Director Deon Taylor and producer Roxanne Avent Taylor, co-founders of Be Woke.Vote, are doing their part to make sure that people go to the voting booths this election period. The voter engagement organization is partnering with BRON Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert and Brenda Gilbert and NBA sports commentator Kenny Smith to inform and register underserved communities so that they can vote.
“As African American business owners who grew up in disadvantaged inner cities, we understand there is a systemic issue around voting,” said a statement from Deon and Roxanne Taylor. “It takes the work of many, and we are thrilled to partner with Aaron, Brenda, and Kenny to encourage young minorities across the country to understand the power of voting nationally and locally to change their environments. We are encouraging others to get involved with this powerful movement.”
Be Woke.Vote, which sponsors shows “Roland Martin Unfiltered”, the award-winning “Black History in Two Minutes“, and “The Messy Truth with Van Jones”, has a history of actively pushing for political change and peace.
Recently, the organization spearheaded the George Floyd-inspired initiative A Peaceful Protest for Our Rights, a collaboration with Sacramento’s NAACP, Climb Organization and Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC), to increase voter registration and a call-to-action to end injustice and inequality. Be Woke.Vote also has bussed people to the polls and registered over 27,000 voters during the midterm elections of 2018.
“I’m excited to be part of a direct call to action that allows all of our voices to be truly heard,” said NBA Analyst Kenny Smith.
Aaron Gilbert, who is a 20-year veteran in the entertainment industry, has championed diversity and inclusion throughout his career. BRON Studios’ productions include Fences, Queen & Slim, The Birth of a Nation and the upcoming Candyman.
“Change can only happen when all voices are heard and when voters can get to the polls in force. We are proud to join the incredible team behind Be Woke.Vote to do all we can to help support this critical initiative,” said the Gilberts.
In addition to Be Woke.Vote, Deon and Roxanne Taylor are also the founders of Hidden Empire Film Group. The entertainment hub has delivered the poignant police drama Black and Blue and heart-rending Traffik, highlighting various issues that affect people in the U.S. on a daily basis.
