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Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black culture. It's a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for an inclusive future. But for brands, it's also a crucial opportunity to connect with Black consumers in a genuine and respectful way. Refuel can help you: - Craft authentic marketing campaigns: We go beyond stereotypes and ensure your message resonates with Black audiences. - Leverage the power of storytelling: Highlight Black voices, history, and achievements. - Partner with Black-owned businesses: Support the community and build lasting connections. Let's celebrate Juneteenth with inclusivity and impactful marketing. #Juneteenth #MulticulturalMarketing #RefuelYourCampaign

#BlackHistoryMonth served as a pivotal starting point, not the finish line. 🖤 Nearly half a century after the official recognition of #BHM, the need for greater diversity and representation in marketing still remains critical. Celebrating Black culture, innovation, and creativity should not be limited to February. To achieve true inclusivity, we need to go beyond tokenism and embed diversity in: 👉 Every campaign. 👉 Every decision. 👉 Every narrative. It's time to ask ourselves how our industry can better represent and support Black voices, businesses, and communities all year round—not just during a specific month. Every day should be an opportunity to celebrate Black excellence and promote diversity in our industry. 📢 ✨ Inclusivity is not seasonal. ✨ 📢 Let's strive to make #BlackExcellenceEveryday a reality and create a more inclusive industry. #DEI #DEIAB #marketing

Best Practices for Black History Month Activations: Black History Month is fast approaching which means we will be seeing an influx of brands and organisations wanting to collaborate with Black creatives - which is amazing. BUT… We have to make sure that to authentically celebrate and honour Black culture, history, and achievements. Here are some practices to ensure these collaborations are meaningful, respectful, and mutually beneficial: 1️⃣ Authenticity Over Tokenism: When engaging with Black creatives, prioritise authentic storytelling and representation. Avoid using them solely for diversity purposes. Make sure that the creative's voice and vision are central to the project. 2️⃣ Compensate Fairly: It's crazy to say but yes - compensation is a sign of respect and recognition for the work and expertise that creatives bring to the table. Ensure that Black creatives are paid fairly and equitably for their contributions. Ensure you have a sufficient budget before contacting creators because of EXPOSURE ≠ COMPENSATION. 💸 3️⃣  Build Long-term Relationships: Consider how your collaboration can lead to longer-term partnerships, not just something to meet the quota for the month. Rather than one-off projects. Support and uplift Black creatives throughout the year, not just during Black History Month. 🫱🏼🫲🏾 4️⃣ Amplify Voices, Don’t Hijack Them: Give Black creatives the platform to share their own stories and perspectives. Amplify their voices and content, but don’t speak over them or take credit for their work. Let them tell their stories and experiences as authentically as possible 🎤 5️⃣ Respect Creative Freedom: Allow Black creatives the freedom to express their ideas and perspectives authentically. Trust their expertise and insights to guide the project. 🎨 6️⃣ Highlight Their Work: Use your platform to showcase the work of Black creatives, providing them with visibility and recognition. Share their social media handles, websites, and portfolios with your audience. By following these best practices, you will ensure that all your collaborations are not only respectful and impactful but also contribute to a more inclusive and supportive creative industry. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TIPS ⬇️ #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackCreatives #DiversityAndInclusion #AuthenticStorytelling #CreativeCollaboration #FairCompensation #RepresentationMatters #RespectAndRecognition #EquityInCreativeIndustry

