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🎵 Let’s Address The Controversy In Music That Has LinkedIn Divided🎵 As someone who has worked in the music industry on and off for almost 2 decades I’ve been following the recent discussions surrounding Warner Music Group Global Marketing Director position for “Black Music,” and it’s a great reminder of the importance of dialogue around inclusivity in the music industry. 🎶 The term “Black Music” has a rich history, encapsulating the contributions of Black artists to music’s tapestry. It’s NOT about exclusion but a way to celebrate this heritage and ensure fair representation. While some concerns have been raised, I’d like to highlight that this role’s intention is to empower Black artists and professionals. However, I want to stress the bigger picture here. Complaining about such initiatives can inadvertently risk the removal of other crucial corporate efforts across other industries that empower us all, such as Black Music Month, Dream in Black, My Black is Beautiful, and many more. These initiatives are integral to promoting diversity, celebrating culture, and fostering unity. Let’s remember that diversity and inclusivity should be celebrated, not challenged. These initiatives are stepping stones to a more equitable and harmonious industry. Let’s keep the conversation constructive and work together to create a music industry where every voice is heard and valued. 🌟🎤 #Inclusivity #DiversityInMusic #Empowerment

Pubs Demonstrate Inclusivity As Part Of Pride Month With a growing number of pubs wanting to show their support for Pride Month and events, Star Pubs has produced free point-of-sale kits for licensees. Over 100 packs have been created at a cost of £7,500. Each includes flags, A3 window vinyls and bunting. 10 flagship pubs in cities with major Pride Festivals, such as Brighton, Edinburgh and Manchester, will also receive café barriers and T- shirts. Licensees’ desire to highlight that their pubs are welcoming to all aligns with research1 revealing the importance customers attach to inclusivity. Around six out of ten people are more likely to visit pubs that are inclusive, with this increasing to three quarters of those identifying as LGBTQIA+, 82% of people with accessibility needs and 73% of ethnic minorities. Says Cathy Olver, Head of Retail for Star Pubs: “Good pubs are all about providing a warm, friendly environment where everyone in the communities they serve feels welcome and at home. As more places round the country start holding their own Pride events, licensees are keen to demonstrate their backing and highlight their pub’s inclusiveness. We expect this celebration of Pride to increase in pubs going forward.” Case study: The Church on Canal Street in Manchester has a long history as an LGBTQIA+ venue and is a much-loved fixture of the city’s gay village. It is one of the pubs to be receiving a Pride point-of-sale kit from Star Pubs. As well as being known for a great night out, The Church prides itself on providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and hosts meetings for a wide range of social groups. Licensee John Hamilton, a former community worker, trains the team to support customers in need of help or guidance and the pub also raises thousands of pounds every year for LGBTQIA+ charities such as The George House Trust, The LGBT Foundation and Sparkle. Says John: “The Pride promotional materials are a great way for pubs of all kinds to demonstrate their inclusivity and for licensees to educate their teams on the importance of being welcoming to all. Marking Pride isn’t just about customers though. In my experience it can make a real difference to staff, too, giving those in the LGBTQIA+ community who lack confidence the strength to come out and be themselves.” Read More:

Meet T.J. King of Artist CTRL Music LLC! Learn more about how he's bridging the gap between creatives and business for #NationalBlackBusinessMonth.

Join us this June as we celebrate Black Music Month, a time dedicated to honoring the profound impact of Black American artists on the music industry. Meet GEORGE CLINTON! There were tacit protocols for US Black music in the late 60s: artists had to be slick and sing soul or funk, ideally while wearing suits and dancing in a line. Romantic lyrics were acceptable, as was the occasional protest song, as long as it sounded like it was religious. There were exceptions, such as Sly And The Family Stone, but they were of mixed heritage and from San Francisco, where anything goes, baby; and Jimi Hendrix, who had to leave the US to win recognition. But when the Parliament and Funkadelic groups beamed down from planet Loose Booty in 1968, they laughed at such protocols. They’d tried that smooth shit already, it didn’t work. That they laughed was another taboo-breaker: music was meant to be serious because life was serious. But they mocked anything and everything. They were funky – at times earnest – but, as a bunch of Black hippies, they knew life was tilted against them, so how could they play by its rules? Each day, we'll feature a different musician, producer, or songwriter who has made significant contributions to various genres, from jazz and blues to hip-hop and R&B. Check our website to learn more about our services! 🌐 www.rischerconsulting.com Follow us on social media and send us a message: 👤 Facebook: Rischer Consulting, LLC 📷: Instagram: Rischer_Consulting 💼: LinkedIn: Rischer Consulting #RischerConsulting #georgeclinton #June #BlackMusicMonth #AfricanAmericanMusicAppreciationMonth #BlackMusic #CommunityCelebration #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #SpotlightSeries #fyp #explorerpage #explorepage

