Issa Rae Advocates for Better Representation and Understanding in Media Industry

Alright, let’s talk about some trailblazing power moves, shall we? Remember, we’re pivoting our gaze ‘Down Under’—Austin, Texas—specifically for the 2025 edition of SXSW. Yep, you’ve guessed right, it’s our super-charged dynamo, Issa Rae!

Now, you can add part-owner of San Diego FC to her long list of hats, and this woman’s strides are as impactful as they are inspiring. In a keynote address, Rae gave us her valuable insights on the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), as captured by The Hollywood Reporter.

To dial you back a bit, in the wake of George Floyd’s heartbreaking death in 2020, there was a seismic shift in the way we look at racial justice. This sparked historic levels of support, where we saw an unprecedented $4.3 billion flowing into Black-owned enterprises through venture capital and corporate investments, a staggering fact tracked by CNBC News.

Not to mention, according to NBC News, we saw a substantial 55% increase in positions dedicated solely to DEI. But remember, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies; this upward trend has shown signs of a downturn.

Why, you ask? Unfortunately, some of these previous commitments, bold as they were, seem to be on the wane, arguably due to mounting pressure from conservative groups challenging DEI initiatives. Their litigations have seen a degree of success. A chilling example is the undoing of the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant program, designed to bolster Black women-owned outfits.

So, the question we need to ponder now is, how we can continue to uphold and promote DEI efforts? Remember, maintaining a fair and just society isn’t just a pet project—it’s a journey that requires relentless perseverance. Let’s spare a moment to appreciate the likes of Issa Rae for advancing the cause and recommit ourselves to that journey.