As Black History Month closes, I have a lot on my mind about what I am doing (or not doing) as a leader to support Black talent and how our industry is using our platforms to help the Black Community thrive. A few things are top of mind. The first was inspired by messaging at this year's ADCOLOR: Recommit, Reaffirm, and Reignite. Of course, I believe our dedication to diversity and inclusion should be as activated and potent as ever, but I also think it needs to evolve. Representation and inclusion will continue to be the bedrock, but as our agencies become more diverse we have new areas to work on: advancement and mentorship, meaningful feedback and constructive performance management, and work that more explicitly reflects the diversity of our teams. The second is something that has stuck with me for awhile. Van Jones was the opening keynote speaker for Where Are All The Black People in 2020 and he challenged our industry in a way that moved me. He made the point that all the gains in civil rights were not lead by policy, rather that policy followed shifts in public opinion, opinions that were largely influenced by the arts - TV, Movies, Books, Music....but not necessarily advertising. Brands have big platforms, the stories we tell and the experiences we make have influence - what are we doing with that privilege, that obligation? Do we too easily give ourselves a pass because it is the client's call or because we are here just to sell stuff? I believe that it is imperative that we use the work we create to not just reflect society as it is, but to shape it as we dream it to be. The third is informed by an NPR interview I recently heard with 'American Fiction' writer-director, Cord Jefferson, who talked about the tendency for the mainstream to only celebrate stories of underrepresented groups' trauma. Those stories are important, but the singularity of them in the mainstream leaves us without the nuanced, dimensional view of these groups. Is our industry perpetrating this as well, are we using stories of trauma dressed as purpose work as award show bait? Perhaps the most poignant thing on my mind is feedback from a Black employee that warned of agencies being all empathy, little action. We all know better now, so we must DO better.

When Black audiences see their lives and experiences reflected in a way that is dignified and respectful, it strengthens their trust in your brand. 🤎✊ Why? Because it’s about more than being seen—our community wants to be understood on a deeper, human level. By showcasing the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals, we’re not just marketing, we’re challenging stereotypical narratives and inspiring change. 🚀🖤 Read more about the Importance of Authentic Representation in Marketing in our latest blog on chromacreators.agency. #BlackExcellence #AuthenticRepresentation #TrustInBranding #DeepUnderstanding #ChallengingStereotypes #InspiringChange #MarketingWithPurpose #ChromaCreators

Empowered Voices: Celebrating Black Achievements Are you a fan of non-fiction? Do you love anthologies? Well, if you are, be sure to join us on November 1st at 3pm EST for an exclusive LIVE panel interview on our YouTube channel, where we'll dive into the powerful stories behind the anthology *Triumph in the Trenches: Volume 2*. This is the first time I am covering a non-fiction anthology title and I am so excited! If you missed Volume 1, this anthology shines a light on the harsh realities many Black professionals face in the workplace. Yet, despite the challenges, these stories illustrate how to rise above. break cycles of workplace trauma, empower yourself, find fulfillment in your careers, and lift as you climb. Our panel of esteemed and inspiring contributors will share their personal journeys and insights on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), discussing whether these initiatives were pivotal in their success and how societal perceptions shape the narrative around Black women’s achievements. Whether you're passionate about DEI or simply curious about the future of race and gender in the workplace, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars and subscribe to our channel to get involved! Scan the QR code or select the link below. YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ez6UStQD

🌍 As October begins, so does our celebration of UK Black History Month. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, is about more than just reflection. It’s about taking ownership of stories that have shaped Black heritage—stories that have often been left untold or misunderstood. At Snyk, we’re committed to doing more than just talking about diversity and inclusion—we’re living it. This October, we’re spotlighting the voices, experiences, and contributions of the Black community through a series of meaningful events: 🍽️ Black-Owned Business Lunches: In our main hubs, we’ll be savoring diverse dishes from local Black-owned restaurants, all while supporting and promoting economic empowerment. 🖤 Black@Snyk Discussions: A space for us to come together, share, and learn from each other’s stories, as we explore the theme of reclaiming narratives. 🗣️ Anti-Racist Conversations Workshop: Led by Abena Akuffo-Kelly, this workshop will give us the chance to engage in open, honest discussions about race in the workplace, helping us grow as individuals and as a community. 💻 Keynote on Bias-Free AI: Our keynote speaker will guide us through the challenges of eliminating bias in technology and what it means to create a more inclusive future in tech. 🥂 Themed Happy Hours: Bringing our community together to not just celebrate but also learn more about Black culture in a meaningful and engaging way. Join us in learning, supporting, and uplifting Black communities. Together, we can help shape a future where every narrative is honored, and every voice is heard. 💬 #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackHistoryMonthUK #LifeAtSnyk

