Nike Communications, Inc.’s Post

We went through all the categories on this year’s @observer PR Power list to fully understand the scope of the firms and agencies recognized. Upon seeing these numbers, it’s hard not to feel that something is amiss, as there are Black-owned agencies out there meeting metrics and doing impactful work. The only plausible explanation for their absence is a lack of care and attention from those compiling these lists. It exemplifies the industry’s tendency to pay lip service to diversity without following through with meaningful action. In 2020, there was a shift, with Black PR professionals becoming more outspoken about the challenges they face in this industry. Our industry claimed to listen, learn, and take actionable steps towards improvement in an effort to spur honest efforts toward change. However, instances like this list’s glaring omissions call that into question. This reflects larger systemic and industry issues and is another recent example of the dismissal and outright discrimination the media displays in amplifying or suppressing the work of Black talent across PR, marketing, and advertising. We must continue pushing for true equity and inclusion in tangible ways, not just empty platitudes. If you believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in our industry, please consider adding your name to this open letter. Together, we can make a difference. Read the letter and sign via https://lnkd.in/eHfxE_-i

Inclusive spaces for diverse students matter. Today, we are shining a light on the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Established in 1975, NABJ serves Black journalists globally, offering quality programs, advocacy, and services. With over 130 college and professional chapters, NABJ stands as the largest organization for journalists of color nationwide. Entities like NABJ are indispensable, providing invaluable networking, professional development, and fellowship opportunities, particularly for diverse students, enriching their career paths. However, when resources and funding for these organizations' on-campus presence are restricted, it hinders students' ability to reach their full potential. Learn why we must safeguard institutions like NABA Inc. and NABJ at https://lnkd.in/gbi8HTKd.

Navigating today's job market can be scary. When you're just starting, it can be daunting to network and create relationships. Employee resource groups help ease these transitional tasks inside companies, but what about outside a company? Help and support from people who look and think like us are always appreciated. This is why, I invite my fellow black marketers to join the Black Marketers Association of America (BMAA). BMAA has a job board with listings from companies committed to cultivating diverse work environments. There are BMAA members of all experience levels who are friendly and willing to answer questions about the workforce. BMAA offers many other benefits that are a big help to black marketers. Join BMAA today: https://lnkd.in/e-BQw6vJ #blackmarketers

🛒Cross-selling is the new black. Media outlets can start with their own archive. It is a business that big news groups invested in a long time ago with content syndication for agencies, but it is expanding to a wider audience: some readers may be enchanted to buy the newspaper cover of their birthday, or schools and universities may be willing to use news articles for research purposes. Quality content has high value for many, so why not invest in finding new ways of monetizing it? 💡If you are interested, contact our team. There are many easy ways to get started: https://lnkd.in/diNeA55A

Meet our next #BlackHistoryMonth member spotlight – Kennedy Pitts with Tony Fay PR. In honor of Black History Month, we are spotlighting members of the PRSA Dallas community throughout February, asking them what this month means to them as a PR professional and more.   ❓ What does Black History Month mean to you as a PR and comms practitioner? 💬 As a PR practitioner, Black History Month presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate, highlight and amplify the often overlooked stories and voices within the Black community. It's a chance to shine a spotlight on experiences and contributions that shape our society, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for Black history and culture.   ❓ What can we, as a professional community do more of to foster more diverse representation for Black practitioners in the industry? 💬 As a professional community, we can actively seek out and support Black practitioners by providing mentorship and networking opportunities as well as advocating for Black voices in decision-making processes to foster more equitable representation.   ❓ Who is a Black voice that has used their voice in a way that inspires, uplifts and has made an impact on you. Why was their method or style of communication effective? 💬 Ava DuVernay is a Black filmmaker who advocates for diversity in Hollywood and she has used her voice to uplift marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. Her method of communication is effective because she skillfully utilizes film as a platform for storytelling, amplifying black voices that are often overlooked and sparking meaningful conversations about representation and social justice. ➡️ Looking for DEI resources? Check out PRSA resources designed to help you champion diversity, equity and inclusion through your public relations work at https://lnkd.in/d_k7djBa.  ➡️ Interested in learning more about PRSA Dallas (the 3rd largest PRSA chapter) and becoming a member? Visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eMrCaA6 #PRSADallas #BlackHistory #LeadershipSpotlight #PRSA #PR #BlackVoices #MemberSpotlight #DEI #StrategicCommunications

For all of us black professionals, here is a template response for a well-intended invitation to participate on *yet another* unpaid diversity panel: Dear [insert inviter], While I very much appreciate the opportunity to serve as a panelist on [insert here the DEI panel title exactly as it is stated on the invite], I am more interested in serving as a thought leader in the areas of [insert your actual area(s) of hard-earned expertise that are unrelated to race]. Thank you for the proposal, but I am not a DEI expert and choose to decline. Keep me in mind for future panels in my area of professional focus. I recommend the following DEI professionals better suited for your panel: [insert bullets with name and affiliation of individuals in your DEI network of professionally effective friends and colleagues] [resist the urge to say more despite the overwhelming desire to express your discontent]. Best, [insert your name here]