Join us this June as we celebrate Black Music Month, a time dedicated to honoring the profound impact of Black American artists on the music industry. Meet GEORGE CLINTON! There were tacit protocols for US Black music in the late 60s: artists had to be slick and sing soul or funk, ideally while wearing suits and dancing in a line. Romantic lyrics were acceptable, as was the occasional protest song, as long as it sounded like it was religious. There were exceptions, such as Sly And The Family Stone, but they were of mixed heritage and from San Francisco, where anything goes, baby; and Jimi Hendrix, who had to leave the US to win recognition. But when the Parliament and Funkadelic groups beamed down from planet Loose Booty in 1968, they laughed at such protocols. They’d tried that smooth shit already, it didn’t work. That they laughed was another taboo-breaker: music was meant to be serious because life was serious. But they mocked anything and everything. They were funky – at times earnest – but, as a bunch of Black hippies, they knew life was tilted against them, so how could they play by its rules? Each day, we'll feature a different musician, producer, or songwriter who has made significant contributions to various genres, from jazz and blues to hip-hop and R&B. Check our website to learn more about our services! 🌐 www.rischerconsulting.com Follow us on social media and send us a message: 👤 Facebook: Rischer Consulting, LLC 📷: Instagram: Rischer_Consulting 💼: LinkedIn: Rischer Consulting #RischerConsulting #georgeclinton #June #BlackMusicMonth #AfricanAmericanMusicAppreciationMonth #BlackMusic #CommunityCelebration #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #SpotlightSeries #fyp #explorerpage #explorepage

Bringing this to the top of inboxes 😎 It's LGBT History Month! So what better than a free herstory lesson from Rich Miles and The Diversity Standards Collective team on what we can learn about representation from the barrier-busting advertising from the past. Here 👏 for 👏 it 👏 #dei #diversityandinclusion #lgbtqia #lgbthistorymonth #advertising

“There’s no reason to feel awkward about wanting to recognize Juneteenth just because you have no personal ties or you’re not Black. In fact, embrace it. It absolutely is your history. It absolutely is a part of your experience. ... Isn’t this all of our history? The good, the bad, the ugly, the story of emancipation and freedom for your Black brothers and sisters under the Constitution of the law.” If you want to bring some authenticity to your recognition of Juneteenth, educate yourself. Attending a street festival or patronizing a Black-owned business is a good start but it also would be good to ‘make your mind better’. That goes longer than a celebration.” “Have that full human experience of seeing yourself in and through the eyes of others, even if that’s not your own lived experience. That is a radical human act that is awesome and should be encouraged and celebrated.” - Dr. Karida Brown WAYS TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH Shows and Movies Juneteenth Jamboree – on PBS Miss Juneteenth The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross- on Prime Video and PBS Attend local Juneteenth events Many cities and community organizations host Juneteenth events like festivals, parades, protests, concerts, and more! You can do a quick Google search for [your city] + Juneteenth to see if there are any events near you.   Visit a Black museum or cultural site Museums are a great, interactive way to learn about history and culture, and many also offer lectures, performances, and other live programming. Even if you’re not able to visit in person, the National Museum of African-American History in Washington, DC has lots of amazing online resources, including videos and artifacts about Juneteenth. Share a commitment to dismantling white supremacy It’s important for allies to reflect on the ways they uphold white supremacy and how they plan to dismantle it. Spend some time thinking about concrete ways you can use your power and privilege to uplift Black and Brown people and combat white supremacy each and every day.   Support Black organizations and individuals in your community For non-Black allies, Juneteenth is a great opportunity to show solidarity by volunteering your time and/or resources to support Black community members.  Books Juneteenth: A Children’s Story by Opal Lee Juneteenth for Maizie by Floyd Cooper Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. While Juneteenth wasn’t officially recognized as a federal holiday until 2021, the celebrations have been going on since as early as 1866, the year after the U.S. Union army arrived in Galveston and told the more than 250,000 enslaved residents of the city that they were free. It’s important to learn these traditions and customs as we go out into the community and celebrate to ensure that we are respecting the community the holiday is intended to serve. #AMSFulfillment #Juneteenth

