If you’re struggling to respond to or understand the Black Lives Matter movement personally and professionally, you aren’t alone. There’s a fine line between authentic allyship and service and skeevy marketing strategies. Yet, research shows that diversity and inclusion positively benefits bottom lines.
The millennial and Gen Z generations are the most diverse in history: only 56% of the 87 million millennials in the country are white, as compared to 72% of the 76 million members of the baby boomer generation. (CNN Money)
What is diversity in simple words?
It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. -- via CUNY
Highlights
How diversity benefits our business
Your bubble probably insulates you from seeing black podcasters and creators
Start with your WHY
The case for mentorship
Tips for cold emails to non-white podcasters
Why people of color are cautious about asks
It boils down to developing relationships authentically
Be open to being called out and then do better
Taking a hard look at diversity in your business, podcast, and marketing efforts
Helping your clients tackle diversity and inclusion
Stock images are NOT very diverse
The importance of making sure everyone benefits from your inclusion and diversity efforts
BONUS: Reparations isn’t necessarily about money...
Who is Nikita?
Nikita Burks-Hale is the CEO and Head Creative of JourneyGurl Magic Productions, which is a podcast production company that supports and empowers Womxn of Color as they bring their unique voices to the masses through podcasting. Nikita is also the host of 2 podcasts, The JourneyGurl Magic Podcast and The Podcaster’s Journey (launch Aug 2020).
What You can do now:
- Attend Pass the Mic: Best Practices for Diversifying Your Podcast, Your Ask, And Your Life
- Follow black creator hashtags (and other non-white hashtags). Start with tags like #blackpodcasts and #blackpodcasters
- Engage with some podcasters regularly to expand your ‘bubble.’
- Listen to podcasts from black creators (see links for some suggestions).
- Open a dialogue with your clients about the importance and opportunity of diversity.
- Be a mentor to a podcast editor of color.
- Don’t give up. This is an every day, forever habit to develop.
Links:
Further Reading on Diversity:
Guest Editor
This episode was edited by Top Tier Audio (thanks, Bryan!)
“Data from Pew Research says that millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce. And within 15 years, people of color will make up the majority of the American working class.”
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Appearing in this episode:
Special Appearance: James Q and Alfredo Cat
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
