netflix and Higher Ground joined forces to publicly distribute and release the film on October 21, 2022.

SOURCE Langco + Partners

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health and wellness

The Philadelphia Phillies Join Forces with NPCF in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Philly Phillies & NPCF join forces to fight childhood cancer, raising awareness and funds through “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event. #TogetherAgainstCancer

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Bay Care Ballpark for the "Cut and Color Funds the Cure" event, showing their support for childhood cancer awareness and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Fighting Childhood Cancer: Larry Bowa at the Phillies Cut and Color Funds the Cure for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

It is with great pride and admiration that we share the inspiring collaboration between the Philadelphia Phillies and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF). On Friday, March 22, the Phillies organized a remarkable event called “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” at Bay Care Ballpark. This event brought players, staff members, and supporters together to either cut or color their hair red or orange – the official colors of both the Phillies and NPCF. The primary goal of this program was to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research, with the aim of finding a cure for the 43 children diagnosed with cancer every day.

The “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event showcased the Philadelphia Phillies’ unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children battling cancer. By embracing the red and orange hair colors associated with the team and NPCF, players and staff members symbolically demonstrated their solidarity and dedication to the cause. This vibrant display of unity helped generate widespread awareness and captivated the attention of both avid baseball fans and the general public.

  1. In joining forces with NPCF, the Phillies recognized the power of their platform to bring attention to pediatric cancer. By leveraging their influence and engaging in events like “Cut and Color Funds the Cure,” they are raising awareness about this harrowing disease and its impact on children and their families. The collective efforts of the Phillies and the NPCF not only inform the public but also foster a sense of empathy and compassion, inspiring others to join the fight against childhood cancer.

  2. The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is renowned for its dedication to funding innovative research aimed at eliminating childhood cancer. By partnering with leading hospitals and research institutions nationwide, the foundation strives to find less toxic and more targeted treatment options. The collaboration with the Philadelphia Phillies further bolsters these efforts by providing resources and support to enable groundbreaking advancements in pediatric cancer research.

  3. The Philadelphia Phillies firmly believe in the power of sports to make a positive impact on their community. Through the “Cut and Color Funds the Cure” event, they actively engaged their fans and supporters, encouraging them to contribute to the cause. By creating an inclusive and participatory environment, the Phillies fostered a sense of community and amplified the collective strength of their loyal fanbase.


The partnership between the Philadelphia Phillies and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation exemplifies the extraordinary potential of collaboration and collective action. By joining forces, the team and the foundation are driving forward the fight against childhood cancer, inspiring hope and uniting people from all walks of life. Through events like “Cut and Color Funds the Cure,” the Phillies demonstrate their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children battling this devastating disease. Together, we can create a better tomorrow for these young heroes and pave the way for a future without pediatric cancer.

About National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (founded in 1991) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer. We govern a unique, collaborative research consortium (called the Sunshine Project) consisting of physicians and scientists from over thirty of the top hospitals in the nation. We collaborate to idealize and aggregate the best scientific ideas and fund innovative research. The NPCF has received a perfect 100% score for financial health and transparency and is recognized as the top-rated cancer charity in the U.S. by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit NationalPCF.org or connect via FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

SOURCE National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

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Celebrating International Women’s Day: A Tribute to Female Empowerment and Progress

“International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements, honors the past, and fights for a more equal future. Empower, support, and uplift women!”

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International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8th, stands as a testament to the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women, while also serving as a rallying cry against gender inequality worldwide. From the suffragist movements to the modern-day fight for equal rights, the day symbolizes the enduring spirit and resilience of women across generations.


The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the tireless efforts of trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who championed women’s rights in the face of adversity. Their work laid the groundwork for future generations to strive for equality and justice.

The early 1900s saw pivotal moments such as the massive women’s march in New York City in 1908 and the first National Women’s Day in 1909, highlighting the urgent need for gender equality, fair wages, and voting rights. Clara Zetkin’s call for an annual International Women’s Day in 1910 further amplified the global movement for women’s rights, sparking rallies and demonstrations across countries.

Throughout history, milestones like the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. and the passage of the Voting Rights Act marked significant victories in the fight for women’s suffrage and empowerment. The evolution of feminism and the rise of digital activism in recent decades have further propelled the cause of gender equality to the forefront of societal discourse.

Today, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true gender equality. It is a day to honor the contributions of women in all spheres of life, from politics to arts, science to business, and beyond.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only recognize the achievements of women but also commit to supporting and empowering them in their endeavors. Providing resources such as scholarships for women from diverse backgrounds can help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and soar to new heights.

On this day and every day, let us stand in solidarity with women worldwide, amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights, and working together to build a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality.

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Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day

“February 17th marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day, a celebration encouraging acts of kindness that spread joy and positivity nationwide.”

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Every year on February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day gains momentum as a day dedicated to spreading goodwill and positivity. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate this occasion, emphasizing the importance of kindness in our daily interactions.

“Embracing Kindness: Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day”

The essence of this day lies in the simplicity of performing acts of kindness, both big and small, to brighten someone else’s day. Whether it’s buying a coffee for a stranger, complimenting a co-worker, or simply offering a listening ear, these gestures have the power to make a significant impact on someone’s life.

What makes National Random Acts of Kindness Day truly special is its ability to inspire a ripple effect of positivity. Acts of kindness not only benefit the recipient but also uplift the spirits of the giver, creating a cycle of compassion and empathy that transcends boundaries.

As individuals, groups, and organizations come together to participate in this day, the message of kindness spreads far and wide, fostering a sense of community and unity. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference in the world around us.

So, this National Random Acts of Kindness Day, let us embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion. Let us take a moment to brighten someone’s day, spread a little joy, and make the world a kinder place for all.

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