Check out these Dallas PRSA Leadership Spotlights in honor of Black History Month, 2024!
Posted by admin on Mar. 5, 2024 / Subscribe 0
During February 2024, Dallas PRSA highlighted three members and their stories around what Black History Month means to them as Black Public Relations and Communications practitioners.
Dallas PRSA is “keeping it local” in our commemoration of Black History Month this year. Our chapter is honored to spotlight these three leaders who are all Black Public Relations and Communications practitioners in our shared communities. We asked each of them to answer a few questions and their answers are incredibly insightful.
Check out their stories below. We also encourage you to learn more about the movie, the filmmaker, and the professional cyclist that inspired each of our spotlights. We are grateful to each of these local leaders for their willingness to use their voice as professionals in the industry to inspire, uplift, and make a positive impact on all of us!
Darian D. Taylor
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Public Affairs
Genuine Article
What does Black History Month mean to you as a PR and comms practitioner?
As a Black communications practitioner, Black History Month serves as a yearly reminder that Black history transcends a single month or moment in time; it is something that I am honored to carry with me every day and informs the diverse perspective that I bring into every aspect of my work.
What can we, as a professional community, do more of to foster more diverse representation for Black practitioners in the industry?
In addition to proactive recruitment and equitable hiring practices, inclusive work environments, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we can do more to ensure that Black professionals not only have a seat at the table but are valued for our expertise and lived experiences in diverse spaces in decision-making processes and leadership positions.
Who is a Black voice (can be a public person or not) that has used their voice in a way that inspires, uplifts and has made an impact on you. Why was their method or style of communication effective?
After watching the Michelle and Barack Obama-produced film, Rustin, Bayard Rustin is someone who used his voice during a time when it was most necessary who has inspired, uplifted, or made an impact on me. As an openly and unapologetically gay Black man in the 1950s (during a time of discrimination for both African Americans and the LGBTQ+ community), Bayard Rustin remained true to himself while organizing the March on Washington in 1963.
Kennedy Pitts
Coordinator of Public Relations & Digital Services
Tony Fay Public Relations
What does Black History Month mean to you as a PR and comms practitioner?
As a PR practitioner, Black History Month presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate, highlight, and amplify the often-overlooked stories and voices within the Black community. It's a chance to shine a spotlight on experiences and contributions that shape our society, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for Black history and culture.
What can we, as a professional community, do more of to foster more diverse representation for Black practitioners in the industry?
As a professional community, we can actively seek out and support Black practitioners by providing mentorship and networking opportunities as well as advocating for Black voices in decision-making processes to foster more equitable representation.
Who is a Black voice (can be a public person or not) that has used their voice in a way that inspires, uplifts and has made an impact on you. Why was their method or style of communication effective?
Ava DuVernay is a Black filmmaker who advocates for diversity in Hollywood, and she has used her voice to uplift marginalized communities and challenge societal norms. Her method of communication is effective because she skillfully utilizes film as a platform for storytelling, amplifying black voices that are often overlooked and sparking meaningful conversations about representation and social justice.
Kenn Dixon, M.A., CDMP, APR
2024 President, PRSA Dallas
Vice President, Communications & Public Relations
Texas Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
What does Black History Month mean to you as a PR and comms practitioner?
The field of PR and communications has come a long way from where it started, and as an African American man and a PR practitioner, I believe that I hold a vital place in the future of this industry. We are entrusted by organizations to be their conscience, voice, and advocates in challenging times. Despite the progress that has been made, much still needs to be accomplished. Black History Month is not just a token moment to satisfy a cultural need for acceptance, but it is a recognition of our value, our potential to contribute, and our ability to lead.
What can we, as a professional community, do more to foster more diverse representation for Black practitioners in the industry?
It is imperative that we demonstrate the exceptional abilities of Black professionals in various industries and organizations when given equal opportunities. Despite facing numerous rejections and discouragements, we have persisted and worked harder to achieve our goals. It is critical for organizations to understand that having diverse voices in the decision-making room is not only necessary but also essential in preventing the implementation of erroneous messaging in campaigns.
Who is a Black voice (can be a public person or not) that has used their voice in a way that inspires, uplifts, and has impacted you. Why was their method of communication effective?
I am inspired and impacted by Major Taylor, the Black voice that motivated me. As an avid cyclist, Major Taylor moved me to work harder and never give up. Although not well known to many a few years ago, he was a force to be reckoned with in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was an American professional cyclist and considered the greatest cycling sprinter of all time. Despite being denied many opportunities to race, his skills spoke volumes whenever he got on the track. He effectively communicated that no matter what you set your mind to, no one or organization can stop you. Tailwinds!"
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