President Obama has named six new members he will nominate for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, including entertainment lawyer Fred Goldring and BET co-founder Sheila Johnson.
Goldring is a partner in Beverly Hills-based Goldring, Hertz & Lichtenstein, LLP, which has represented Will Smith, Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas, Herbie Hancock, Ne-Yo and Britney Spears.
Sheila Johnson is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), a documentary film producer and a classically trained violinist.
“The arts are the most important thing you can give a child in the developing years because its the one part of the curriculum where they get to use their creativity and imagination,” said Goldring. “And in a world where things are becoming increasingly complex, we need to be training problem solvers who can think creatively. I don’t think there’s a better place to develop that than the arts.”
The other appointments are: artist Chuck Close; Pamela Joyner, founder of strategic marketing firm Avid Partners; author Jhumpa Lahiri; and Ovation TV chairman Ken Solomon.
“I am proud that these distinguished individuals will serve in my Administration,” said President Obama in a statement. “The arts and the humanities enhance the vibrancy of our society, inspire us and strengthen our democracy. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead.”
