Strands of Genius: Why Diversity Efforts Fail in Advertising Agencies, Jackson, Mississippi's Water Crisis, Atlanta's Continued Quest to be the Most Resilient and Equitable City

Guest curated by Janis Middleton

Mar 25, 2021

:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, JANIS MIDDLETON ::

LOCATION: Atlanta, GA
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: 22squared and Trade School

Hi Friend! I am Janis Middleton the SVP, Executive Director of Multicultural and Inclusion Strategy at 22squared and Trade School in Atlanta, GA. I have years of experience in the content and media space and have led various clients, such as The Home Depot, Buffalo Wild Wings, SunTrust (now Truist), Hanes, American Standard, Aaron’s, and Krystal to success. I know you're wondering how'd I end up in the DE&I space and that super long title, right? Well, my background has made me knowledgeable in developing and implementing people-focused strategies, which ultimately led to my current role in leading the agency’s diversity and inclusion efforts. As an Atlanta native (Eastside for life) and a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, I have always had a passion for building and cultivating environments that provide equal opportunities for all people to thrive. That also includes paving the way for my community by serving on the Board of Directors for Breakthrough Atlanta and Advertising for Change.

Editor’s Note (Genius Steals Team): This edition of Strands is part of our ongoing partnership with 600 & Rising, an advocacy group for Black talent in advertising and PR. Thanks so much for being here, Janis, and for sharing the links below!

:: THE LINKS ::

WHY DIVERSITY EFFORTS FAIL IN ADVERTISING AGENCIES

Likely one of the most comprehensive articles on why diversity efforts fail in the advertising industry. It all starts with the creative department, but it tends to permeate throughout the organization as a whole. "We need to examine why well-intentioned (and the half-hearted, superficial, jump-on-the-bandwagon) diversity initiatives of the past have largely failed on the creative side to begin with. It's also worth realizing that the quickest way to change the equation is by having clients demand it, and that the onus of change rests on the C-suite at both ends—client and agency. It has to flow from the top and permeate into the organization. Success, or failure, is on them." (Muse)

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI’S WATER CRISIS IS STILL HAPPENING

It seems that we haven't learned a lesson from the Flint, Michigan water crisis. As of March 12, 2021, nearly one month after a winter storm froze pipes and water mains, more than 70 percent of the city’s water customers remain under a notice to boil water. Jackson has had a dwindling tax base for decades, after the integration of schools and other public spaces in Jackson triggered a dramatic flight of white residents. In many cases, they took their wealth and tax dollars with them. In 1960, the city was about 64 percent white and 36 percent Black. Today it is about 16 percent white and 82 percent Black. This has happened in many major cities across the nation. This is nothing new, but Black residents are left holding the bag with horrible infrastructures that are no longer sustainable, or safe, for its residents. When these faulty infrastructures are exposed, what happens next? Who should be responsible for the bill to correct it? (New York Times)

ATLANTA’S CONTINUED QUEST TO BE THE MOST RESILIENT AND EQUITABLE CITY

The city of Atlanta is known for its headlines in response to tragedy. After the Atlanta Child Murders, Atlanta was coined as "The City too Busy To Hate" and from there Atlanta has been known to be the Black Mecca and everything in between. Now, after last summer's Black Lives Matter protests, the city is looking for its totem of the phoenix to rise from the ashes yet again. The phoenix leaves the ills of the past behind in its ashes. But historically, Atlanta also has left behind vulnerable populations, long-time low-income Black residents, and other disinvested communities as it works to quickly respond to tragedy and adversity with a new and improved image of itself. It’s called the “Atlanta Way”. What exactly is the "Atlanta Way?" Atlanta has an enormous opportunity to show the rest of the Nation how to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, but can it happen with another slogan? (Atlanta Magazine)

Looking for more from Janis C. Middleton? Those enrolled in The School of Stolen Genius will receive a deep dive from her in their inbox shortly! You can access all our expert interviews for SOSG here.

:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::

:: Game :: Monopoly

:: City :: Atlanta

:: Podcast :: All things NPR

:: Album :: Usher: Confessions

:: I DESERVE ::

Bye Friend! Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Janis C.Middleton

janis.middleton@22squared.com

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