#BlackLivesMatter Staff Resources & Recommendations
As an agency, and as individuals, we’ve been taking the extra time and effort to immerse ourselves in the Black Lives Matter movement. We wanted to share some of our staff’s personal recommendations. We hope you’ll join us in reading, listening, and continuing to put words into action.
JOCELYN JACKSON, Director
Sharing my fave brands right now: Inkbox and Universal Standard. They are smaller, not yet as widely-known brands that are showing up their competitor in their respective industries and beyond. Why? Because they aren’t just talking the talk, but are also walking the walk. In the 2nd week of protests, we saw many companies/brands start to join the BLM conversation via external statements, social media and emails to customers. However, it quickly became clear that they were all using the same language, as if someone had created a BLM support template then handed it out for everyone to use. And that screams inauthenticity and a “jumping on the bandwagon so we don’t get left behind” mentality. And we’re not buying it.
The black community and its allies worldwide expect more than just a brand’s lip service; we want clear commitment to action. And while donations to organizations that are making a difference on the ground and pushing for policy reform are welcome and necessary, consumers also expect brands to turn the mirror on themselves, starting with diversifying their employee base at all levels, particularly the senior levels.
Inkbox and Universal Standard took a pause to do just that, and their accountability and transparency speaks volumes. They have a lot work to do, but they aren’t afraid to admit it. And that’s exactly the support we demand to create the change this world is in desperate need of.
GABRIELLE GARCY, Assistant Account Executive
20 Social Justice Organizations to Support Right Now: I thought this was a great resource in finding more information and ways to support a variety of organizations.
My favorites include:
VERONICA RODRIGUEZ, Senior Vice President
So proud of our client partners Rodney Williams and Adrian Parker for sharing their personal story and pledge to drive an inside/outside approach to creating long-term systemic shifts around diversity, justice, equity and inclusion within their organization. Take a listen.
ANINA BOSE, Director
A really great read, that stayed with me long after reading it. Tayari Jones’s fourth novel, An American Marriage, is about the deep racial prejudice of the American criminal justice system that convicts a black man, Roy Othaniel Hamilton, of a rape he did not commit. The novel "shows us what can happen when racism and violence collide with relationships."
CAROLINE BATES, Assistant Account Executive
Keeping up Anti-Racist Momentum After the News Cycle: It is important to continue to make an impact moving forward and this guide gives you a few ways to continue your efforts past the news cycle.
LIZ SANTILLANES, Vice President
After working in the fashion industry for the past 12 years, I’m really excited to see this change come about right at the top of @HarpersBazaar. Can’t wait to see how @SamiraNasr’s vision comes to life!
HEIDI SMOLEVITZ, Account Supervisor
These are just some of the amazing people in the Black community that we've had the opportunity to work with on various clients. If you don't already follow, check them out!
@tiffycrazycool
@justkayelle
@farahpink
@broderickhunter
@a_chard_lifestyle
@melaninbanc
@keithnelsonjr