Ayo (fka Opal) Tometi, Co-founder of Black Lives Matter, on the role of social media in the movement.
Social media is one of the most important communications methods of our day. And just like in the past, when human rights advocates like Dr. King relied on the traditional press to get his message out, we’ve harnessed the power of getting the message out about critical issues using these tools. It has been important to handle it this way because we were being ignored by mainstream media for too long. Talking about anti-black racism wasn’t “cool”, so they ignored the injustice happening against our communities. Social media has been a necessity.
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Esi Eggleston Bracey, EVP & COO NA Beauty and Personal Care @ Unilever, on the evolution of inclusion in the beauty industry.
I have definitely seen some movement in the industry expanding its historically more narrow, one size fits all view of beauty, and this is refreshing. You see more black and brown faces in beauty advertising, and in in-store imagery. There has also been a significant expansion in the brands and entrepreneurs that are participating and succeeding in beauty – in particular from black, brown, and female founders. It’s good to see the progress, but there still is a long way to go for the beauty industry to reflect the full spectrum of beauty and diversity that we see in America -- 40% people of color, the full gender continuum, and a broad array of shapes, sizes, personalities, and nationalities.
Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Editor-in-chief of New York Magazine’s The Cut, on what it takes to succeed in her industry.
A lot of [what I've overcome] has been the fact that I am unapologetically Black in all spaces, and that isn’t as easy as some would think it is. But, I’ve refused to compromise who I am. Part of that has meant that when I’m given opportunities to have a seat at the table, I’m not just sitting there with gratitude, I’m using that seat and gratitude to be a ladder for the next generation of young women of color, and it’s no longer about me.
Meena Harris, Founder of Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, on taking steps to drive social justice
Start with the one thing that is within your reach. I started with t-shirts because I already had some expertise in making t-shirts. When we did a campaign around families separated at the border, we celebrated the courage of mothers risking everything to give their kids a better life. I found it really inspiring when regular moms all across the country were jolted by that and decided they couldn't sit by any longer. They collected shoes, backpacks, clothing and other needed supplies. Those mothers said I have to do something, anything - and they did it. They made a huge difference.
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Audie Cornish, Journalist at CNN (formerly at NPR), on racial and gender representation in radio.
Racial and gender representation in audio, TV and print all are lacking in one way or another. And the drive to create more diversity in newsrooms is an ongoing one that happens in fits and starts, sometimes in waves. But it is definitely a long-term conversation. And if you are the only person driving that conversation – or feel like you are – that can be a lonely place. I would say don’t give up. It’s a relay and you gotta do your part to carry the baton.
Alana Mayo, President of Orion Pictures, on humanizing people of color through storytelling.
It sounds kind of grandiose to say, but I really believe that the images you see, particularly as a young person, shape your vision of yourself and shape your vision of the world. It works both ways. It works for people who, in their worlds, might not feel safe, might not feel seen, might not feel worthy. It also works on the side of people who have a terrible belief system about people who are not themselves. It is a privilege and a responsibility to be able to both reflect that and shape it. Being able to show black people not just from the lens of trauma, but from the lens of aspiration is a gift.
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