7 Key takeaways from the ‘Black in the Media’ Event in partnership with We Are Black Journos.
By Sabrina Fearon Melville
In honour of UK Black Comms Network’s 2nd birthday - here are 7 takeaways from its event ‘Black in the Media’.
With experienced and emerging journalists and PR pros in the room, the UK Black Comms Network hoped there’d be a chance to get the two groups in the same place to dispel myths, overcome bias and understand exactly how we can create better relationships both virtually and in-person.
With insight from an expert panel featuring journalists Natalie Morris and L’Oreal Blackett, Screenwriter and Brand Manager Daniel Alexis, Nicola Millington, FP Comms and We Are Black Journos (WABJs) member alongside Erdoo Yongo, Lloyds Banking and finally Kevin Leonce, Together & AKT.
There were several takeaways from the evening.
The World of PR and Public Affairs is still not diverse in the UK, but that’s changing with direct action from agencies. With estimations that 13% of PRs in 2021 (PRCA) were from non-white backgrounds there is still more to be done. Erdoo reckons that many of these roles are not being taken up by Black folks due to lack of knowledge that the world of Public Affairs is something they can access after formal education.
The work that we are doing to diversify the industry will take time. Change won’t happen overnight and it’s up to everyone to help uplift those seeking to come up underneath us once we’ve found our footing and safe spaces.
Build intimate connections with one another that you cherish. Natalie Morris stressed how important community was in spaces where we aren’t strong in numbers.
Understand that in some spaces conversations surrounding Diversity and Inclusion may not take place ever. All panellists stressed that while we of course want to change the industries we occupy for the better, that this can’t always be achieved. Don’t let these instances break you, instead as Kevin stated, step back from becoming the only one fighting against a wave you can’t handle.
Seek mentors who have had similar experiences. If you can find a suitable mentor within your company do so or look for one at events like the ones held by WABJ and UK Black Comms Network. Nicola added, see mentors who already have the battle wounds so you can learn from them and work together to find ways forward
Inclusion can be difficult but when you are in the room make it count. L’Oreal spoke about how her journey with Refinery 29 developed into Unbothered and how despite working with a mostly US based team she has made sure that UK Black Women’s voices are being shared and heard.
Look for the human side in every story. How can journalists work more authentically with PRs? By looking at how a release can be made ‘human’, where is the engagement with the reader.
Check out more pics rom the event here.
