Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy

Many Black men and women who choose to follow their dreams inside of large corporations still find their hopes shoplifted by a rigged system. I’ve always been a big fan of boxing. I appreciate the subtleties of how prize fighters balance brute strength with finesse and endurance. I love watching old footage of Mike Tyson … Continue reading Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy

African American Salons and Barbershops Offer a Blueprint for How America Should Be

Black barbershops and salons provide a window into our nation’s complicated racial dynamics. Historically, these venues have acted as a Black townhall, providing an inspiring example for how communities can come together to create positive change. According to Straight Razors and Social Justice: The Empowering Evolution of Black Barbershops, for many African Americans, getting a haircut … Continue reading African American Salons and Barbershops Offer a Blueprint for How America Should Be

Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine

We must always wear a mask in public that can only be removed at home, in church or in segregated spaces such as salons and barbershops. Salons and barbershops provide a safe space for combing through the tangled emotions of being black in America.   George Floyd’s recent murder has brought much needed attention to … Continue reading Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine

Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers

Many studios are finding that African-American salons and barbershops offer a unique platform for reaching black communities—even when they can’t open for business. You might not think that Hollywood and black beauty venues have much in common, but these days businesses of every size all share the same threat—social distancing. It is just as difficult … Continue reading Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers

African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.

As black business owners weight the risks and rewards, their reputations lie in the balance. Few industries have felt the effects of COVID-19 as acutely the salon, nail and barbershop industry. Currently, there are 147,406 barbershops, 50,000 nail salons, and a staggering 289,277 beauty salons in the U.S. That doesn’t include shops that operate without a … Continue reading African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.

The Original Black Twitter: African-American Women Talk Movies, Music and TV at the Salon

Is your entertainment brand working on its social-media strategy? Consider connecting in urban salons first. Women of every race know that a day at the salon will involve conversations with their hairdresser and other patrons. For African-American women, this dynamic is underscored by a history steeped in hair identity and community activism, which makes them … Continue reading The Original Black Twitter: African-American Women Talk Movies, Music and TV at the Salon

Movie Studios Are Betting on Beauty to Bring African-American Consumers to the Box Office

Urban salon advertising proves incredibly effective at building hype and driving ticket sales. Marketing films to any audience requires a fine-tuned marketing strategy that must be executed in a small window of time to build as much anticipation as possible. Marketing films to the African-American community is an even more unique challenge, given that this … Continue reading Movie Studios Are Betting on Beauty to Bring African-American Consumers to the Box Office