Hold the PRess

What is Hold the PRess?

An advocacy group committed to improving diversity in the public relations and communications industry. The initiative was founded by four black women in response to public relations agencies publicly sharing words of solidarity in reaction to police brutality protests; however, in practice, Black employees remain underrepresented and marginalized in the industry.

Why is it Needed?

Brands are relying on their PR agencies to counsel them on diversity and inclusion. However, many PR agencies can not do so credibly as their own houses are not in order. 

According to Harvard Business Review’s analysis of the federal labor statistics, it found the PR industry to be 89.7 percent White, 8.3 percent Black, 2.6 percent Asian, and 5.7 percent Hispanic or Latinx. 

The Merger

600 & Rising and Hold the PRess merged in July 2020 to combine resources and increase both groups ability to affect positive change across both industries and deliver progress for Black talent.