How the Ad Industry Can Spotlight Black Talent with Link It Black
THE SITUATION
Clearly our industry has a diversity problem. Our agencies are homogeneous by design (see: nepotism, prohibitively expensive ad schools, etc.). But there are ways to leverage this situation to spark change.
In fact, whether or not we realise it, everyone who’s fortunate enough to work in this business has a visible platform that doubles as a recruitment tool. There are thousands of portfolio websites, resumes, LinkedIn profiles and social handles that people in our industry look at every day.
THE INITIATIVE
Link it Black is a call for everyone who works in advertising to use these platforms not just as a means for self-promotion, but to help draw attention to underrepresented talent. So when recruiters, clients and industry peers come looking for us, they also see those who too often get overlooked.
The initiative takes the form of a website (url: linkit.black) designed to resemble a letter to the industry. Embedded within it are links to diverse talent directories, as well a video that illustrates different ways to include them on your personal website or profile. To help boost participation, agencies on Ad Age’s 2020 A List – along with the industry’s biggest holding companies – are tagged on Instagram @linkitblack, where they’re encouraged to share the message with their employees.
The goal is simple. In a climate where everyone is talking about change, Link it Black aims to provide all industry professionals – regardless of discipline or seniority level – with a simple way to take action.
THE TEAM
Link it Black was created by a diverse group of creative, UX and production professionals currently working at various US agencies and brands, including Havas, Facebook and Wunderman Thompson. We recognise that everyone’s platform is personal, so we invite you to take this idea and make it your own.
