I'm A Black Woman in Media. Here Are 5 Things I Need More Than Your "Happy Juneteenth" Text
I know you want to help. Here's how you can.
Juneteenth is now a national holiday. This comes with an opportunity to have more nuanced conversations about race in America, and a day off (for some).
It also comes with awkward check-ins from acquaintances seeking assurances that they are in fact “one of the good ones.”
I get where this discomfort is coming from and I'd like to help. So in the spirit of transparency I'm going to share with you that along with kente cloth cloaked performative kneeling from government representatives voting against their constituents’ best interests being wished a “happy Juneteenth” from people deeply concerned with their identities as allies is not something I desire.
This kind gesture is less welcome than a “hey boo” text on the morning of a sew-in appointment that you already purchased the bundles for.
It doesn't comfort me. It doesn't put me in a good mood and I don't appreciate it.
What I do appreciate is intentional intervention on my behalf in spaces designed for those would be allies to flourish.
Here are three things I need more than that “Happy Juneteenth” text you're about to send.
To be included…when there's a budget
It's great that you appreciate the Black voices in your network. It's lovely that they educate and entertain you
But if the only time you engage them is when you find out you don't have a budget, there's a problem.
Your mood board and screenshot inspo should look like your payroll. Don’t assume that you're doing a Black creator a solid by offering them exposure. When someone shows up to an event being hosted by a for profit enterprise their presence has value, treat it like that.
Putting them in the room is of little value if they're sweaty from the bus stop or subway stairs when they get there. Create an environment where they can show up as their best selves. Don’t assume that a charcuterie board and a hashtag are enough to demonstrate a real sustained commitment.
Pay them, and prioritize their comfort.
To be paid… on time
I don't know if a tree falling in the forest with no witnesses makes a sound but I do a check that comes after the rent was due is damn near worthless.
When you do pay Black creatives do it on time!
Don't subject us to sending 5011 follow up emails. Dont shame us for actually needing the compensation you promised when you contracted our services.
If your payroll process is intentionally slow-rolling, speak up about how it impacts marginalized people like me.
To be valued…for more than my trauma
On the other side of a world that was robbed of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor editors sought out Black voices like they were a pair of missing tabis. Today that's not the case. There are more calls for pitches but the breadth of the topics are more narrow and often times they focus on traumatic experiences.
If you are only contracting Black writers to tell these types of stories ask yourself why that is and do better.
To be held to the same standard as “mainstream” publications
I often joke to my inner circle that when White girls do it its a lifestyle publication and when Black girls do it its a blog but truthfully there’s nothing about that funny. I write for Black publications with major covers, and talented staff. They accomplish way more than they should be able to with limited resources but they still get snubbed when I am advocating for them with brand reps.
Stop low-balling us monetarily and strong-arming us on content.
Engage with us in a real and fair way or leave us all the way alone.
To be listened to…even when its inconvenient
One of the most frustrating things about being a Black woman in media is having to explain that the Black experience is not monolithic, over and over again. Just because you know another Black person doesn't mean you can use the nuggets of their life to negate what I'm telling you about my life and perspective.
Listen to Black people. Listen when it makes you comfortable and uncomfortable.
Take in what they're telling you at face value.