For decades, mainstream media has often focused on the trauma and struggles of Black communities, leaving out the laughter, triumphs, and everyday experiences that define the richness of Black life. Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media (BPM), is on a mission to change that.
Through BPM, Fields-Cruz is ensuring that Black voices are not just heard but celebrated. She envisions a media landscape where the diversity of Black experiences is fully represented—beyond the narratives of pain and injustice—to include stories of joy, creativity, and resilience.
“Our investment in young people is an investment in the future. If we don’t open doors for them now, we are failing to build a better world.”
The Journey to BPM: A Career Rooted in Purpose
Fields-Cruz’s path to leading BPM was not a straight line, but rather a series of moments that led her to her true calling. It began with a chance meeting with Mable Haddock, the then-Executive Director of the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC). That conversation planted a seed, making her realise the power of public media in amplifying Black stories.
Years later, when she had the choice between a stable position at NYU or a role at NBPC, she chose the latter without hesitation. The opportunity to work for a Black-led organisation that supported Black filmmakers was too meaningful to pass up. Since joining in 2001, she has risen through the ranks to become BPM’s third Executive Director, overseeing the organisation’s transition from NBPC to its current identity as Black Public Media.
Transforming the Narrative: A Commitment to Authenticity
Under Fields-Cruz’s leadership, BPM has remained steadfast in its mission to support Black filmmakers and distribute stories that challenge stereotypes and showcase the depth of Black culture. The organisation has backed numerous groundbreaking projects, with several premiering at the Tribeca Festival, including After Sherman, Hazing, and Inner Wound Real.
One of BPM’s most impactful projects is AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, a series Fields-Cruz was inspired to create after watching Hip Hop Revolution in South Africa. The documentary’s powerful storytelling demonstrated how Black artistry was a force of resistance, and she knew American audiences needed to see it. AfroPoP is now in its 14th season, proving that there is a hunger for these untold stories.
Lessons from Leadership: Embracing Challenges and Growth
Fields-Cruz’s journey hasn’t been without its lessons. In her early days at BPM, she made the mistake of providing detailed written feedback to filmmakers who had been declined funding. While well-intentioned, the written notes sometimes lacked the necessary context, leading to misunderstandings. She quickly adapted, ensuring that feedback became more personal, providing filmmakers with direct conversations to help strengthen their projects.
This experience taught her a valuable leadership lesson—communication is not just about delivering information but about fostering understanding. It’s a philosophy she has carried throughout her career, ensuring BPM remains a supportive and empowering space for filmmakers.
The Bigger Picture: Why Diversity in Media Matters
Fields-Cruz firmly believes that representation in entertainment is not just about fairness—it shapes culture and society. She identifies three key reasons why diversity in media is essential:
1. It’s Long Overdue – Authentic representation should have been a priority from the start. If media had reflected true diversity all along, American culture would be more inclusive and enriched.
2. The Creative Economy Benefits – The arts generate substantial revenue, and a more diverse media landscape means more opportunities for underrepresented creatives to thrive.
3. Culture Evolves – The stories we tell today shape the narratives of tomorrow. If we don’t include diverse voices, we stagnate rather than progress.
To address the root causes of underrepresentation, she urges the industry to stop treating marginalised communities as if they are in perpetual need of training. Talented Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) creatives exist—they don’t need lessons; they need opportunities.
“Black stories are not one-dimensional. We deserve to see our full humanity on screen—our joy, our struggles, our laughter, and our triumphs.”
A Vision for the Future: Investing in Young Voices
Beyond her work in public media, Fields-Cruz is passionate about investing in the next generation. She believes that nurturing and protecting young people is one of the most critical investments society can make. In her words,
“When you only commit to helping those who can afford to be there, who look a certain way, or who can access the information, you’ve already shortchanged the future.”
Her dream is to build a movement that ensures every young person, regardless of background, has access to opportunities that allow them to thrive. For her, the future of storytelling—and society—depends on it.
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