CSULB and The Film & Electronic Arts Department Acknowledge #ScholarStrike

Academics all across the U.S. have placed their usual instruction on hold to acknowledge Scholar Strike (#ScholarStrike), a movement in higher education asking teachers and academic staff to pause usual business in efforts to share in discussions and instruction that promote racial justice. The two-day period on September 8th and 9thwas first created following the shooting of Jacob Blake by the police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Scholar Strikehas facilitated countless materials being shared across the academic community. Live panels, lectures, and discussions have also been uploaded to its Youtube channel in addition to prominent activity throughout social media using #ScholarStrike.

CSULB’s Academic Affairs and Academic Technology have put together a website with various resources to support anti-racism efforts made by faculty and staff throughout the university. Among these resources is Justice Delayed,  a film from recent Film & Electronic Arts alums Janine Uyanga (Director) and Jake O'Connor (Cinematographer). Justice Delayed, tells the story of a young black man who decides to take matters into his own hands after his 12 year old brother is shot by a white police officer but finds himself torn between vengeance and justice. This featured film was also a 1st place winner in narrative for the CSU Media Arts Festival in 2019.  

On the set of Justice Delayed, set photos by Saige Kristian, Bayo Morgan, and Brandon Kheang 

Kent Hayward, Assistant Professor of Narrative Production in the Film & Electronic Arts Department held a Zoom discussion with filmmakers Janine Uyanga and Jake O’Connor. The discussion included their experience making the film as undergrads in the CSULB Film & Electronic Arts Department, their growth as individuals in the industry post-graduation and how Justice Delayed is viewed today during a time of advocacy for racial and social justice.