Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day, marking a century since women won the right to vote via the 19th Amendment. It’s prudent to temper the celebration and recognize that the vestiges of inequality persist. The author offers examples of how PR can attack current instances of inequality.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment seems to force a reckoning with authenticity. Several brands, including the NY Times, admit they were on the wrong side of the issue 100 years ago. This reckoning may pave the way for a more honest corporate culture.

A new study by Media Frenzy Global and the Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta compiled the unique challenges and pain points for Black communications professionals posed by COVID-19. “COVID-19’s Impact on Black Communications Professionals” includes responses from more than 200 Black public relations employees, in agency, corporate and independent environments, from across the U.S.

There’s a lot to like about today’s announcement of the NY CEO Jobs Council. Its initial goals of hiring 100,00 diverse workers by 2030 are worthy and the cache of member-CEOs seems untouchable. The question some critics ask is what are the Council’s plans for encouraging diverse workers to remain and rise beyond low-level positions?

[Editor’s Note: We spoke with Crystal Cooper Mathis, director of marketing and communications, SignatureFD, and Toni Harrison, CEO of Etched Communication, about launching DE&I communication in the midst

FleishmanHillard diversity chief Emily Graham pulls no punches. “I’ve not seen any indicators that we’ve made significant progress with ethnic diversity,” the 15-year PR veteran says of the industry. “There was a time when it was acceptable to have one or two people of color as signs of progress, or tokens. It’s untenable and unacceptable in 2020,” she adds. We ask her what can be done to bolster PR’s diversity.

When it comes to communicating a commitment to equality to employees, actions speak louder than words. Many companies have launched employee resource groups or ERGs, in which employees volunteer to lead a focused group with clear missions, goals and objectives to contribute to the overall organization.

Weber Shandwick did a very good thing last week. It released diversity data for its senior levels. The data were dismal and the agency said as much. It also made the correct point that benchmarks are needed before you can make improvements. Though the agency needs to offer detail about how it will improve, Weber has taken a bold first step.

During our July 15 PRNEWS webinar, “Communicating Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Efforts with Employees,” Gabrielle Gambrell, marketing and communications consultant and adjunct professor at New York University, Catherine Hernandez-Blades, senior vice president; chief environmental, social and governance and communications officer at Aflac, and Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, founder of Jarel Communications, discussed the importance of showcasing meaningful diversity programs. 

Like the industry that is its subject matter, The Museum of Public Relations continues to evolve. Now in its 25th year, the Museum is far more than an archive of PR’s history. Its numerous programs and social media channels serve as forums that examine the industry’s present and future professional and social issues.