Emmy Nominations Improving

by: Shantella Y. Sherman Special to the AFRO the actors talking – many of whom turned to their social media feeds to voice their surprise. With the release of 2016 Emmy Award nomina- “I am floored that I’ve been nominated but I am tions, social critics have taken note of the increased di- even more excited that Luther has been nominated as versity among performers and television series, as well well,” Idris Elba tweeted after learning both he and the as the roles for which minority performers are selected. show “Luther” had secured nominations. “The suc- While noting a clear need for a broader range of roles, cess of ‘Luther’ is so much due to the fans and I hope this year’s nominees represent a third consecutive year they are as proud of this nomination as we are.” in which non-White performers earned a substantial Courtney B. Vance reacted with similar excitement number of nods. over his nomination for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: Much of the relief comes on the heels of protests American Crime Story,” posting “It was an opportunity following the 2016 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and of a lifetime to work with such a dream cast and to por- Sciences ceremony in which only White actors and ac- tray a man like Johnnie Cochran. To receive an Emmy tresses were chosen for the top four categories — for nomination today is the continuation of this phenom- the second year in a row. The resulting outrage by enal journey and is indeed a true blessing and honor.” some Hollywood notables and the social media hashtag Black performers saw a high point in 2014, with #OscarsSoWhite unleashed a storm of criticism against the Emmys, that they had not seen since 1977 when the Academy for its lack of diversity and inclusion. In Alex Haley’s miniseries “Roots” earned nine nomina- response Academy president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who tions (and wins for Olivia Cole and Louis Gossett Jr). In is Black, vowed to increase the diversity of the awards. 2013, Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Olivia Pope in “The issue surrounding the Academy Awards was ABC’s “Scandal” landed her a best actress drama nom Idris Elba so much deeper than just being acknowledged and in- — the first for a Black actress since Cicely Tyson for cluded issues surrounding representation and stereo- NBC’s “Sweet Justice” in 1995. (Washington earned a types, access to casting agents, and having a seat at the second nom last year as well.) scriptwriting table,” native Washingtonian Brian Gaston Kenya Barris, creator of the series “Black-ish” told the AFRO. “When you keep seeing criminals on which garnered nominations for its lead characters por- television and they are Black males, you have to exam- trayed by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, told ine the writers, the casting, and the motives of the People Magazine, following the nomination announce- Idris Elba was nominated for an Emmy for shows.” ment that the time for diversity on all levels had ar- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Gaston, said that with Black men showing up on rived. for his work on the London crime solving miniseries shows like AMC’s “Hell on Wheels,” which became a “The idea of inclusion is a word I wish didn’t exist “Luther.” (Courtesy photo) powerful acting vehicle for rapper Common, and co- because I feel like everyone is included in this space medians Key and Peele on the FX show “Fargo,” the because we are all of one,” Barris said. “But I do think AT&T Corp. is currently looking Austin Community College District (ACC) is soliciting range of roles showed improvement as well. until it’s a well-known thing we have to use words like for certified Minority or Women -owned business subcontractors proposals from qualified firms to provide Student Loan Default “You get a show like “Luther,” starring Idris Elba as that. I’m glad we are part of that conversation.” for the City of Austin's SCADA Prevention Services. an unconventional crime solver, set in London, nomi- The non-White actors nominated also include Rami Consulting Services, Solicitation Request for Proposal nated against Black men building America’s railroads, Malek, Mr. Robot (lead actor, drama series); Kerry Wash- No: GAL0025, proposal. The (RFP) No. 946-16027VJ two police officers tracking a serial killer, and Courtney ington, “Confirmation” (lead actress limited series/ following listing provides the All proposals must be submitted to services subcontractors can Vance in the O.J. Simpson story, it’s amazing,” Gaston movie); Bokeem Woodbine, “Fargo” (supporting actor ACC Purchasing by no later than provide: Referenceable Thursday, September 1, 2016 at told the AFRO. “It shows the depth of the actors, but limited series/movie); Regina King, “American Crime” experience with SCADA Systems 2:00 p.m., Central Time. also the potential Black men have for being something (supporting actress limited series/movie); Tracy Mor- integration, product development, Solicitation packages are available other than suspects in the minds of White America.” gan, “Saturday Night Live” (guest comedy series actor); must have relationships with on the ACC Purchasing website at companies such as Schneider http://www.austincc.edu/offices/ The announcement on July 14 of more than 20 and Mahershala Ali, “House of Cards” (guest drama Electric and other SCADA system purchasing/advertised-solicitations non-White performers for this year’s Emmys also had series actor). OEMs, Named client references, or in the ACC Purchasing Office details of work involved etc., with advance notice (512) 223- named project resources, with 