Jessie Maple

Jessie Maple is an American camerawoman and film director most noted as a pioneer for the civil rights of African-Americans and women in the film industry. Her 1981 film "Will" was the first feature-length independent dramatic film created by an African-American woman. She produced a second independent feature film in 1989 entitled "Twice as Nice".

"How to Become a Union Camerawoman" was Jessie’s first self- published book in which she describes her challenges as a news camerawoman and becoming the first Black woman to join the union. "Keisha & Bobby" is her second book, for young adults, which she is also working towards making into a feature film.

Throughout her career Jessie has produced short films, documentaries and music videos.