Guidelines for the Depiction of Black Life in Media

About This Project

Summary

Black culture and influence are present throughout the evolution of media technologies, memorializing oral traditions that reflect natural storytelling proficiencies, delivered with boldness, nuance, and flair. As politics and platforms have evolved, so have internal and external perceptions of Black identity, which now often reflect mass ignorance, confusion, and disdain. To disrupt the production and dissemination of these troubling narratives the NAACP produced this publication.

Goals & Objectives

The media guidelines create much-needed awareness about the connections between storytelling choices and resulting social outcomes. Guidelines include Six Imperatives for Rendering Black Lives in Media, solutions to ensure every frame and effort respects & celebrates Black people, culture & stories.

Results & Impact

The Guidelines were posted on the NAACP website and socials. The Hollywood Bureau highlighted the Guidelines at over a dozen speaking engagements, conferences, symposiums and festivals including Sundance, AFM, Television Academy, NAMLE, Social Impact Conference, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.