As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month, PRSA proudly recognizes the contributions of African Americans to the rich and diverse legacy of public relations and communications, and honors the communicators who are writing today’s Black history. This month-long initiative was started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who began the program in 1926 as a week-long commemoration.
Check out PRSA’s Black History Month virtual events and resources designed to help you champion diversity, equity, and inclusion through your work all year around.
For Black History Month 2026, the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group presents a program series designed to reflect the full leadership continuum within the communications industry, from C-suite decision-makers to next-generation leaders shaping the future.
The virtual panels taking place during this month balance executive insight, emerging leadership voices, and industry legacy. All PRSA members are welcome to sign up!
Leading With Clarity:
A Black Executive’s View From the C-Suite
February 11, 4-5pm ET
Thomas Bennett III
Co-Lead of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group
Emily K. Graham
Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Omnicom
Liliahn Majeed
Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at L'Oréal NA.
Join PRSA’s Black Voices Affinity Group (BVAG) for a powerhouse event. The fireside chat will explore the realities of leading in complex environments, building among internal and external stakeholders, navigating visibility and responsibility, and sustaining excellence over time.
Don’t miss out! Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month with PRSA’s Black Voices Affinity Group.
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During the event, attendees will:
- Understand the dynamics of culture, power, and visibility in the C-suite.
- Unearth key lessons learned across the executive’s leadership journey and how to apply this to your own career experience.
- Gather inspiration and insights for you to aspire to an executive role within your organization or across the industry.
The Next Era of Leadership:
Black Voices Shaping the Future of PR
February 24, 5-6pm ET
Sabrina Browne
PRSA Black Voices
Addis Romero
Monday Talent
Kadrie Lamin
Hilton
Damaryan Benton
The PR Habitat
Monique Soriano
Burson
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To conclude Black History Month 2026, the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group will convene a virtual panel spotlighting next-generation Black leaders across the communications industry.
Moderated by Sabrina Browne, Co-Lead of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, the panel will explore early and mid-career navigation, building credibility, managing identity in professional spaces, and redefining leadership on one’s own terms.
The session is designed to be candid, forward-looking, and community-driven, offering both inspiration and practical insight for PRSA members at every stage of their careers.
During the event, attendees will:
- Learn how to enter and navigate the communications industry in 2026.
- Best practices to build confidence, credibility, and visibility early in one’s career.
- How to manage your identity, culture, and expectations at work.
- Lessons learned, mistakes made, and growth moments.
- What senior leaders can do better to support the next generation.
Don’t miss out! Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month with PRSA’s Black Voices Affinity Group.
Resources & Communities to Champion Diversity
DEI Toolkits & Guides
Practical resources that provide members with diversity-related research, materials, applicable tools and professional development opportunities.
Affinity Groups
PRSA’s Affinity Groups are intended to serve as a convening method for like-minded members to meet (virtually), share ideas, and build networks and relationships.
Insights and Tips for Communicators
Strategies & Tactics
D. Parke Gibson Award: W. Patrick McSweeney, APR, Fellow PRSA
November-December 2025
Previous Events & Programming
Diverse Dialogues:
Unlocking the C-Suite:
A Panel of Black Communication Leaders
Recorded Feb. 12, 2025
Join us for an empowering and inspiring virtual panel event, Unlocking the C-Suite: Black PR Leaders Panel, where we shine a spotlight on some of the most accomplished Black executives in public relations. This event is dedicated to fostering candid conversations
about the keys to success, the dos and don’ts of navigating a PR career, and actionable insights for breaking barriers to reach the highest levels of leadership in the industry.
Full Description
This exclusive panel will feature trailblazing Black PR leaders who have not only shattered glass ceilings but also continue to mentor and pave the way for the next generation of diverse professionals. Whether you are a seasoned PR pro, a mid-level manager or just starting your career, this event promises to deliver invaluable takeaways for all attendees.
What You’ll Gain:
- Career Strategies: Learn the essential skills and tactics for advancing your career in PR and communications.
- Leadership Insights: Discover how to overcome challenges, foster authenticity, and build resilience as a leader.
- Actionable Advice: Gain tips on navigating workplace dynamics, advocating for representation, and seizing opportunities for growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with an inspiring community of PRSA members and non-members who share a commitment to driving equity in the industry.
This is your opportunity to hear directly from Black PR leaders who are shaping the future of communications and learn how you can follow in their footsteps—or blaze your own trail.
Speakers:
- Torod Neptune, Senior Vice President & CCO, Medtronic
- Helen Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer, Finn Partners
- Mira Lowe, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communications, Florida A&M University
- Bria Bryant, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Assembly Global
- Kim Godwin, Former President, ABC News
- Sabrina N. Browne, Co-Lead, PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group
Diverse Dialogues:
Black Voices Defining the Industry
On Demand
Full Description
The PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group is proud to present the “Black Voices Defining The Industry in 2024” panel featuring leaders across the public relations, media and communications industry. Nationwide, only 9.9% of Black talent work in public relations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number decreases even further when we look at Black talent who maintain senior-level positions. The panel will uncover industry insights and experiences from the Black leaders who have reached the upper echelons of the workplace, and the lessons they can provide for the talent climbing the ladder.
Attendees can expect to learn about:
- Industry do’s and don’ts.
- Best practices to recruit and retain Black talent in the workplace.
- Ways we can continue supporting Black leaders carving their path in the industry.
MLK Day:
Past, Present & Future of Honoring His Legacy
On Demand
Full Description
Recorded January 11, 2024
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader's legacy and life. Hosted by the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, join us on January 11 as we come together to build community and honor his legacy of living in a more just and equitable society. Paid registration for nonmembers includes the live webinar and video playback for one month.
Speakers:
Troy Blackwell, Senior Advisor & Spokesperson, Biden-Harris Administration
Sabrina Browne, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Marketing, BCW
Accreditation Information
Participants with the APR credential earn 0.5 CEUs for a webinar.
Learn more about Accreditation.