It’s Black History Month, and the theme for this year is 'reclaiming narratives'. How many of us can remember being taught about important Black figures throughout history in our schools? And hearing their stories? It was limited at best, but often non-existent. This is why it's so important for us to keep educating ourselves, learning, and re-learning about Black history, so that we can be active allies. How can we do that? Here are three key ways to be an active ally and create an inclusive work environment (all year round, not just in October!): 💡 Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about the history and experiences of the Black community. Read books, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, and engage with resources that provide insights into the struggles and accomplishments experienced. Understanding the context and challenges faced by Black individuals can help you become a more informed and empathetic ally. 💡Amplify Black Voices: Use your platform and privilege to amplify the voices of Black colleagues. Encourage and support black colleagues to share their perspectives, ideas, and experiences in meetings, discussions, and projects. Acknowledge and recognise their contributions and ensure that they have a space to be heard and valued. By actively listening and promoting their voices, you can help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment. 💡 Take Action Against Discrimination: Stand up against discrimination, bias, and microaggressions directed towards your Black colleagues. Be an active bystander and intervene when you witness unfair treatment or offensive remarks. Use your influence to advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organisation. By taking consistent, concrete actions to address and combat racism in your workplace, you can show your commitment to being a supportive ally to your Black colleagues. Remember that allyship is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, reflection, and advocacy for creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. This isn't just an activity for October. We all need to continuously and consciously keep learning and re-learning. #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #Diversity

It's not always simple to authentically engage #Black consumers! To help turn insight into impact, we hosted a panel discussion with leading brands to learn how they connect with, engage, and celebrate Black Americans. Shared in celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, our panel addressed a variety of topics, shedding light on the evolution of the consumer landscape, steps taken to authentically resonate with Black Consumers, executions that have been effective in driving authentic engagement, and personal stories from their own careers. We were joined by esteemed panelists: • Nakia Tull, Vice President & Customer Inclusion Leader, Fidelity Investments • Nicole Buchanan, Senior Director, Head of Cultural Strategy & Multicultural Sales, SiriusXM Media • Kim Adams House, Head of Licensing, Merchandising, and Multicultural Marketing, Stellantis Discover top-level insights from our research and a video replay of our panel, available now! #marketing #mrx #diversity #inclusion #diversityandinclusion #marketresearch #marketingandadvertising #consumerinsights

Celebrating Black Excellence: Navigating Through Economic Realities Together Hello My Lovely People! Let's talk about something that hits close to home: the job market and the disparities Black Americans face. It's heavy stuff, but it's real, and we need to address it head-on. We've seen the numbers, and they're not just numbers—they represent real people, real families, and real struggles. Historically, Black folks have had a tougher time finding and keeping jobs compared to their white counterparts. And when tough times hit, like during economic downturns, it hits Black workers even harder. It's not fair, and it's not right. Behind those stats are stories of resilience, though. Stories of folks fighting tooth and nail to make ends meet, to provide for their loved ones, and to break through barriers that seem impossible to overcome. It's inspiring, but it's also heartbreaking to see people facing so many challenges just to get by. But amidst all the struggles, there's a glimmer of hope. The Black community doesn't back down. They stand tall, they push forward, and they refuse to let the system hold them back. It's that determination, that fire in their hearts, that makes them unstoppable. So here's the deal: we can't just sit back and watch this happen. We've got to take action. We need to tear down the barriers that keep Black folks from thriving in the workforce. We need to create opportunities that level the playing field and give everyone a fair shot at success. It's going to take all of us, working together, to make a real change. We've got to listen to each other, lift each other, and fight for a future where everyone has an equal chance to shine. So let's do this—together. Let's stand up, speak out, and make sure that every voice is heard. Because when we come together, there's nothing we can't achieve. #CnjAssociates #BlackExcellence #Inclusivity #Equity #Empowerment