Hold The PRess

5 Ways to Take Action for Sonya Massey #JusticeforSonya #ProtectBlackWomen

At PR Girl Manifesto, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of our commitment to advancing equity in all that we do. We believe that true liberation can only be achieved through community, as #AudreLorde once said, “Without community, there is no liberation, only the most vulnerable and temporary armistice between an individual and her oppression.” In a climate where progress towards #equality is under threat, we must stand united in our pursuit of a more just world. As communications professionals, we have a unique opportunity to educate, advocate, and reflect. Swipe through to learn more about Juneteenth and ways that communication pros can honor today ♥️🖤💚 #juneteenth #opallee

Four years ago today, we issued a call to action in response to the performative solidarity shown across the PR industry. While firms and organizations made public commitments about their support for Black talent, the reality told a different story. In the years since we've seen attacks on #DEI efforts seep into every industry, including our own. The vital work of creating #equitable, #inclusive workplaces has faced backlash, but this only reinforces its necessity. Now, we're putting the PR industry on notice - you have one year to get your houses in order. True change requires sustained commitment, accountability, and transparency when it comes to uplifting, cultivating, hiring, and promoting Black talent. This can't be done alone. We'll need the ongoing support of our industry colleagues and allies to drive meaningful progress. Expect to hear and see more from us in the coming year. If you're interested in being a part of or supporting our efforts, sign up via the interest form here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUdgTp #HoldThePRess #BlackinPR #PRDiversity

Today marks four years since #GeorgeFloyd’s murder, which sparked weeks of protests across the country and globally. What followed his death was a racial reckoning for people everywhere. Or so we thought. In the years since, we have seen: anti-DEI legislation being passed, a dedicated wave of efforts targeted to dismantle diversity programs in education and corporations, and ultimately a departure from very public commitments made by so many organizations, businesses, and brands in 2020. We’ve confirmed what we suspected then –  which is that these commitments were performative at best. However, what is delayed will not be denied. We will not stop fighting for what is right and what is equal. George Floyd changed the world and his legacy will live on. Rest in Power George. #HoldThePRess #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesStillMatter #BlackinPR

We stand with platforms like Hold The PRess to accelerate the visibility of Black voices and the overdue recognition within the PR industry — which further extends into the tech sector. Change happens through a collaborative effort across community action — and we encourage you to sign the open letter to promote a PR future that is more equitable and diverse. Read the letter and sign here: https://lnkd.in/eHfxE_-i #holdthepress #DiversityinPR #community #tech #venturecapital

Thank you to 21Ninety and Zayna Allen for shedding light on our ongoing efforts to hold the industry accountable and emphasizing the crucial need to acknowledge and celebrate Black talent in the PR and Communications field. As we navigate through 2024, it is more important than ever that we refuse to allow Black voices to be silenced or marginalized. We must stand together, united in our commitment to amplifying Black voices and advocating for long-overdue recognition and equity within the PR industry. If you haven't already done so, we urge you to sign the open letter demanding change and accountability from Observer. Furthermore, we encourage you to share this message with your own networks and communities, as collective action is essential in driving meaningful progress. #holdthepress #DiversityinPR https://lnkd.in/eSHPVn6U

Thank you PRNEWS for amplifying our efforts and our call to action directed at Observer. Despite sending multiple emails to Observer, we have yet to receive a response, nor has anyone from their team reached out to address our concerns. However, we remain dedicated to our cause and will not let up. The lack of response from Observer is a reflection of the larger issues that plague our industry. As mentioned in the article, “This is the second time since 2022 that Hold the PRess put Observer on blast for its failure to recognize Black talent and Black-led agencies.” We, a group of over 150 Black PR professionals, agency leaders, and allies, stand united in our decision to instruct clients not to participate in Observer-related events and interviews until the organization takes concrete, meaningful steps to address the lack of diversity in its annual PR list. We will continue to push for change and greater representation in our industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eaPr_tjQ #HoldthePRess #DiversityInPR

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support that has poured in since we shared our collective call to action. Over 100+ have engaged as signatories and have contributed to helping provide solutions. Your response is a true testament to the power we wield when we work collaboratively to enact change and stand against the divisiveness that impedes our progress. To provide an update, we have not yet received a public or private response from Observer (which includes the original letter sent to them) and are continuing to pursue our demands. This is not the time to slow down; let's keep showing up! Each and every share of our message and signature helps to spread our cause. #HoldThePress #PRDiversity

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

PR absolutely has a diversity problem and it shows. I’ve written about this and I signed the petition. If you are in PR I hope you will too. ⬇️⬇️⬇️