As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to dive deeper into the theme of “Reclaiming Narratives” and explore why it’s necessary to tell our own stories, free from misrepresentation and harmful stereotypes.
Two weeks ago, I shared best practices on how to stand out through storytelling. However, the reality for many Black people is that their narratives are often controlled by external voices that fail to capture our authentic experiences.
For young Black professionals, especially those trying to enter competitive industries, managing their public image can feel like a constant uphill battle. Negative racial bias often appears at the very first stage of employment.
As someone who amplifies the stories of business leaders and organisations, I feel it is especially significant to use my platform to empower Black graduates and young professionals. It’s vital to create a space where we can thrive and take ownership of our stories while being able to showcase our true authentic selves genuinely.
Why Reclaiming Narratives Is Important?
Growing up my Dad would always say I needed to work twice as hard to be in the same position as my counterparts. However, it’s only with hindsight that even with additional work, there’s always an obstacle rooted in racial bias that will aim to keep you boxed in.
Reclaiming narratives is crucial because it allows Black professionals to present their own stories, free from the biases and stereotypes that have historically been imposed upon us. When you own your narrative, you assert your identity on your terms, highlighting your unique experiences, strengths, and values becomes second nature over time.
Media Misrepresentation
The media has long played a role in shaping public perceptions of the Black community—often in harmful ways. Too often, Black people are either underrepresented or portrayed through the lens of damaging stereotypes. These biased portrayals arise from historical prejudice, a lack of diversity in media, and a tendency to amplify stories that align with pre-existing narratives.
Whether intentional or not, these misrepresentations can affect how Black people are perceived by employers, clients, and society at large. A key factor driving this problem is the lack of diversity in newsrooms.
According to the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), 88% of UK journalists come from white ethnic groups. This lack of representation contributes to a limited understanding of Black experiences and leads to superficial or skewed coverage.
The absence of Black journalists, editors, and decision-makers often results in media narratives that lack nuance, leaving Black professionals subject to oversimplified or stereotypical portrayals.
Fortunately, platforms like The Voice Online, Black Ballad and Black Business Magazine are actively working to change this by amplifying Black excellence and providing more accurate representations of our stories.
The Diversity Problem in PR
The lack of diversity in PR is another hurdle. In PR, this lack of diversity leads to similar challenges. PR professionals who aren’t from diverse backgrounds may lack the cultural awareness to effectively position Black professionals in media campaigns.
Findings from the UK Black Comms Network’s ‘One Step Forward, Two Steps Black’ report show that over two-thirds of Black PR professionals (68%) have considered leaving the PR industry. With this data, it’s easy to see how Black voices can be misrepresented or overlooked, reinforcing the idea that the media landscape is difficult to navigate.
Although there are initiatives in place such as the Taylor Bennett Foundation which has helped me and countless other Black professionals break into the industry, more needs to be done with these PR companies to retain Black talent.
To navigate this biased landscape, understanding the media’s inner workings is essential. Journalists and media outlets are influenced by their readership, institutional cultures, and, sometimes, unconscious bias.
This is why Black professionals must work with media platforms that align with their values and tell their stories authentically.
Shaping Your Personal Narrative on Social Media
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for Black professionals to take control of their narrative. Unlike traditional media, platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok allow individuals to share their own unfiltered stories in real time. This provides an opportunity to challenge negative portrayals in the media and offer a full picture of the Black professional experience.
Now is the perfect time to take control of your personal brand and define what you want to be known for. Whether it’s your professional expertise, your advocacy for social justice, or your entrepreneurial journey. Crafting a clear personal brand allows you to curate content that reflects your values and goals.
Highlighting both your struggles and your successes adds depth to your narrative, challenging the one-dimensional portrayals often seen in the media. Use your platform to call out bias, correct misrepresentations and shape a narrative that aligns with who you truly are.
Finally, engage with communities that elevate Black professionals. Join groups, forums, and discussions that provide support, collaboration, and a platform to amplify your voice. These spaces not only offer professional networking opportunities but also help you stay connected with others who are also working to reclaim their narratives.
Equip Yourself to Control the Narrative
By working with media platforms that align with your values, and by leveraging the power of social media, you can ensure your narrative is authentic and empowering.
It’s time to be the storyteller of your own life. By curating your image and controlling your narrative on your terms, you can rise above stereotypes and ensure that your achievements, contributions, and experiences are seen for what they truly are—powerful, meaningful, and deserving of recognition.
See you next week!
