Formation Ventures’ Post

Black men aren't only an underserved or overlooked audience but and intentionally ignored demographic that all manner of brands take for granted by not understanding who we are. The vast majority of Black men are more conservative leaning in our values and critical thinkers when it comes to our interests. The assumption that Black men are emotionally lead is a fallacy based on the aforementioned groups lack of desire to conduct outreach for market research or consultancy. Black men have always been far more influential than our statistical numbers might suggest. However, corporate prejudice has overlooked this influence based on a way of working, which although is slightly improving continues to overlook the importance of engaging Black men. The Democratic Party made the same mistake to their detriment and then resorted to last minute gimmicks, when unbeknownst to them Black men as critical thinkers knew they would deliver nothing. Building a loyal following is based on making a substantial investment in that demographic. It takes intention, time, resources and consistency. We are committed to developing, nurturing and cultivating our Black male audience and act as a conduit between brands and our tribe. We're holding market research sessions, audience consultancies and live audience shows to speak and gain insight directly from Black men in person. Through frequent and diverse group sessions we're building an accurate picture of this market place to better serve them and act as bridge between our audience and brands.

In recent years, the buying power of the Black community has risen significantly. According to a 2020 report via CNBC, Black buying power was $1.4 trillion in 2019 and is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2024. This represents a huge opportunity for businesses, brands, and advertisers to tap into this influential demographic and harness the power of their purchasing potential. Historically, the Black community has been an undervalued and underserved market. However, we’re seeing a shift toward recognizing the value of this demographic. Why is that, exactly? More companies target the Black community because of the market’s sheer size. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center report, an estimated 47.2 million people self-identified as Black, making up 14.2% of the country’s population. While this may not seem significant, it represents an enormous market many marketers and advertisers have largely ignored.

When Black audiences see their lives and experiences reflected in a way that is dignified and respectful, it strengthens their trust in your brand. 🤎✊ Why? Because it’s about more than being seen—our community wants to be understood on a deeper, human level. By showcasing the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals, we’re not just marketing, we’re challenging stereotypical narratives and inspiring change. 🚀🖤 Read more about the Importance of Authentic Representation in Marketing in our latest blog on chromacreators.agency. #BlackExcellence #AuthenticRepresentation #TrustInBranding #DeepUnderstanding #ChallengingStereotypes #InspiringChange #MarketingWithPurpose #ChromaCreators

Breaking Down Barriers in K-pop (I really need you all to hear me) I’ve dedicated six years of my life to my dream of becoming a K-pop artist, constantly training, refining my skills, and putting in hard work. Yet, as a Black woman, it feels like every step forward requires ten times more effort just to reach the same opportunities that others are afforded more easily. It’s disheartening that, in an industry that draws inspiration from Black culture and music, Black people – especially Black women – are rarely seen or embraced. K-pop debuts talent from around the world, but when it comes to Black voices and faces, the industry’s doors remain tightly shut. It’s frustrating to watch others succeed with minimal effort while I’m constantly told I’m “too Black.” My natural features, hair, and skin tone aren’t seen as acceptable, even while others attempt to emulate these same characteristics. Why is it that our spaces and culture are open to everyone, yet we’re not welcomed in spaces where we’ve influenced so much? Why should it be “unrealistic” to pursue my dream just because I’m Black? This isn’t a post about bitterness or resentment. It’s about wanting a fair chance. I have no desire for special treatment – only the same opportunities given to others who share my passion. K-pop is an industry that celebrates diversity, art, and creativity. It’s time for that celebration to truly include everyone.

What does "Reclaiming Narratives" mean to you? #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK As a Black Creative Woman, the theme “Reclaiming Narratives” resonates deeply with both my personal and professional journey. It speaks to the power and importance of taking control of our stories—stories that have often been sidelined, misrepresented, or completely erased from mainstream narratives. This theme encourages me to reflect on the rich history, resilience, and contributions of Black people, particularly Black women, whose voices have historically been marginalized or ignored. To me, “Reclaiming Narratives” is a call to action—a reminder that I have the power and responsibility to tell my own story and to uplift the stories of others in my community. As a creative, I have the tools and platforms to shape how Black experiences are portrayed, to challenge stereotypes, and to create authentic, nuanced representations of our lives. It’s about moving beyond the one-dimensional portrayals that we’ve often seen in media, literature, and art, and bringing to light the complexity, diversity, and beauty of Black existence. This theme also encourages me to honour the unsung heroes—everyday individuals whose contributions might not make headlines but are critical to the progress of our communities. It pushes me to dig deeper, to seek out and celebrate the stories that have gone untold for too long. These are the stories that shape our identity, that fuel our resilience, and that inspire future generations to continue pushing boundaries and creating change. In today’s world, where Black culture is often commodified but Black voices are still underrepresented in many spaces, reclaiming our narratives is an act of empowerment. It’s about asserting our right to define who we are on our own terms and ensuring that the richness of our experiences is accurately reflected in the cultural and creative landscape. As a Black Creative Woman, I see this as an opportunity to not only celebrate the past but also to actively shape the future by telling stories that matter, stories that reflect the fullness of our humanity. “Reclaiming Narratives” means standing in my power, using my creativity to amplify the voices of those who came before me and those who walk alongside me, and ensuring that our stories are told with the dignity, complexity, and truth they deserve.

