I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan (2016, 73 min) www.ashleybryanfilms.org and Ashley Bryan’s World (2016, 32 min) are two important new films that can help spark important conversations about race and racism in our country. In a media environment where Black males are most often portrayed in a negative light, or only portrayed in connection with tragic news, I Know a Man … Ashley Bryan celebrates the life and works of an unsung, extraordinary Black artist whose life sends audiences across all races and ages a message of joy, kindness, peace and inclusion. We need your help to tell his story to the world. Stay tuned to the Kickstarter Link that will help LAUNCH these films to the world. www.ashleybryanfilms.org Ashley, now 93 years old, is a spiritually deep, creative wonder whose experience in an all-Black battalion in World War II exposed him to the carnage of war and the reality of institutionalized racism. In response he dedicated his life to art -- creating beauty and joy, spreading love and peace. Just today I heard Ashley on the radio talking about how the smallest kindness you offer to another acknowledges them as a valued human being and can begin to make the world a better place. He does this every day with his person and, so powerfully, with his art -- magical puppets and sea glass windows made from found objects inspired by his African heritage -- and his paintings, poetry, stories and illustrations found in over fifty children’s books, many published by Atheneum Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. www.ashleybryanfilms.org