THE TIME FOR CHANGE HAS COME. AGAIN.
By Heidi Otway, President + Partner
In 1971, Ebony Magazine released an encyclopedia on Black America from slavery to the civil rights movement. The pictorial shows images we are still seeing in America nearly fifty years later.
I’m a history buff and my library has an encyclopedia produced by Ebony Magazine in 1971 about Black America. I’ve had these books since I was a kid and I still read them to this day. They are full of pictures and many show Black people being abused by White police officers as they protested and called for the end of segregation and better treatment in society.
History is repeating itself. Right now, people of all ages and ethnicities are protesting around the country to demand change after videos captured the brutal murders of several African-Americans at the hands of police. Consumers are also calling out brands to support this cause and do more than make a declaration in a social media post.
A national study released last month shows consumers want brands to lead efforts to end systemic racism in the United States. Conducted by Edelman, a global communications firm, their Trust Barometer poll found that 63 percent of Americans are concerned about systemic racism and racial injustice in this country. Other key findings:
- More than half of all respondents (60%) will support or boycott a brand based on if and how it responds to the current protests
- Sixty percent of Americans say brands must take a stand and publicly speak out on racial injustice
- Four times as many respondents say taking a stand on racial injustice gains brand trust instead of losing it
- Nearly two-thirds of respondents say brands have to reflect the full diversity of the country within their own organizations and in their products and communications
History shows that change did come as a result of the civil rights movement. America is more diverse than ever. However, racism still exists and the time for change has come again. For those who are reading this, I’m expecting you and your company or organization to join the new movement to right the wrongs and do what you can do to make America great for all.
My hope is that years from now the history books will show that the year 2020 was a tumultuous yet pivotal moment in history. One that started the real end of systemic racism and social injustices in our society
FLUENT IN FLORIDIAN
In our latest episode of the Fluent in Floridian, I interviewed the executive director of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, Sabeen Perwaiz. Sabeen has dedicated her life to helping others whether this be in the nonprofit sector or helping others share their voice through her venture, TedX talks.
She also advocates for women, saying she openly tells young people about her experiences, including the traumatic ones. “Everyone has their own inner demons that they've fought. And we just have to be able to talk about it comfortably so that we're empowering other women too.”
Though Sabeen did not grow up in Florida, she’s fluent in Floridian. In addition to her role with the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, she is also the founder and executive producer of TedX Jacksonville, where she amplifies the voices of Floridians and sparks unique conversations on how people can make a difference
“This organization just allowed me to learn so much about my local community...it really allows us to uplift local voices, whether it's within Jacksonville or Florida and give them that larger platform that can provide and bring them out into the world.”
The Fluent in Floridian Podcast features the Sunshine State’s brightest leaders talking about the issues most important to the people of Florida and its more than 100 million yearly visitors. Subscribe and listen today on iTunes, Google Play Music and Spotify.
WHAT'S TRENDING IN COMMUNICATIONS?
Summer 2020 is nothing like we imagined. As COVID-19 and protests in America press on, it’s clear this summer will be an unforgettable part of U.S. history. Navigating a business through a time of civil unrest calls for compassion, empathy, and understanding. Below are some examples of how businesses are changing not only their marketing but the way their company works, in order to garner real and lasting social change.
Spotlight: Navigating Authenticity and Openness in the Face of Racial Justice
Bold and brave: Nike shows how it’s committing to the black community
WHAT GOT OUR ATTENTION IN FLORIDA
The League of Women Voters of Florida launched a new campaign to “Put the Power Back in Voting.” The SMPR team is working with the non-partisan organization on this initiative to dispel the myths and educate voters about the facts relating to the vote-by-mail process. Our immediate goal is to see more people request their mail-in ballot before the deadline. The League’s president, Patricia Brigham was recently interviewed by Reverend R.B. Holmes during his “Respect Yourself” radio show on 95.3FM in Tallahassee, Florida. During the interview, Patricia stressed the importance of voting-by-mail in these uncertain times of COVID-19. The message was clear, request your mail-in ballot now and make sure your vote is counted no matter what the circumstances. Help the League spread the word by following them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and sharing their posts about the campaign.
ABOUT SALTERMITCHELL PR
SalterMitchell PR is an award-winning agency that provides strategic insight and guidance to organizations seeking to make an impact in the nation's third-most populous state.
We are fluent in Floridian. We understand the communities, change-makers and challenges that drive the Sunshine State, and we put our insights and influence to work on behalf of our clients. We work with corporations, associations, state agencies, municipalities, public and private institutions, and nonprofits. They rely on us to help them establish and protect their reputation, manage issues, shape public opinion, tell their stories, build relationships, and advocate for change. We focus on maximizing support, minimizing opposition and helping good causes win in Florida.
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