How does Frankie Knuckles iconic music relate to either the Lincoln Republican platform or to current events in the United States? Lincoln Republican events connections: 1. *Freedom and Empowerment*: Frankie Knuckles' music embodied the spirit of freedom and empowerment. Similarly, the Lincoln Republican platform focuses on individual liberty and limited government. 2. *Inclusivity and Community*: House music, born in Chicago's underground clubs, brought people together across racial and socioeconomic lines. This echoes the Lincoln Republican emphasis on unity and equality. Frankie's music and the party's values promote inclusivity and social cohesion. 3. *Resilience and Hope*: Frankie Knuckles' life story, overcoming adversity to become a legend, resonates with the American spirit. His music offers hope and upliftment, much like the Lincoln Republican promise to revitalize communities and restore American greatness. Frankie Knuckles' iconic beats embody the spirit of freedom & empowerment. Let's bring that same energy to our politics! Lincoln Republicans, let's work together for a brighter future, where everyone has a chance to thrive. #FrankieKnuckles #LincolnRepublicans #FreedomAndEmpowerment Current events connections: - *Racial equity and justice*: Frankie Knuckles' music bridged racial divides. We could relate this to ongoing conversations about racial equity and justice in the United States. - *LGBTQ+ rights*: As an openly gay artist, Frankie Knuckles' legacy intersects with the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. - *Cultural exchange and diversity*: House music's global influence reflects the power of cultural exchange. We could connect this to discussions around immigration, diversity, and American identity. Vibing to the iconic sounds of Frankie Knuckles! 'I'll Take You There' is a masterpiece. His legacy as the 'Godfather of House Music' continues to inspire generations. His music transcended genres, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. Let's keep his spirit alive! #FrankieKnuckles #HouseMusic #LegacyLivesOn https://lnkd.in/e73zwtcX

🌟 #NewsUpdate 🌟 Jay-Z has made a powerful call to the Grammys, urging the prestigious music awards to 'get it right' by recognizing and giving Black artists the recognition they deserve. It's a critical moment for the industry to reflect on equality and the representation of diverse talents. Let's support #DiversityInMusic and push for a change that honors all artists equally. 👏🎶 #JayZ #Grammys #Equality #BlackArtistsMatter Check out the full article for more insights: [link]

As I read The Wall Street Journal's article (https://lnkd.in/gzxyrrWS) on the decline in promotions for Black professionals, I can't help but feel a deep resonance with the challenges highlighted. The data from McKinsey, illustrating a regression in promotion rates for Black individuals, echoes the concerns I've been advocating for in my work within the music industry. The acknowledgment that companies are losing momentum in promoting Black professionals into management positions is disheartening, especially given the initial surge of commitments to diversity and inclusion after the tragic events surrounding George Floyd's murder. It seems the urgency and dedication to these goals have waned as corporate priorities shifted. James D. White's observations on the dramatic pushback and retreat from focusing on Black men and women in the workforce resonate profoundly. It's a sentiment I've encountered in the music industry as well, where entrenched systems seem resistant to change. The first promotion into management is a crucial step that sets the trajectory for one's career, and the dwindling promotion rates for Black professionals undoubtedly hinder their advancement. The parallels between the corporate landscape and the music industry are striking. Both face challenges in breaking free from traditional, aristocratic structures that impede the progress of marginalized communities. My own reflections on the music industry, as outlined in my Billboard article (https://lnkd.in/gw2s8GCt), align with the concerns raised in The Wall Street Journal. The need for a fundamental shift towards meritocracy, valuing skill over privilege, is evident not only in corporate America but also in the world of music. As someone deeply committed to driving change, it reinforces the urgency for industries to reevaluate their approaches, uphold the promises made in the wake of social justice movements, and actively work towards creating environments where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral components of sustained success. The data speaks volumes, and it's time for concerted efforts and tangible actions to ensure that the pendulum swings in the right direction for everyone. To learn more about my own data research on intersectionality in the music business, visit: https://lnkd.in/gu3HbucN