This diversity outreach program was launched in partnership with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU’s) under President Obama’s administration, and every year helps students attending HBCU’s around the country find internships within the entertainment industry.
To date, HBCU in LA has placed students with some of the best entertainment companies in the world, including Sony Pictures, Live Nation Entertainment and United Talent Agency. Interns have met with top tier industry executives to discuss representation and job search strategy; and even got to tour the creative campus of esteemed Hollywood Director Ava DuVernay.
At a time when HBCU’s are under attack and climbing uphill battles to stay afloat I believe programs like this should be highlighted and what better time to do so then during National Black History Month? “When I first began touring HBCU campuses, I realized these students were not being given the tools they needed to be successful in the entertainment industry,” said Milner. “I realized I needed to equip them with knowledge and provide resources through internship opportunities specifically geared towards African American students. So that’s what I did.”
“We are striving to solve the diversity pipeline issue in Hollywood,” said Milner. This is our opportunity to create
Hailed “the first of its kind” to tackle the challenge of representation within the entertainment industry, EICOP continues to break ground and create space for young African American students coming into the entertainment field.
So join me in celebrating the achievement of this inspiring organization and the commendable work of the woman behind it.
