In a Dataset of Their Own

Several important reports and studies have made us aware of the dismal practices of inclusion in the film industry. By drawing on extensive bodies of data, researchers have usefully highlighted the relative struggles of “minority” actors in relation to their “majority” counterparts. But what do we find when we concentrate on black artists and black artists? This presentation explains some discoveries that emerge when we construct and analyze a dataset comprised of black actors and directors. The presentation also highlights the significance of formulating projects that merge African American Studies and digital humanities.