BlackStar Projects Honors Pioneering Artists and Filmmakers

On Dec. 3 at the Switch House, BlackStar Projects gathered artists and filmmakers for its second annual Luminary Gala, where they bestowed awards on artist, filmmaker, and activist Tourmaline, writer and director Annemarie Jacir, documentary filmmaker and community activist Louis Massiah, and filmmakers Yvonne Michelle Shirley and Stefani Saintonge on behalf of the New Negress Film Society. Comedian Jenny Yang hosted the celebratory occasion, which incorporated a captivating performance by recording artist Melanie Charles. As the gala transformed into an after party, DJ Lil Dave kept attendees on the dance floor. Notables in attendance included: Tourmaline, Annemarie Jacir, Louis Massiah, Jenny Yang, Melanie Charles, Maori Karmael Holmes, J Wortham, Salamishah Tillet, Denise Beek, Imran Siddiquee, Tre Johnson, Anthony Tidd, Shannon Maldonado, and more.