Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1433871
82 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org and media, including the proliferation of streaming platforms and the growth of "deepfakes," and the efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. In the evening, delegates and members nationwide had the opportunity to watch National Board member Yvette Nicole Brown and Ken Jeong present the American Scene Awards, which honor employers who realistically portray the American Scene by employing union talent from misrepresented or underrepresented groups. Given in three categories, the winners were Capitol Records Nashville for Mickey Guyton's Black Like Me, for the Music & Sound Recordings Award; 20/20 by ABC News and the Courier Journal in Louisville for Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor, for the Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award; and Warner Bros. Pictures' Judas and the Black Messiah for the Entertainment Award. Monday was the final day of the convention, a day to finish considering resolutions and hear from the union's top officers. Although the convention body was unable to consider all of the resolutions that were submitted, efforts are underway to direct the remaining resolutions to appropriate committees for further review. Drescher's remarks capped a busy and eventful weekend of union business. "I decided to take on the herculean task of leading in service as national president because I know I can make a difference," she said. "The jig is up, producers, for we performers and informers are back with a vengeance as one huge, united labor union!" Whitehair urged members to reach out to diverse, younger members and talked of the challenges ahead. "In the coming years, as we take on the formidable challenges of advances in streaming; exclusivity; rights of publicity; diversity, equity and inclusion; and workplace safety, let us not forget that the union is both our sword and our shield — and let us never lose sight of the difference we make," he said. In her remarks, Fisher spoke of her eagerness to work with her fellow leaders and members. "I'm not sure I could have known just how deeply meaningful it is to assume this mantle of union leadership, which I do with humility and an unshakable commitment to serve the membership to the best of my ability," said Fisher. "I've been immersed in business and unionism my whole life, but I remain eager to learn, especially from all of you." SAG-AFTRA members are no strangers to change, so when it came to holding a virtual convention, the territory may have been a bit unfamiliar, but delegates rose to the occasion and adapted admirably. Who can say what SAG-AFTRA's 2023 convention will bring? But you can be sure members will arrive energized and confident, looking for ways to empower and protect performers, broadcasters, recording artists and all other fellow union members, whatever the venue. SAG-AFTRA's newly elected national officers, top row, from left, SAG-AFTRA VP, New York Ezra Knight; VP, Small Locals Suzanne Burkhead and Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair; middle row, from left, VP, Mid-Sized Locals Michele Proude; VP, Actors/Performers William Charlton and Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher; bottom row, from left, VP, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd; VP, Broadcasters Bob Butler and VP, Recording Artists/Singers Janice Pendarvis.