Conversation with Curtis Symonds: Why HBCUs are the Future of Advertising and Media Growth
Curtis Symonds, President of HBCUGO.tv, has been in marketing ever since he "walked out the door" of HBCU Central State University in Ohio, because, he says, "I've got a very good gift for gab." His gifts as an engaging conversationalist and influential voice of the Black media community for the past three-plus decades make him an obvious conversation partner on my Legends & Leaders series. Curtis, a veteran Continental Cable, ESPN and BET senior executive, wants the media and advertising community to recognize and recruit talent from HBCUs, sharing his own experience as he prepares for induction next month into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. "It says to the world that there's a value in attending an HBCU," he says." The advertising community could really assist the HBCU schools … by exposing the professors and students to the new opportunities available to them."
Focusing on Allen Media Group's recent acquisition of HBCUGO, Curtis credits Byron Allen for "continuing to drive change in the media business." In a media and advertising industry that is more talk than action in advancing diversity and equity, Curtis and Byron form a powerful alliance for talk plus action. In our compelling Legends & Leaders conversation, Curtis shares actions the industry can take to attract "qualified and creative" future Black leaders, especially from HBCUs, and to invest in the educational tools and mentorship required to integrate and keep them in our community. Link here to view my Curtis Symonds Legends & Leaders conversation. Also view Byron Allen: Standing Up to the Storms of Change and Conversation with Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay: A Must-View for Emerging Leaders.
Register now to join Curtis, Byron and MOBE's Yvette Moyo for the 30th Anniversary MOBE Symposium, two days of educational panels, impactful case studies, and interactive networking. Attendees will salute Innovators and Influencers in technology and learn how music and tech collide, while gaining insights on how media icon Byron Allen acquired multiple television stations and is currently focusing on HBCU content. MOBE has cultivated a community and accelerated results for Black leaders, conscientious corporate executives and entrepreneurs. MOBE is the space for deal-making and partnership creation. You will leave inspired and "Soulidified" from the producer of Broadway's hit play "Thoughts of a Colored Man." REGISTER HERE.
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The opinions expressed here are the author's views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillage.com/MyersBizNet.
Jack Myers
Media Ecologist, Founder: MediaVillage and Advancing Diversity Hall of Honors Jack Myers is a media ecologist and founder of MediaVillage, the media and advertising community’s leading resource for market intelligence, education, business connection…
