Black History Month is Here - Let's Celebrate!

I decided to do things a little differently this year. Typically, I am working to promote my clients in the media and hoping that translates to coverage outside of February for them. Let’s not get it twisted - some call this Black Employment Month, where many of us are called upon to speak, present, panel, workshop, tell our stories and share our talents in the spirit of Black History Month. It’s also a time when many of us are asked to do these things for no pay, a small honourarium or a token gift. Not cool.

Here’s what I decided to do differently this year. I limited the BHM media pitches to a select few and only those that really are linked to history, like author and motivational speaker Jeff A.D. Martin’s 2 in 1 book: Brothers From Canada/Sisters From Canada: Role Models in Canadian Black History. I’ve talked about it in a previous blog - Black History is year around for me!

This year, the two things I am focusing on are professional and personal. First, the professional. With the launch of Find A Speaker, I am trying to ensure that top quality professionals are available for organizations, schools and corporations to share their expertise and be compensated appropriately. There is a learning curve happening, both for me and for those doing the booking. A Globe and Mail article from last spring is making the rounds on LinkedIN that breaks it down quite well. (Ironically, you may have to pay for the article to read it). I am learning that although our stories are inspirational, important and educational - they are not valued. Not in same way as speakers booked outside of February 1st - 29th. You just have to look at the speakers bureaus that post fee ranges in the thousands for their clients. They wouldn’t put it out there if their clients were not receiving those number$$. So, the money is there, but is the will there to level the playing field?

With all the recent talk about equal pay for Black female actors, it motivated me to revisit an interview that comedian/actor Mo’nique did on The Breakfast Club five years ago. She had already been blackballed in Hollywood for refusing to play the promotional game during award season for free. Then she was slammed by host Charlamagne tha God for asking people to boycott Netflix because they offered her $500 000 to do a special (there is more to the story, so I encourage you to watch the interview). She stood on her convictions and did it so others could benefit, and eventually she did too. But she stood alone with only her husband/manager by her side. My hope is that collectively as a community, we can take a stand and make sure that each and everyone of us is compensated fairly and valued. There will always be someone who will do it for the exposure or practice, and I don’t want to take that away from anyone. But at a certain point, we have to say no to that narrative because it’s getting old. It also doesn’t pay the bills.

Now to the personal. I am making an effort to attend more events this Black History Month - especially attending ones I haven’t in the past. Of course, I’ll be at the Black Diamond Ball (they are a client), but I will also check out Why Black Women Whisper, the Onyx Gala and Black History Through Music. I’m also excited to attend the inaugural UTSC Black Alumni Networking event on February 1st. There are a few other events on my calendar, you’ll have to check out my IG stories to see where I land. I’m looking forward to connecting with my community and celebrating our Black History Month.

Hopefully you are too!