Writing is a tough gig. The industry is fast-paced and demanding, but even in a content driven business hell bent on new narratives and new perspectives, often, writing while Black, doesn’t ensure one’s voice is heard.
The rise of #BlackGirlMagic and #BlackLivesMatter and the unceasing references of Black culture in mainstream pop culture –i.e. #BeckyWithTheGoodHair – has raised concerns for writers of color in the way these stories are either neglected, misrepresented or tokened.
Orange Is the New Black, Except in the Writer’s Room
The conversation became a trending topic on Twitter with #HireBlackWriters:
I could go in all day about how many dope black writers I know. There's no shortage of us. #HireBlackWriters
— Taryn Finley (@_TARYNitUP) June 28, 2016
#HireBlackWriters and don't pigeonhole us into solely writing op-eds on race and culture. We do a damn good job on reporting stories, too.
— Taryn Finley (@_TARYNitUP) June 28, 2016
#HireBlackWriters because black stories that usually would be passed over as unimportant tend to be highlighted pic.twitter.com/Vlyjqru6zH
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 30, 2016
@zblay I just read a mention that made my cringe. None of them get it. None of them!
— Samuel Colunga (@RecklessMage) June 28, 2016
#HireBlackWriters so you'll avoid the majority of the backlash you encounter
— Alexander (@SirRWalters) June 28, 2016
#HireBlackWriters and then hire another and another because diversity doesn't stop when one person of color walks through the door.
— Maya ☔️ (@mayascade) June 28, 2016
Publications, take note.
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