The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), on Tuesday, in Dubai featured panel discussions on Media Representation, Marketing and Storytelling and Nurturing Future Leaders – Empowering Black Youth for Excellence.
The sessions provided insight into the role of media and education in advancing inclusivity worldwide.
During the media discussion, speakers explored the impact of representation on perceptions of the global Black community and the various ways to promote positive narratives and authentic storytelling.
Allié Merrick McGuire, Founder of AwareNow Media, drew awareness to and called for brands to think carefully about their communication surrounding diversity and inclusiveness.
“We need to be careful about checking boxes … because if we are doing something just to check a box, then we are not doing it right,” McGuire stated.
Also, Rania Rostom, former Head of Global Marketing & Communications at GE, said companies need to drive the right priorities.
“Communicators and marketers have huge responsibilities to bring that ‘outside voice’ back into the company,” Rostom said.
Sharing her experience in producing television and movies, Bree West, Executive Producer at OCTET Productions said “It is our responsibility to go and share.
“The next generation should be better than us. We can open the door to guarded avenues in the entertainment industry. If the door closes, we open a window,” West said.
Meanwhile, the future leaders’ panel highlighted the role of education in economic advancement and wealth creation.
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This is with speakers discussing initiatives on improving access to quality education and skills development within the Black community.
Moderator Lashai Ben Salmi, Cultural Connectivity Specialist and Content Creator opened the session by stating: “When we connect culturally, through our stories and ideas, we can reshape tomorrow. We are our stories and ideas.”
Discussing institutions in global north, Pravini Baboeram, Co-founder of 7th Gen Creatives, said it was all about understanding power relationships. And, not allowing those institutions the power they think they have over you.
Baboeram urged people to keep talking with institutions and work with funding organisations. This is to help them understand how to be more inclusive.
Tray Sean Ben Salmi, Founder of Influencer Publishing and Financial Education for Teens, spoke of the importance of financial literacy and using available resources.
Salmi stated that one should “create an environment that nurtures the inquisitiveness of children so that they never lose it”.
Similarly, Mary Mugo, CEO of Edukans Kenya, focused on education and developing curriculum.
According to Mugo, the curriculum must have contextual needs and be participatory. “Education must be seen as a continuum, from foundational to all levels,” Mugo said.
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