Melissa Grady Dias’ Post

#MKEPD #BlackHistoryMonth starts today. The theme set for 2024 is, “African Americans and the Arts,”. This spans the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Learn how you can celebrate this year's theme at https://lnkd.in/g-9upeNH

Hip-hop BEEFs might be a profitable marketing strategy for record labels, but they serve as poor public relations for the unity of Black communities in America. It is troubling that such conflicts remain popular in today's hip-hop culture, particularly when Black artists support these divisive tactics, overlooking their broader consequences. Beyond merely increasing album sales, this approach promotes division and strife, which can ultimately lead to violence—a lasting impact on the fans who follow these artists. I can still see the echoes of slavery in this entire scenario. And before you say, 'Hip-hop is a competitive sport' or 'It’s for the culture,' we must ask: Who truly benefits? Perhaps there is someone with a better understanding than me. However, from my perspective, Black people mustn't engage in public conflicts, especially not in front of other racial groups.

🤠 Well, I reckon we have a problem y'all. We are back to talk about the intersection of Marketing + HR, which is easily becoming one of my favorite topics. Beyonce (👋🏽Hey H-town!) definitely broke the internet with her Super Bowl commercial, partnering with Verizon. Bey has a way of alluding to new projects, like music, and building up the mystery. BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE HERE. 🐝 Her latest crossover into country music sent the internet buzzin' while her single '16 Carriages' landed right on Billboard's Country Airplay charts. 🐝 The BeyHive came swarming in as a country music station sent an email response to a listener (they put it in writing y'all lol) that they didn't play Beyonce because they were a country station. Guess who's playing it now? 🐝 Her album 'Act II' comes out in March, which is still prime time for rodeo season in Houston, Texas. We are already practicing our line dances to 'Texas Hold 'Em'. 🐝 This further ignites the conversation around racism in the country music space, however Black people are not new to the genre. Charley Pride takes us back decades to symbolize a significant impact we have had on country music. 🗣How could this translate into the workplace for us 'People' people? 👉🏽 Understand the power of representation and the need to obliterate barriers specifically around gatekeeping. Those good ol' ways don't always work. 👉🏽 Know that your creativity in different ways builds connections and communities. 👉🏽 From those communities, build the story. You will naturally start a network or believers and advocates. 👉🏽 Be present while understanding the past. Honestly, I LOVE seeing the creativity in the crossover. Even down to Bey's strategic style choices now. We saw Andre 3000 do it HIS WAY with his flute album. 👀 Next week, we are going to talk about another crossover that peaked my interest INSTANTLY. Here's a hint: YEAAAAA 🧘🏽♀️

The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Let us recognize and celebrate the incredible #impact of #africandiaspora in our world. It's #BlackHistoryMonth2024

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Well framed! Highlight: the crossover between HR and marketing. What do they have in common? Human experiences. No matter if it’s an employee or a customer. The focus is always: What experience do you want this person to have? What is the feeling you want to create? We are all emotional beings backed then by logic. How do we use moments like this to address the feelings that come up when we are uncomfortable? How do we hold space for these feelings of discomfort while also acknowledging the fact that they may stem from a place of bias? It’s time to break down the gates. It’s time to reframe the narrative.

Continuing our journey into the influence of Black Music on consumer trends, today's focus shifts to the authenticity and relatability of these genres and their strategic use in marketing. Jazz, blues, hip-hop, and R&B not only shape brand identities but also foster a genuine connection with the Black community by reflecting their real-life stories and emotions. However, leveraging this influence in marketing demands a careful balance to avoid cultural appropriation and ensure representation feels respectful and authentic. Successful integration involves understanding the music's cultural significance, engaging with Black artists, and aligning choices with brand values. This respectful approach enhances brand relevance, supports economic empowerment, and avoids stereotypes, demonstrating the power of Black Music in creating meaningful consumer engagement while honoring its rich cultural legacy. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMusic #MarketResearch #ConsumerTrends #MRX #Marketing 

Tray Kearney: Visionary and CEO of New You Nation Network I am Tray Kearney, and my journey has brought me full circle, having faced tough times and an uphill battle stemming from one pivotal decision. I often share, "One poor choice will change the trajectory of your life and have you take the long way home," and I joke about being the prodigal daughter. Music and entertainment have always been my first love. I do not regret my journey; I believe it was meant to be. I finally understand my God-given purpose: to serve the people that God assigned to me through my gifts, talents, and experiences. My vision for the New You Nation Network is to revive black excellence in media, resisting industry pressure to entertain through negative images of black people for profit. I am determined to counter the negative depictions of black people in the media, highlighting the truth of black excellence. Entertainment should not come at the expense of tarnishing the legacy of black culture, which is currently in a state of emergency. We must reclaim our power and showcase the true essence of black culture. It’s time that we call for originality in the music industry, criticizing the prevalence of carbon copies and the exploitation of young women. Industry veterans should speak up and prioritize talent over popularity and exploitation. My vision for the New You Nation Network is to heal entertainment through content that highlights real talent, is entertaining but not vulgar, and balances between being wholesome and extreme. The industry has become overly focused on "sex sells," and explicit content belongs in its proper place. The New You Nation Network aims to share music and entertainment based on talent and education—edutainment. It caters to those who are tired of twerking, cursing, messiness, and filth. Our network is an entertainment empire creating content for Generation X by Generation X, establishing a blueprint for other generations, and leaving a positive legacy for the future. I look forward to partnering with those who share the same morals, values, and integrity that the industry desperately needs.

If you're looking to educate yourself and support locally black owned businesses this Juneteenth, check out this article with a list of celebration events happening around the Twin Cities today: http://spr.ly/6044gEcAk "Juneteenth should really be a rallying call for all of us to think about the meaning of freedom, particularly regarding African Americans, as well as to the nation and the rest of the world."