Carr is a champion of diversity at BET Networks, this year helping launch a $25 million collaboration with corporate partners on its “Content For Change” initiative that started on Juneteenth. He’s led 21 straight years of advertising growth at the company, generating more than $8 billion in revenue. “There is lack of diversity in every aspect of our industry so that is systematic institutionalized racism, which keeps power, influence, and money in the same communities.” says Carr. “Now that Black consumers are aware of this, how will it impact their business?” Carr also started the Louis Carr Internship Foundation 17 years ago, which has now placed 178 students of color in internships throughout the industry.
The conversation about racial injustice in 2020 has been… super energized by Black people who have been courageous in talking about the injustices in all aspects of Black life, from police brutality to Corporate America.
What are some of the tough conversations this industry needs to have?
A tough conversation that companies need to have is to admit that the lack of diversity did not happen because of an unconscious bias. It happened with consciousness and intent. There is lack of diversity in every aspect of our industry so that is systematic institutionalized racism, which keeps power, influence, and money in the same communities. Now that Black consumers are aware of this, how will it impact their business?
How have you been a champion of diversity & inclusion in your professional life?
I started the Louis Carr Internship Foundation (LCIF) 17 years ago, which places students of color at agencies, media companies and advertisers. Over 17 years, LCIF has successfully placed 178 interns and 45 have gotten permanent positions in the industry.
