Who's in the Room? A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 318
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 250
Choose Your Format
Choose Your Platform | Help Me Choose
$50.00 USD
Ebook
$50.00 USD
Who’s in the Room?: A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective has been created to serve as a resource that is both an academic and industry text in public relations practice. The book focuses on growth and empowerment in public relations through the implementation of inclusionary practices. It is centered in the voice of the Black public relations professional. Featuring contributions of pioneers and the experiences of current trailblazers, the book explores themes of access, representation, and accountability in the field. The authors examine the nuanced challenges and triumphs of navigating the field as Black professionals. They offer guidance for students and new professionals, as well as actionable recommendations for organizations and individuals seeking to become more equitable and inclusive.
Section 1 | The Public Relations Industry
Chapter 1 Black Professionals’ Impact on Public Relations History
Chapter 2 Why We Will Always Need Public Relations
Section 2 | Diversity, Growth and Empowerment in Public Relations
Chapter 3 Declaring a New IDEA
Chapter 4 The Black Experience in an Industry Lacking Bold IDEAs
Chapter 5 Empowerment Beyond the Challenges to Black Identities and IDEAs
Section 3 | Public Relations Through a Black Lens
Chapter 6 Navigating the Mental Health Landscape
Chapter 7 Public Relations Strategies and Evaluations for Reaching Black Audiences
Chapter 8 Finding Campaign Success and Best Practices
Chapter 9 From the Desks of Current Trailblazers
Section 4 | Training Students and New Publicists for a Diverse Public Relations Career
Chapter 10 Pathways to a Diverse Future: Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship
Chapter 11 You Are Your First Client: Marketing Oneself in a Competitive Industry
Chapter 12 PRoper PROtocol
Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. is a university professor who trains university students in the practice of public relations. She built her career as a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, working in New York City and Washington, DC for several years. She earned a BA in English from Boston University, then an MA in Human Communication and PhD in Mass Communication and Media Studies with a certificate in International Communication from Howard University. In addition to her industry experience and academic training in the United States, she has studied and conducted research in the Caribbean and South America. She examines international, intercultural, and multicultural public relations in the areas of campaigns, branding, organizational structure, crisis management, relationship building, and social media.
Myescha Joell is an award-winning public relations executive, media strategist, and founder of Morris Street Media, a firm known for high-impact campaigns and storytelling that center underrepresented voices. With over 20 years of experience, she has led successful PR and content initiatives across TV, film, and digital media, including the 2024 PBS GOSPEL Live! campaign, which earned a Silver Anthem Award. Her work blends creative vision with strategic execution, focusing on social justice, cultural impact, and audience engagement. A graduate of Boston University, she holds a BA in International Relations.
Who’s in the Room?: A Guide to Public Relations from the Black Professional Perspective has been created to serve as a resource that is both an academic and industry text in public relations practice. The book focuses on growth and empowerment in public relations through the implementation of inclusionary practices. It is centered in the voice of the Black public relations professional. Featuring contributions of pioneers and the experiences of current trailblazers, the book explores themes of access, representation, and accountability in the field. The authors examine the nuanced challenges and triumphs of navigating the field as Black professionals. They offer guidance for students and new professionals, as well as actionable recommendations for organizations and individuals seeking to become more equitable and inclusive.
Section 1 | The Public Relations Industry
Chapter 1 Black Professionals’ Impact on Public Relations History
Chapter 2 Why We Will Always Need Public Relations
Section 2 | Diversity, Growth and Empowerment in Public Relations
Chapter 3 Declaring a New IDEA
Chapter 4 The Black Experience in an Industry Lacking Bold IDEAs
Chapter 5 Empowerment Beyond the Challenges to Black Identities and IDEAs
Section 3 | Public Relations Through a Black Lens
Chapter 6 Navigating the Mental Health Landscape
Chapter 7 Public Relations Strategies and Evaluations for Reaching Black Audiences
Chapter 8 Finding Campaign Success and Best Practices
Chapter 9 From the Desks of Current Trailblazers
Section 4 | Training Students and New Publicists for a Diverse Public Relations Career
Chapter 10 Pathways to a Diverse Future: Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship
Chapter 11 You Are Your First Client: Marketing Oneself in a Competitive Industry
Chapter 12 PRoper PROtocol
Jamila Cupid, Ph.D. is a university professor who trains university students in the practice of public relations. She built her career as a public relations and digital media professional, with expertise in research and strategy, working in New York City and Washington, DC for several years. She earned a BA in English from Boston University, then an MA in Human Communication and PhD in Mass Communication and Media Studies with a certificate in International Communication from Howard University. In addition to her industry experience and academic training in the United States, she has studied and conducted research in the Caribbean and South America. She examines international, intercultural, and multicultural public relations in the areas of campaigns, branding, organizational structure, crisis management, relationship building, and social media.
Myescha Joell is an award-winning public relations executive, media strategist, and founder of Morris Street Media, a firm known for high-impact campaigns and storytelling that center underrepresented voices. With over 20 years of experience, she has led successful PR and content initiatives across TV, film, and digital media, including the 2024 PBS GOSPEL Live! campaign, which earned a Silver Anthem Award. Her work blends creative vision with strategic execution, focusing on social justice, cultural impact, and audience engagement. A graduate of Boston University, she holds a BA in International Relations.