Read on Twitter
Hey outlets/podcasts, etc... A lot of you are asking black creators to appear on your shows/curate content for you right now in the name of being a good ally. Here are some thoughts on that:
Don’t just hire folks during Feb or an uprising and forget about them the rest of the year. We don’t turn into pumpkins when media interest in protests slows down or at Midnigjt in March 1st
If you approach us because the calendar or current events say that it’s time to talk black stuff when you have never approached us before to talk anything, black or otherwise? You might not think we notice that you’re doing that but we notice that you’re doing that
If you do that, but you don’t have a plan to give these creators work after they fill your black quota, don’t bother,
Also, pay them. You aren’t doing us a favor by “allowing” us to make free content for you. Wanna help black creatives? Pay them.
Also, pay them. You aren’t doing us a favor by “allowing” us to make free content for you. Wanna help black creatives? Pay them.
If you’re asking them to perform black pain for your audience, offer them double.
Also you should just have black creators that you work with regularly enough that you aren’t asking folks you never say boo to to pitch in once a year
If you stay ready* you never have to get ready**.
*cultivate a roster that reaches beyond your circle
** blind ask random black folks who you will never talk to again to do work for you
*cultivate a roster that reaches beyond your circle
** blind ask random black folks who you will never talk to again to do work for you
This is not a subtweet to one single person or place. The last two weeks i have been approached by so many places that have never previously shown any interest, but now request that I do work (often free work) by couching it in the idea that I’d be furthering the cause
The best way to support black creators is to book them year round for subjects they are passionate about and to pay them.
Be inclusive all year round. Not just when it’s trending
Be inclusive all year round. Not just when it’s trending
If this makes you mad, take a breath, take a walk and take an inventory to figure out why you feel defensive.
