Colleague to Colleague
Paradigms & Niches
What informs your work as a PR practitioner and publicist? Do you subscribe to a particular paradigm that is the foundation for your work with clients? Do you have a philosophy or theory that thrusts your practice?
My work as a researcher, teacher and lecturer on mass-mediated images of African Americans and women informs my work as a PR consultant and publicist. Knowledge of the historicity of stereotypes and images fuels much of what I do, and it fuels my passion. But it also informs my niche as a consultant and the little corner I’ve carved for myself is rooted in my personal and professional need to see my clientele’s products, services and good works translated for a broader market. (I credit my professors and George Fredrickson’s The Black Image in the White Mind with changing my PR focus.)
Don’t think it’s important to have a paradigm and niche? Well, the day of the PR generalist is almost extinct and we’ve approached a time when it’s important to have a speciality for career longevity. Just read the classifieds and projections. (sigh)
A Great Week for Images & Information
The president on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Michelle Obama at Anacostia High School for Women’s History Month (Watch 20-minute version HERE.)
The Black Pack on The Root.com
Former editor-in-chief of Heart & Soul and Mode magazines, Corynne Corbett (founder/publisher/editor of That Black Girl Site) talking about images and beauty with guest Jenyne Raines (blogger/beauty writer) who is the author of Beautylicious: The Black Girl’s Guide to the Fabulous Life on That Black Girl Radio Show.
Corynne Corbett on TOYi-Talk: Authenticity with Attitude featuring host Toyi Ward. The topic was Beauty is, Beauty ain’t: Redefining Beauty & Images of Women of Color (produced by moi!).
Chicago Tribune article on Black Female Stereotypes.
Finally, one of my favorites was the announcement of Ashley Stewart Foundation partnering with The National Council of Negro Women on an initiative for mentoring girls.
Best, Robin
Robin Caldwell