Founder, PR Girl Manifesto | Co-Founder, Hold The PRess | TEDx Speaker | 2021 PRovoke Innovator 25 | Comm Diversity Advocate
Four years ago today, when we decided to engage in Hold The PRess, we knew that true change in the #PRindustry would require radical #transparency as a first step. When we called on agencies and firms to openly share their #diversity data in the way we specified, it was because we recognized a harsh reality - most weren't even tracking that information, let alone prioritizing the creation of safe, #equitable spaces for Black talent. Frankly, our industry has long been guilty of offering little more than lip service when it comes to supporting Black professionals. This is a reality drawn from the lived experiences of myself and so many of my peers, and the numbers we uncovered only confirmed it. Transparency was necessary because we knew that until agencies, firms and industry organizations were forced to confront the stark realities within their own walls, true progress would remain elusive. The backlash we've seen to efforts like ours in recent years has only underscored the vital importance of this work. Those who seek to undermine it reveal the depth of the challenge we face. But we remain undeterred. We know that creating equitable, inclusive workplaces is not optional - it is an absolute necessity. In the four years since our initial call to action, we've made some progress, but there is still so much more to be done and it has to be done together. If you're interested in being a part of or supporting our efforts, sign up via the interest form here: https://lnkd.in/e5wUdgTp
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