#blog3 "The First Black": As I move further in my own personal reflection on race and self-racialization, I reflect on the celebration and the marketing of the first Black. Is this habit inadvertently reinforce the racial divisions we aim to overcome? While the successes of Black individuals in traditionally exclusive fields are monumental, framing these as "the first Black" can unwittingly underscore racial exceptionalism rather than normalizing excellence across all racial identities. This reflection is not to belittle the importance of breaking through barriers but prompts a deeper examination of how we recognize progress. What does it looks like to celebrate achievements without racial prefixes, recognizing individuals for their talents and hard work rather than as exceptions to an unspoken rule. As I reflect on identity and achievement, my goal is to foster a narrative that elevates every individual's accomplishments, moving beyond the confines of racial categorizations to a future where "the first Black" is a notion of the past, replaced by a universal acknowledgment of human capability and resilience.

October kicks off the Black History Month in the UK, providing an opportunity for everyone to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture. We've seen time and time again - BHM campaigns only resonate when they're authentic and genuine (this is not the time or space for performative tick boxing). Are you working with Black Creatives in your BHM comms? How are you prioritising action, empowering Black voices, and communicating accountability? Are you showcasing multiple stories with nuanced perspectives, with multiple versions of Blackness? (The Black population is not monolithic or homogeneous, but instead rich with many different narratives and history). Is your campaign driven by real insight, grounded in truth, and followed by meaningful action to create change? Is there clear purpose within your campaign, avoiding shortcuts (like paid collaborations?) If you can't answer these questions, or if your organisation is rolling back your DEI strategy... let's chat. We can help you build genuine authenticity within your campaigns so they resonate as they should. If you're worried about how to mitigate backlash, or want to triple check for tricky stereotypes before it goes out the door - book in an inclusion clinic: https://lnkd.in/etgvURBm Let us help you build campaigns that matter the right way - the way the resonates and builds growth for your brand. ID: A beautiful Black woman with natural curls sits on a couch. She's in a white tee and is smiling. Behind her is a grey wall with a pot plant. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMarketing #inclusiveCulture #inclusiveOrganisations #inclusiveMarketing #DEI #brands #representationMatters #diversityWins #diverseTeamsMakeAdifference #digitalMarketing #diversityIsProfitable #inclusionMatters #marketing #inclusiveBrands #inclusiveMarketing #progressiveMarketing #brandGrowth #businessGrowth #brandMarketing #brandCampaigns #authenticMarketing

Navigating the ever-evolving cultural landscape can be challenging—especially for brands looking to engage with the Black community authentically. In the first part of our CultureBeat series, Ashleigh Williams, explores how brands can build meaningful, lasting relationships with Black consumers. From addressing outdated stereotypes to fostering authentic, transparent conversations, learn the best practices for creating genuine connections and navigating cultural complexities. 🔍 Dive into the blog here: “Navigating the Nuances of Engagement with the Black Community Amid Shifting Cultural Dynamics” https://bit.ly/4gQ6pJD #MRX #MarketResearch #MulticulturalMarketing #BlackCommunity #DiversityEquityInclusion #ConsumerInsights #Insights

Is your brand struggling to make the business case to reach Black Americans? Get this: recent government data shows that Black Americans are employed at a higher rate than White Americans.  (You can find that data at the St Louis Federal Reserve research site.) The first time this ever happened was only a few months ago. Plus wages for Black Americans have never been higher as a percentage of the wages for White Americans. But this isn’t a post about racial progress or lack thereof. It’s a post about reality. The reality for brands is that the population of White Americans is aging out of the workforce, will likely see declining incomes, and is shrinking. Multicultural Americans are now providing the growth in expenditure that brands depend on. In fact, post-pandemic, Black Americans are in head-to-head competition with Asian Americans for the fastest rebound in employment. And they have the fastest rebound in wage growth. And yet, when you talk to some of the great brands out there, it seems they don’t have a plan to reach this high-growth market. Let’s make it clear: since the depth of the pandemic, the Black segment has achieved the fastest growth in employment and wage growth. What is your brand’s strategy to grow your fair share of Black consumers? Just because Black History Month is half over does not mean it's too late to start. And reaching Black consumers has positive impacts on every other segment - consumers of every demographic want your brand to better activate Black consumers. And we can prove it. Contact us to find out what top brands do to activate the mainstream BECAUSE of how they reach Black consumers. And learn more from top brands like Fidelity Investments, Stellantis, and SiriusXM through this replay of our Black History Month panel discussion with Nakia Tull, Nicole Buchanan, and Kim Adams House.

This Black History Month, let's critically examine media representation and beauty standards. The image highlights how the beauty industry often falls short in embracing diversity, particularly for Black women. It's crucial we challenge narrow ideals and celebrate beauty in all shades. Recent advertising missteps, like the controversial Heinz campaign, remind us that harmful stereotypes persist, even unintentionally. The advert, which sparked backlash for its portrayal of a Black family, notably omitted a father figure. This absence was discussed on ITV, highlighting how such portrayals can perpetuate damaging stereotypes about Black families. It underscores the urgent need for authentic storytelling and diverse voices in media and marketing. Let's champion narratives that showcase the full spectrum of Black experiences and family structures. True progress means moving beyond stereotypes to represent the richness and diversity of Black communities. This month, and always, we must advocate for inclusive representation that uplifts rather than marginalises. Change begins when we reclaim our stories and redefine beauty on our own terms. #BlackHistoryMonth #MediaRepresentation #InclusiveBeauty #ChangeTheNarrative Black History Month UK Bernie J Mitchell Deanna Tuitt Jacqueline Mayer (Boulos) Jamila Daley Ali K.