📍I am almost at the end goal for one on one interviews, I only need a few more participants and really want to try to get the west coast! If you know folks who would be great for this research study please pass along! 🗣️Research Participants Needed 🗣️ ▪️ Are you a Black teacher currently teaching in a US public school? ▪️ Are you a Black teacher who has taught in a US public school for three or more consecutive years? ▪️ Do you want to share your experience and contribute to research on why Black teachers stay in the classroom? The voices and perspectives of Black teachers are deeply valued in this study done by Nia Ladson (nfl29@drexel.edu). To understand Black teachers’ experiences, participants in this study will be asked to commit 3 hours of their time doing the following activities: ➡️ complete a background questionnaire ➡️ submit their resume as an artifact ➡️ participate in TWO semi-structured interviews via Zoom To show Interest in this research study and determine your eligibility for the study, complete the 1-minute screening survey by accessing this QR code in the image or using the link: bit.ly/researchscreening

It’s never too late to talk about #diversityandinclusion within the comms industry. Hold The PRess’ recent open letter highlights the disparities within The Observer’s PR Power List, touching on the underrepresentation of Black-owned firms and professionals. They’re calling for “action, accountability, and transparency” in the public relations industry and acknowledgment of the fact that out of the eight firms nominated or recognized on the list, none were entirely Black-owned. Of the 138 professionals highlighted, there were only 4 Black individuals, and a mere 1 of the 4 was in a leadership position. At WhitPR, we’ve experienced firsthand the systemic challenges faced by independently owned Black firms. We thrive despite the gaps in industry coverage that downplay the billions of impressions we earn through diligent and strategic advocacy for our clients. Trust me, it’s not just about being recognized; because PR is often a thankless industry, it’s about being included in meaningful conversations and opportunities. Discrimination takes many forms, from overt blacklisting to subtle oversight. Black agencies tend to only be recognized when it comes to Black campaigns and by Black institutions. This limits their opportunities in other spaces. Being sidelined from “mainstream” dialogues ensures that they are only thought of as able to fit into certain slots. We are capable of more than that. We have demonstrated that over and over, but we’re still overlooked for other opportunities, even if they have glowing track records in other spaces. LinkedIn is the place to foster connections so let’s see how we can collaborate and create a more equitable future. Email me at dreena@whitpr.com to start the conversation. 

🚀 Did you know? Black consumers lead the charge on social media platforms. Let's celebrate the vibrant voices shaping our digital communities! #BlackExcellence #socialmedia ✨ Learn more about our FOCUS Black study here: https://buff.ly/3QEfNoB

"It is with deep regret that I announce my decision to withdraw from our panel, “Black Leadership and Today’s Media Landscape,” at the 2024 National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago tomorrow. The invitation to presidential nominees by NABJ is a great opportunity for the conference constituencies to hear from the respective candidates on their platforms. However, for none of the Black media organizations to be offered the opportunity to interview any candidate is an insult to what NABJ stands for. Moreover, it is indicative of the treatment Black media organizations face in today’s landscape and particularly disheartening that our own NABJ organization would make the decision to exclude Black media organizations from this important discussion. The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the sponsor of this panel, has been committed to fostering open dialogue, promoting diversity, and supporting the advancement of Black leaders in various industries, including media. To be clear, it has been the joint decision of the ELC, and all panelists and moderators, to cancel the session and not participate in the conference this year. We want to emphasize that this decision was not taken lightly, and we regret any inconvenience it may cause those attendees who were looking forward to our panel discussion. We remain dedicated to promoting diverse opinions and supporting the voices of Black leaders in media. I must emphatically state that I disagree with the decision of the leadership of NABJ to develop a panel featuring one presidential candidate – in this case, Donald Trump – in a session that does not include any Black media organizations and for that matter, Black male journalists. It appears that this panel was developed to accommodate the presumed Republican nominee and not potentially ask any of the difficult questions to garner responses that Black people want, need and deserve to hear. In fact, this decision was, indeed, one of folly and cowardice and not in keeping with the historic tradition of NABJ and Black media as a whole. I am withdrawing from this session to take a stand. We must be ready and willing to walk in in harm’s way in order to move Black people—and our nation—forward. I appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate and monitor this situation. BLACK ENTERPRISE remains unwavering in our commitment to the advancement of Black leadership and promotion of meaningful dialogue. We look forward to future opportunities to engage with our communities." — Earl "Butch" Graves Jr.