I recently read a FORBES article “Should Juneteenth Be a Marketing Event?” by Isaac Mizrahi and Lizzette Williams.
The article discusses how Juneteenth should not be considered a marketing tactic.
It really hit home with me as someone who works in the marketing industry how many times I see brands and organizations missing the mark with holidays such as Juneteenth and PRIDE month both locally and nationally. You see, it’s more than just a post to say Happy Pride Month or recognizing Juneteenth, what matters is the substance, meaning and support behind it.
Three examples to consider include:
- Is your organization building bridges and relationships with community stakeholders and organizations on a year-long basis?
- Is your organization then amplifying marginalized voices whether it be people of color, small businesses or non-profit organizations to name a few?
- Is your organization then showing up for that respected community whether it is through marketing and outreach efforts, sponsorships and other innovative ways to collaborate (not just on the holiday)?
Below are three examples of how our team has been able to accomplish just that.
- Southern Nevada Health District – Amplifying Hispanic LGBTQ voices and organizations including Jeffrey Alvarez with The Center on SNHD’s sponsored health community program on Fiesta Radio as well as highlighting the efforts of Father Rafael and the sexual health clinics offered at All Saints Episcopal Church. He was able to share his story in the PRIDE Magazine June issue. (Sam- Link to a post w the article here)
- Nevada Health Link – Securing an Op-Ed for Dr. Florence Jameson Chair of Silver State Health Insurance Exchange who’s daughter identifies as transgender and where she shares the inequalities that this community faces. (Sam -It’s also in the same magazine linked above
- Juneteenth- Partnering on a year-long basis with Commissioners, Councilperson’s, etc. for sponsorships for Nevada Health Link that include: the 21st Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival on June 18 and the City of Henderson Juneteenth Festival on June 18-19 and brought value to their events as well as our clients. Win-win collaborations.
I am super proud that our team has cultivated relationships with partners in our community and collaborated on long-term efforts to meaningfully connect with our community whether in Northern or Southern Nevada. I hope the community tips and examples I provided above give you something new to think about as you plan out the rest of the year and beyond. Holidays should not just be marketing tactics.