This past month, KGL has recognized and honored the Black professionals who have made significant contributions to the communications industry. With this effort, we believe that understanding the history and accomplishments of Black professionals in our field can help create a more equitable society.
In honor of the last day of Black History Month, I want to highlight one Black communications professional whose advocacy for media equity and inclusivity has personally inspired me and countless others.
Farai Chideya is an award-winning author and journalist with over 20 years of experience in combined diversity, media and technology (Harvard). Born and raised in Baltimore, MD., Chideya graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1990.
Over her career, Chideya was the host of NPR’s News and Notes, a reporter for ABC News, a political analyst for CNN and started PopandPolitics.com, one of the first US pop culture blogs. She was awarded a National Education Reporting Award, a North Star News Prize and a special award from the National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association for her coverage of AIDS (Farai).
Today, Chideya continues to promote media equity on and off camera. In her public talks, she often addresses the impact of U.S. media on democracy and civil society, understanding the American voter, and other related topics. Her weekly podcast Our Body Politic focuses on the way women of color experience the momentous political occurrences of the present day and how they have an influence on those issues.
Of the countless accomplishments Chideya has accumulated, I am most inspired by her dedication to promoting media equity and a better understanding of our diverse communities through storytelling. By listening to the stories of others, she uses her eloquence as a communicator to share the experiences of people who are often overlooked.
Through her work, Chideya provides a much-needed space for those marginalized voices to be heard. She has shown us that an equitable world is possible, and that it is something worth striving for. By demonstrating through her words and actions that everybody should have an equal voice and access to the media, Chideya stands out as a shining example of a Black communications professional promoting open dialogue and encouraging inclusivity.
As we celebrate the last day of Black History Month and end this three-part series, it is important to take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the immense contributions Black professionals have made in the communications industry. From radio and television to journalism and public relations, their work has had a monumental impact on the way we communicate and share information. Even today, these efforts are still incredibly important.
At KGL, we understand that true equity and meaningful communication require year-round engagement and commitment. That is why it is essential to engage in these authentic and meaningful conversations beyond just Black History Month. We encourage you to join us in our mission to promote authentic communication and foster relationships built on respect and understanding.
Sources:
