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Anti-Defamation League Entertainment Industry Dinner: Nancy Dubuc Honored; Industry-Wide Expressions of Concern about Rise of Hate

  • April 18, 2018

The Anti-Defamation League honored Nancy Dubuc, Chief Executive Officer of VICE Media, at the 2018 Entertainment Industry Dinner on April 17 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ADL Entertainment Industry Dinner honors individuals in the entertainment industry annually for their vision, leadership, accomplishments, and contributions to the community. The event raised more than $500,000 to combat anti-Semitism and bigotry of all kinds.

A unifying theme of the evening was the normalization of hate that has engulfed the U.S. the past two years, making ADL more relevant – and needed – than ever. This was expressed by Master of Ceremonies and host actor Rob Morrow when he opened saying, “Never before in my life has truth been under such assault. Never before has the venom of defamation had so many means to spread.”

This sentiment continued throughout the evening, in welcome remarks by Entertainment Committee co-chair Jill Ratner about extremists chanting “Jews will not replace us” at Charlottesville, and by Entertainment Committee co-chair Michael Garfinkel talking about his college student son’s need for ADL guidance when a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions resolution passed at University of Michigan.

Spotlight speaker Kern Oduro, Ph.D, Assistant Superintendent at Chaffey Joint Union High School District in San Bernardino County, praised the ADL anti-bias trainings that have taken place at schools throughout his district “The seeds of discord and hate are being sown. We know that hate is learned. That is why it is critical that we remain relentless in teaching our teachers and students the virtues of kindness, compassion and love. Every school should have ADL trainings so students and teachers learn how to stand up against hate.” He then beseeched the audience, “I also hope every adult here will stand up, and rise up in supporting ADL and the wonderful work they do for our young people and teachers.”

ADL Regional Director Amanda Susskind spoke of the power of the entertainment industry to lead by example, “spreading messages of respect and inclusion for the world to see.” She cited Honoree Nancy Dubuc as an example: “She is known for using her platform and influence to publicly stand up against hatred and fight for equality.”

ADL Regional Board Chair and entertainment industry attorney Ivy Kagan Bierman cited the recent significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents nationally and stressed the importance of supporting ADL during this critical time.

Honorary Co-Chair Ben Silverman

ADL’s National Entertainment Advisory Council Chair and entertainment executive Ben Silverman spoke from the heart about the importance of “fighting for those who are underserved.” He called ADL “a champion of justice that shines a light where there is no justice” and added his voice to the chorus of those who had already expressed that ADL is “more needed than ever.”

“Nancy has used the power of media to advocate for some of the most pressing social justice issues of our time” said actress and director Shiri Appleby before presenting the award to Nancy Dubuc. “She has used her influence, power, and platform to bring out the best in us.” Appleby continued the theme: “There’s an urgency to our times right now and sadly, a growing divide – where emotions are high and tolerance is low. Now more than ever the work the ADL is doing is crucial.”

In her acceptance speech, Dubuc gave examples of A+E programs that included a concert (Shine a Light) about the massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, a documentary (Divided States) produced in partnership with ADL to explore the repercussions of racial tensions and bias in America, shows that have taken on pay parity issues for women, and the Emmy-award winning Born this Way about young people living with Down Syndrome.

Dubuc talked about “the responsibility of being let into people’s homes,” as she accepted the award.  “Entertainment is an incredibly powerful platform in our country’s culture.” She asked her industry colleagues to use storytelling to “keep educating and elevating our understanding of one another” and pledged to do so herself when she joins VICE Media.

Following the Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles who gave a stirring rendition of “Rising Above,” Dubuc chose to close her speech with the words of Bob Marley: “Get up. Stand Up.  Don’t give up the fight.”

Incoming Board Chair Scott Harris, Regional Board member Sharyn Nichols and nominated Regional Board member Zev Shechtman

Presenter and Actress Shiri Appleby

 

Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles

 

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