Last week I wrote on the need for our black influencers to be more proactive than reactive in the fight against racism and discrimination.

Adisa Amanor-Wilks a PR professional has blasted the PR Week’s ‘so white A-list’ which she has branded “celebration of ‘White Excellence'” This is yet another example of the failed ‘diversity talks in the so called diverse nation’ we live in. As Adisa Amanor-Willks observes.

PR Industry fails again – one black person on A-List – Adisa Amanor-Wilks

This week, PRWeek released its list of 30 PR professionals under 30 and once again it’s left me asking questions about diversity in the PR industry. It’s quite typical of what has been happening over the last decade – a list starkly unrepresentative of the UK’s diverse population.

A recent study by Holmes Report found that the typical PR employee is female, well-educated, relatively young and “astonishingly white”. Last year, the PRCA published a census that revealed 91% of those surveyed identified as “white British” or “other white”, while only 3% identified as “Asian” and 2% as “black”.

In five years, there has been a mere 1% increase in the representation of Asian and black people in PR. This is quite unbelievable, as there are outstanding young black PR professionals in the UK who also deserve a mention when industry excellence is being celebrated.

I know the Taylor Bennet Foundation is working hard to get better representation in the PR industry but they can’t achieve this all by themselves. The industry itself must make a conscious effort to change things, including affirmative action if necessary, to make sure each annual list doesn’t become only a celebration of ‘white excellence’.

And no, we don’t need a separate award for ethnic minorities. It should be one list – a list which reflects the UK’s diverse mix. Talk without action brings no result.”

Editor’s comment.
As long as we continue to have systems failing the diverse talents in this country, it continues to be necessary that ethnic minorities create platforms to encourage and celebrate their best brains. But then, if an organisation is specifically targeted to an ethnic group, then they should make it clear and we all know where to focus our energy.

Share your thoughts in the comment section.