Akil Benjamin begins mentoring for black firms
Based on his work at M&C Saatchi Saturday School, Benjamin collects donations to support over 100 black companies for at least six months
Image: @akilbenjamin
Akil Benjamin, as director of the M&C Saatchi Saturday School, helped provide black companies with free mentoring. Benjamin, who is also a co-founder and head of research at the Comuzi design studio, is pushing to open this support to a larger number of companies with a new fundraising campaign that creates additional mentoring opportunities.
The initiative is based on the open letter recently signed by leading figures in the advertising industry that addresses the need to support black talent. Benjamin points out, however, that the widespread messages of support require concrete measures to make a real difference.
"After seeing how many leaders from Adland signed the open solidarity letter after the murder of George Floyd, I deeply wonder what this manifestation of changes in daily actions looks like for everyone who signed," says Benjamin on the Go Fund me page. "I am aware that many books have been added to their reading list and are in conversation with their workplaces, but I am excited to see what we can do now to make a difference."
In addition to the donation for the initiative, managers can also volunteer as mentors. The page also contains a link that you can use to register for the mentoring sessions. While the fundraiser has reached its original goal, anyone can still donate to expand the pool of black companies that can benefit from the program.
Donate, register voluntarily and register here for the mentoring program: bit.ly/2XGHodm