1044 between the hours of 9am and prior experience in projects 4pm CST, Monday through Friday. exactly similar to Austin Energy. A mandatory Pre-Proposal meeting First Saturdays at Carver Museum is scheduled for August 16, 2016 Subcontractors must have implemented fully operational , at at 10:00 am at the ACC Service Center, Rm 168. The Carver book club discussion least two SCADA/EMSs in the All proposals must be sealed and past two years of a scale similar Museum’s free, once-a- and more, along the returned to the ACC Purchasing to Austin Energy . Also , month event called Office, ACC Service Center, 9101 following lines. experience in Dispatcher Training First Saturday is not to Tuscany Way, Austin, Texas 78754, This is a FREE Fam- Simulators, some of the Power by the date and time indicated be missed. Presented ily Fun event, Sunday, System functions – while few above. by The Austin Justice August 7, 2016 at the associates may some Electronically transmitted bids will understanding of this, the NOT be accepted unless otherwise Coalition and Capitol George Washington expectation is to show 2 named stated in the documents. View Arts – this event Carver Museum, 1165 projects + references & named The ACC Board of Trustees Project Managers. Submit a reserves the right to reject any and/ will celebrates a range The themes and Not every First Sat- Angelina St., Austin, capabilities sheet with 3 verifiable or all responses and waive all of themes every year, precise schedule will urday event will follow Texas. For more infor- references to Stacy Mobley (404) formalities in the solicitation and always also ties be announced a few the same format mation call 512-974- 817-2299 or [email protected] process into exhibitions at the weeks before each (heaven forbid!) but in 4926 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING museum. It’s family “First Saturday,” which general there’s a smor- On September 6, 2016 at 9 A.M., in the Travis County friendly, diverse, and is of course the first gasbord of activities, Austin Travis County Integral Commissioners Courtroom on the 1st floor at 700 Lavaca Street, Care is currently soliciting pro- the Travis County Commissioners will receive public comment the programming is in- Saturday of every including music, lec- posals through a Request for on the Travis County District Clerk’s Records Management Plan telligent. month. tures, performances, a Proposals (RFP) process for for Fiscal Year 2016/2017, which includes the DISTRICT Retail Pharmacy Point-of-Sale COURT RECORDS TECHNOLOGY FUND (FUND 139) and Software. RFPs may be sent Request for Proposal RECORDS MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION FUND electronically, by contacting (FUND 127). Brody Ballard at brody. HACA-P-16-213 [email protected] or (512) 440- To review a copy of the Plan before the hearing, contact Laura DEVELOPER/OWNER 4022 beginning July 29, 2016. Jimenez of the Travis County District Clerk's Office at (512) Project Based Vouchers for The deadline to submit a pro- 854-9737. Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) posal under the RFP is 4 p.m. CST on August 19, 2016. His- The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is seeking proposals from torically Underutilized Busi- nesses, including Minority- qualified developers/owners to receive an allocation of Project Based HUD- Owned Businesses and Women- Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers (VASH). The purpose of this Owned Businesses, are encour- allocation is to enable homeless veterans to access affordable housing with an aged to apply.

array of supportive services. All proposals will be evaluated on scoring criteria developed by HACA. HACA will select proposals to submit to the Department Are you interested in doing business of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for consideration as part of a national competition. HACA must submit its proposal to HUD by Friday, September 9, with the City of Austin? 2016. HUD issued Notice PIH-2016-11 on July 1, 2016 which provides additional We are here for you! details. New Jobs for the City of Austin Interested parties who wish to respond to this solicitation must submit the required Week of 07/31/2016 Analyst, Database & Reporting Purchasing Office documents in a sealed envelope by 4:00 PM/CST August 24, 2016. Service Center Proposal packets may be obtained at the HACA Purchasing office, 1124 S. IH Job# 1607052 Vendor Registration 35, Austin Texas 78704 or email [email protected]. For proposal packet District Police, Dispatcher 512-974-2018 Service Center information contact Nora Morales, Director of Purchasing at 512-477-1496 Ext Job# 1607048 [email protected] 2119. For technical questions, please email [email protected]. Assistant, Child Care www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing All responses must be sealed and clearly marked “Request for Proposals” and Eastview Campus Job# 1607047 For information on the City of Austin’s Minority/ have the correct HACA proposal number. Responses must be delivered to 1124 Engineer, Senior Software S. IH-35, Austin Texas 78704. Service Center Women-Owned Procurement Program please contact the Small & Minority Business Resources at 512-974-7600 or HACA reserves the right to reject any or all responses and waive any informalities Job# 1607033 visit www.austintexas.gov/smbr. in the response process. Apply at HR Middle Fiskville Rd. You can also dial 7-1-1 and it will automatically go to a different group such as 6th Floor, Austin, TX 78752 TTY, Voice, VCO, HCO, etc. Relay Texas TTY no 1-800-735-2989 Customer Job Line (512 223-5621 Service no 1-800-676-3777 (V/T) hhtp://www./austincc.ed EEOC/AA/M/F/D/V