One year after George Floyd’s murder, has our industry changed?
Finn Partners’ Ronald Roberts looks to assess what progress has been made and where pressure must be applied in the ongoing struggle for equality and the end of systemic racism.
On June 6, 1988, I started my career in public relations and went to work for an agency in 1992. At the time, I was one of a few people of color in my profession—at any level—and the only one in my office. Through the years, I’ve been able to grow professionally. I am now a managing partner at one of the largest independent PR firms in the world.
However, I am still one of the few people of color at this level.
I am often asked—especially since the murder of George Floyd at this time last year—if anything has changed in our world or, on a smaller scale, in our profession. My short answer: I hope so.
The meaning of change
Change. A simple word, but one with such complexity. We often seek it, but not always successfully. On May 25, 2021, 365 days had passed since Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin suffocated Floyd over the course of nine excruciating minutes. Since then, many companies have created or enhanced their diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) programs, including public relations companies. Some have been well-conceived and thought out. Others, not so much.
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