In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, brands are working on anti-racism agendas. But in order for real change to occur, it’s clear that businesses need to pursue, not avoid, ‘uncomfortable’ positions. As people look for brands to take action, embracing discomfort is a way to earn trust.

Often overlooked by the mainstream media, the pandemic saw members of the working class redefined as ‘essential’. So, how can traditional and digital outlets bring this cohort back into the fold? Canvas8 spoke to journalism professor Christopher Martin about making audiences feel heard.

When White men see an image of a Black man, athleticism is the first thing that comes to mind, according to a study by Dove. While there are many great Black sportsmen, this stereotype can be damaging to the self-perception of Black men, something the brand aims to highlight in a campaign.

The United States is set to be more diverse than ever and will soon be a majority-minority country. As a result, brands have the chance to reevaluate their offering and ensure that what they provide speaks to the needs of and feels engaging to growing diverse communities.