Hy-Lo News’ Post

According to recent research conducted by Collage Group, 31% of Black Gen Z consumers expressed dissatisfaction with how advertising depicts their race or ethnicity. And 42% of Black Gen Z consumers say they are more likely to buy from brands that actively confront and challenge racial and ethnic stereotypes. You are the next generation of Black entrepreneurs! How will your marketing show your peers that you get them? Tell us in the comments below. https://lnkd.in/gtdrXeh8

✨ Black creators are redefining the game. Just like the historic moment when Black women swept the gymnastics podium (you can take the medal but you can't take the image and moment!), the creator economy is putting Black talent in the spotlight where it belongs. From Tyler Perry’s email-driven empire to Issa Rae’s YouTube beginnings, the creator economy has LONG BEEN a launchpad for Black artists, athletes, and entertainers to overcome the historically systemic barriers facing them in #Hollywood and elsewhere! And now, we’re taking this conversation to SXSW with our panel: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook.” 🔥 What You’ll Learn: - How to break through algorithmic barriers that limit our reach. - Tactics to transform followers into an engaged, thriving community. - Advanced monetization strategies that empower, not exploit. 🗣️ Meet the Panelists: - Alaina Fingal - Financial guru teaching money principles. - LaShonda Brown - The tech educator simplifying digital tools for all. - Damien Ritter - The mastermind supporting mega creator #BiggJah. - Uzo Ometu - Your moderator and Founder of BlackOakTV. 💡 Why This Matters: As Black creators continue to ascend, the stakes have never been higher. This panel is more than just a discussion—it’s a guide to ensuring our stories, our art, and our influence are amplified and valued. 🗳️ Your Vote Can Make a Difference: Help us bring this critical conversation to SXSW. Vote for our panel and let’s elevate Black creativity to new heights. Vote here: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3

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.

Authenticity always wins… In today's fast-paced digital world, consumers are more discerning than ever. They crave genuine connections with brands that resonate with their values and beliefs. All of us can tell when a brand is trying to appeal to a certain demographic(especially during Black History Month or Pride). The use of rainbows, music that’s nostalgic for Black Americans reeks of inauthenticity. It shows that a brand hasn’t done enough research about its intended audience and that’s a major problem; especially when a company has millions of dollars allocated to market research. Now I’m not saying that using music and being an ally to underserved communities is a problem. In fact it’s needed. But, if you’re going to target communities that are typically underserved, understand that they’re more sensitive to inauthenticity due to their everyday environments.

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.

Part 4 of me talking about Kendrick Lamar for the rest of Q4... Sidenote: Thank you all for letting me step on my little soapbox and talk about my obvious love for culture & KDot 🙃 I want to explore a narrative far bigger than music, one rooted in movement, SURVIVAL, and transformation. A few years ago, my dear friend Clark Beasley, recommended the book The Warmth of Other Suns, and my mind can't help but make the correlation between Black intellectualism and the Great Migration of Black folk from the South to the North and West. I see that intellectualism in Kendrick's artistry. Kenny’s artistry feels like a living historical document of that migration to me. While his parents are from Chicago, their roots likely trace back to the transformative journeys of his great-grandparents, whose migration wasn’t just about geography but about reimagining possibility. As someone who crafts brand experiences, I see this intellectual legacy playing out today. Just as those families carried their stories and skills to reshape cities, experiential marketing transforms complex narratives into tangible, immersive moments. It's more than creating events and building activations. It is about inviting people into a brand’s most authentic story. Kendrick’s work feels like a perpetuation of the intellectual rebellion born from the Great Migration. It is a reminder that Black culture doesn’t just reflect history; it drives innovation in how we connect, communicate, and CELEBRATE. And now I feel I need to take this digital discourse offline. Perhaps, it's time to execute a cute little dinner discussion... #CulturalInnovation #KendrickLamar #ExperientialMarketing

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

ARE YOU A SAFE PERSON FOR BLACK PEOPLE? PART 8 If you missed the previous videos in this series, be sure to go back and watch them. You are not a safe person for Black people if you do what I described in this video. The AI that creates the captions on my videos, summed up the message of this video perfectly! You can read it below. Black Women Are Done Doing the Most: Time for White People to Step Up In this video, I discuss how Black women are fed up with going above and beyond for everyone else's well-being and progress, while sacrificing themselves. We've done the work, now it's time for white people to step up and show what they can do to create the positive systemic change that's needed. The message is clear: we've laid the groundwork, now it's your turn to get your hands dirty and produce something. ——— Join my Black Friday Challenge today! Go to the link on my profile (or the link in the comments below), choose one of my anti-racism education resources to invest in today, or join my Patreon community. Then, find seven other Black-owned businesses, Black content creators, Black educators, Black writers, etc. to support financially TODAY, and don't just do it for Black Friday week, or for the holidays… Do it long-term! Anti-racism is not a diet. It's a lifestyle.™️ #antiracismschoolisinsession #blackhistory365 #diversityequityinclusion #dei #socialjustice #education #workculture #womenleaders #blacklinkedin

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor: 2024 showed me that when you create spaces for Black creativity to thrive, real change happens. Not the performative kind - the type that transforms industries and opens doors. When I founded BLACQ Space in July, it wasn't just about building another platform. It was about creating something bold and unapologetic - a space where Black creativity isn't just celebrated, but amplified. Where talent meets opportunity. Where authenticity isn't optional. Major shifts this year: • Built BLACQ Space into a thriving global community • Named to Campaign UK's 2024 Top Trailblazers list • Pioneered AI tools for authentic representation • Connected Black professionals globally through our WhatsApp community • Pushed creative industries to move beyond surface-level diversity Three posts that sparked real conversations: "While it's my name up there, this recognition is about all of us" - On being named a Campaign UK Trailblazer and why individual recognition only matters when it opens doors for others. https://lnkd.in/eBjvQ3Ge "This was more than just a celebration; it was about building connections and momentum" - Black History Month energy hit different this year. The vibe was about building lasting connections, not just celebrating for a month. https://lnkd.in/ekkRz4au "The future is looking bright, and I can't wait to see what's next for AI" - From Cannes Lions, on using technology to drive genuine representation, not just tick boxes. https://lnkd.in/e7P7_EDT Real talk: We're not just changing the narrative—we're writing our own story. Through BLACQ Space and at OLIVER, we're proving that authentic representation isn't just about being seen—it's about being heard, valued, and empowered. 2025 vision: They won't tell you this, but I will - the tables we build ourselves are always stronger than the ones we're invited to. Time to create more spaces where Black creativity knows no bounds. To every creative challenging the status quo: Your voice matters. Your talent matters. But most importantly, your authenticity matters. Let's keep building. 🖤

🌟 Calling All Black Influencers! 🌟 We’re on a mission to ignite a powerful movement—the Creation of the New Black Agenda—and we need your voice to amplify it! This isn't just another initiative; it’s a bold step towards real economic empowerment for our community, independent of politics, parties, and candidates. If you believe in the strength of collective influence and the power of Black voices to drive meaningful change, we want you on board. Let's join forces to shape a new Black economy, elevate our voices, and redefine our future together. 💪 Your influence can make history! Let’s collaborate and push this movement forward. 👉 DM us or Tag a fellow influencer who should be part of this journey. Together, we can create a legacy. Let’s get started! #NewBlackAgenda #BlackEconomicEmpowerment #BlackInfluencersUnite #CreateChange #BlackExcellence