Ayana Contreras’ Post

In 2023, the we embarked on a crucial journey by investing in Word In Black, a platform dedicated to spotlighting local and national stories of racial healing. Our support for media outlets led by Black journalists is an investment in tangible narratives of racial healing, shining a light on individuals, communities and organizations. We recognize that racial healing is the pathway to achieving true racial equity. Read more for a summary of each Word In Black piece on Racial Healing here: https://wkkf.co/rvwe

"The survey asked about several practices for journalists when covering Black people, and found: 'Among those who report at least sometimes seeing racist or racially insensitive coverage about Black people, nearly two-thirds (64%) identify educating all journalists about issues impacting Black Americans as an extremely or very effective way of making coverage fairer.' Other suggestions to improve coverage: Include more Black people as sources, according to 54% of those surveyed; and hire more Black people as newsroom leaders (53%) and more Black journalists (44%) at news outlets." https://bit.ly/3PSlgYz

Daring. Determined. Defiant. Celebrate the remarkable Black trailblazers who reshaped PR and journalism. Their dedication to truth, communication, and breaking barriers set the stage and fuels our mission at TNP. Ofield Dukes: A trailblazer in PR, Ofield ensured everyone had a seat at the table during the civil rights movement, using words to make real change. Almena Lomax: The driving force at the Los Angeles Tribune, Almena made sure the world heard the real stories, not just the ones on the surface. Charlayne Hunter-Gault: Rocked the boat at the University of Georgia, calling out the tough stuff and giving voice to the voiceless. Ethel Payne: Known as the "First Lady of the Black Press," Ethel was a fearless truth-seeker, calling out the truth when others turned away. Kathryn Finney: Tech entrepreneur and PR powerhouse, Kathryn's all about lifting up Black and Latinx women in tech with #ProjectDiane. Support Black Communicators and Agencies. Black-owned public relations agencies are uniquely suited to amplify diverse voices, bring cultural insights to campaigns, and help you create and achieve anti-racist goals. Supporting Black communicators and agencies like ours isn't just a gesture; it honors the legacy of these trailblazers and actively forges a future of equity and representation in our industry. --- TNP is Connecticut’s only Black-Owned Public Relations Agency, according to the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Every day, our staff embodies the spirit of the trailblazers before us. We’re on a mission to tell just stories that dismantle harmful narratives, sway public opinion, and catalyze policies to end and address the impact of systemic racism. Ready to tell your organization’s story? Learn more at narrative-project.com. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2024

Black news consumers think local reporters do a better job of covering Black communities than the national media, according to a recent study from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Black leaders in South Florida's media landscape say that's because Black news organizations — and also Black reporters at mainstream outlets — understand the local issues better and are less likely to engage in tired tropes and racist stereotypes than national journalists. An earlier Pew study found that Black Americans are more likely than people of other races or ethnicities to closely follow local news. https://lnkd.in/gEzwJRzV

Managers and supervisors need to know that Black employees are more sensitive to media coverage of racism. Helping all employees understand that racism coverage in the media means taking extra care in discussions about the need coverage makes a difference in showing support for affected colleagues. Avoid: 1. Discounting the incidents and especially what colleagues share about hire it impacted them. 2. Using humor to reduce distress. 3. Discouraging colleagues from talking about the news. Instead just listen and let Black colleagues know that you have heard them. There’s nothing to fix. Just listen and be supportive. That gives them safety, someone to vent with and the space to focus on they work.

A new Pew Research Center report finds large majorities of Black Americans believe news coverage about Black people is more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups, that this news is often missing important information, and that it won’t be improving anytime soon. But there is also wide consensus on what can be done to better report on Black people and regain trust— starting with journalists and reporters educating themselves on and centering issues that impact Black people. This is why we need more journalism that counters stereotypical media coverage and problematic framing with narratives about the assets these communities have, the solutions these communities want, and the full context around why problems exist and persist. Read the full Pew report: https://lnkd.in/g5ntMEUK

This Black History Month, we're spotlighting the remarkable achievements of Black journalists who have profoundly influenced journalism and the civil rights movement. ⠀ 🖋️ Ida B. Wells, a pioneer in investigative journalism, bravely advocated for justice despite facing threats as she exposed some of the horrors that Black people had been subjugated to. ⠀ 🎥 Gordon Parks was able to share powerful images that highlighted the reality of segregation and poverty. His incredible work earned him the role as Life Magazine's first African American staff photographer. ⠀ 🎙️ Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a trailblazer in print and broadcast journalism, was one of the first African American students at the University of Georgia. Her in-depth reporting on civil rights issues continues to have an indelible mark on journalism. ⠀ These journalists' courageous work in the face of adversity left a giant impact on journalism and civil rights, inspiring ongoing efforts for a fairer society. ⠀ What other Black journalists would you like to highlight for their work? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇 ⠀ #BlackHistoryMonth #Journalism #CivilRights #Reporting #Justice #Liberty

Speaker on Reimagining Black Relations: Rob Eschmann, PhD Title: Understanding the Evolving Nature of Racism in the Digital Age In a compelling return to the Reimagining Black Relations podcast, Dr. Rob Eschmann fearlessly delves into the stark realities of growing up under the pervasive influence of racial bias and the constant specter of police violence. He shares the deeply moving experience of having to give his own son "the talk," a heart-wrenching rite of passage in a world where the actions of Black person can carry life-or-death consequences. Dr. Eschmann's educational journey, from a magnet school that starkly contrasted with prison-like institutions, profoundly shaped his understanding of racism. His unyielding commitment to the fight for justice radiates throughout the conversation, as he underscores the transformative potential of storytelling to challenge dehumanizing narratives. Through his thought-provoking film, "Choose Your Own Resistance," he extends an invitation to explore the viewpoints of bystanders and stakeholders in the ongoing battle against racism. Dr. Eschmann further navigates the intricate terrain of online racism, revealing how virtual experiences can inflict comparable harm to their real-world counterparts. He sheds light on the concerning surge in the use of microaggressions and the alarming emergence of digital rage. As he underscores the pivotal role of moderation in distinguishing between free speech and hate speech, he calls upon us to reevaluate the original purpose of free speech – intended for critiquing the government. This podcast episode serves as a poignant reminder to critically examine the stories we encounter, challenge dominant narratives, and actively seek counter-stories that can reshape the prevailing discourse on racial injustice. It stands as an urgent call to action, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences, question narratives that perpetuate racist ideologies, and actively participate in the collective effort to build a more just and equitable society. Dr. Rob Eschmann's profound insights and unwavering dedication make this podcast episode an essential and compelling listen, reaffirming the imperativeness of continued resistance, the fight for racial justice, and the potent impact of individual and collective action. Listen here: #76 https://lnkd.in/gEZpB7H #blacklivesmatter #ReimaginingBlackRelations