The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE BLACK STUNTMEN AND WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
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HON. KAREN BASS
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Ms. BASS. Madam Speaker, l rise to take note of the history and accomplishments of the Black Stuntmen and Women's Association (BSA). For 55 years, their pioneering efforts paved the way for all minority stuntmen and women to contribute their talents to the American entertainment industry. They have helped assure that television, movies, and other media, which have a global reach, truly reflect our nation.
Founded in 1967 by Eddie Smith with co-founder Alex Brown and the group's first president Ernie Robinson, members would meet after their regular jobs in a park in Compton, California, to train and perfect their stunts for Hollywood. At the time, Caucasian stunt doubles in dark makeup nearly always stood in for Black actors during filming. By organizing together and working with Black actors who wanted more realistic stunt doubles, they effectively pressured producers and directors to change their practices and open the doors to their work.
These were hard-fought battles. BSA filed 32 lawsuits to shed light on systematic discrimination in the film industry. With the help of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and attorney Margaret Ryan Kreeger, BSA won all 32 cases, including a 1976 judgment that ordered major studios to abide by federal mandates against discriminatory hiring, a major victory in an industry that saw itself outside such legal mandates. BSA's efforts ended the common practice of ``paint down'' to match a double to the actor's skin tone, while they also broadened and changed the landscape of the film industry.
Forcing more equitable studio hiring practices not only cracked open the door for Black stunt doubles, but also increased Black and minority participation in many other roles behind the camera, including cinematographers, set and lighting designers, costume and make-up designers, even directors and producers.
BSA's groundbreaking work deserves recognition, especially now that many early members have retired or passed away. While much work remains to assure real equality of opportunity, I commend the BSA for their continuing fight for a Hollywood that reflects all of America.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 140(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 140(2)
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