Michael Steele and Bakari Sellers on increasing diversity in the media industry

Earlier this week, the Museum of Public Relations held a virtual event, “Celebrating Black PR History 2023: Looking Beyond the Data” which featured prominent Black communications leaders discussing the impacts of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our industry. Hosted by Deborah Hyman, senior vice president, and head of employee communications & employer brand at Wells Fargo, the event featured fireside chats with Michael Steele, MSNBC personality and former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Bakari Sellers, political commentator and former South Carolina state representative, opining on how to optimize diversity initiatives for the next generation of Black communicators.

Rethinking who gets to tell stories through a DE&I lens

Considering that journalists and reporters have long been held as the bringer of truth and valuable information to the masses, there’s major value in having a variety of perspectives and backgrounds telling stories through the lens of their identities and lived experiences. According to Steele, a big part of increasing diversity in the communications field involves encouraging up-and-coming communicators of color to feel like they belong there in the first place.