Barriers to Mentorship: Why Young Black Creatives Struggle to Find Guidance in the Industry
One of my greatest frustrations as an older industry pro at this juncture of my career is what I think is a lack of support for up-and-coming talent in the industry.
We get at least 1,000 or more press releases each week that focus on promotions and events, highlighting people being promoted, and out of all of them, maybe 3% are Black-oriented, or by Black-owned companies, or by Black creatives. The industry trades are very depressing at this point, reporting on nothing but layoffs, downsizing, and deaths. I am always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel because it’s all just too negative, and there is little to no balance of good news versus bad news.
I also think younger industry people think very differently than many older industry pros. They are not about developing long-term relationships with people or with corporations. I actually admire that about them. They are not married to any situation but they are engaged to opportunity. There is a very good chance that they are on the right track. This could enhance the distance and the disconnect with older industry people and maybe they don’t even want to be connected to our generation because they look at our concepts as antiquated?
The Visibility Gap
The one thing I find most unfortunate is the consistent reuse of the same people, especially in radio, where new black talent is rarely spotlighted. Press is seldom sent out to promote them, and they have become invisible to the older industry. Perhaps the onus is on us as older black industry people. I do see younger industry folks on social media promoting themselves, and that generation is more entrepreneurial and hustle-based, unlike many of us who have been more attached to corporations and corporate careers.
The Importance of Mentorship
This brings me to the issue of mentorship, which I believe is crucial for the growth of young Black creatives. Many older Black industry professionals have faced significant challenges in their careers, often feeling the weight of responsibility to succeed and represent our community.
The entertainment industry has a long history of systemic racism, which has created barriers for Black professionals. According to a 2020 report by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 13.6% of film directors were from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the lack of representation in leadership roles. This legacy of discrimination has contributed to a scarcity of role models who have successfully navigated the industry.
Economic Disparities
Moreover, economic disparities play a significant role in the mentorship gap. The racial wealth gap in the U.S. means that Black individuals often have fewer financial resources to invest in mentorship or to take risks on emerging talent. According to the Federal Reserve, the median wealth of Black families is significantly lower than that of white families, which can impact their ability to support others. Many older Black professionals may prioritize their own job security and financial stability over mentoring, especially in an industry known for its volatility.
Fear of Competition
Fear of competition further complicates the mentorship landscape. In an industry where opportunities are scarce, older Black creatives may worry that mentoring younger individuals could lead to competition for jobs, funding, and visibility. This fear can discourage them from investing time and resources in mentorship. Cultural narratives often reinforce this competition, creating a mindset that prioritizes individual success over community upliftment.
Lack of Formal Mentorship Programs
The lack of formal mentorship programs specifically designed for Black creatives also contributes to this issue. A 2021 study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that mentorship opportunities are often informal and based on personal connections, which can disadvantage those without established networks. Many organizations that aim to support Black creatives operate with limited funding, making it difficult to create and sustain mentorship programs.
Generational Gaps
Generational gaps are another factor. Older Black creatives may have navigated a different industry landscape, leading to a disconnect in understanding the challenges faced by younger generations. Differences in communication styles and cultural references can create misunderstandings between generations, further complicating mentorship relationships.
Additionally, some older Black professionals may have had negative experiences in their careers that lead to mistrust of others in the industry. This skepticism can hinder their willingness to engage in mentorship, as concerns about being taken advantage of or not receiving reciprocal support can deter them from investing in younger creatives.
Cultural Emphasis on Individualism
Finally, there can be a cultural emphasis on individualism, where the focus on personal success leads to a neglect of community support. This mindset can result in older individuals prioritizing their own careers over mentoring others.
To that end..
Despite these challenges, I believe there is hope. I’ve seen the resilience and creativity of young Black talent, and I recognize the importance of fostering connections and creating supportive environments. It’s essential for us, as older industry professionals, to actively engage with and uplift the next generation especially considering they could now be mentoring us just as much or more.
By sharing our experiences and resources, we can help bridge the gap and empower young Black creatives to thrive in an industry that desperately needs their voices. There are some things that have not changed like racism in the industry and the lack of opportunities. That still exits and for those of who are fortunate enought to strategize to monetize, the internet provides a plethora of opportunities and direct connections that eliminate the middleman who, in my opinion, has always been the greatest interuption to black success.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How can we, as a community, work together to ensure that the next generation of Black creatives receives the support and mentorship they need to succeed?