It seems like everyone’s getting their DNA ancestry tested now, and how we define ourselves has become so much more intricate. Identity goes beyond one’s ethnicity and race, it can be multidimensional, and that is more evident now than ever before. With the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall celebrated in June and LGBTQ rights at the forefront of America’s shifting landscape, minorities are becoming the majority in an ever-changing country.

The CultureBeat^® PULSE is an e-zine to keep you on the “pulse” of what’s relevant to today’s multicultural consumers. Each issue is a curated group of topics that focus on the happenings in our society and marketplace and, most importantly, why it matters to your brand and your company. 

Throughout June, rainbows are showing up everywhere – from online retailers to big box brands, and restaurant menus – as brands show their support for the LGBTQ community.

Annually in February, Black History Month is observed and celebrated for the achievements and history of African American people.  Schools and brands alike pay homage during this month. But, what about the rest of the year?  Can we truly celebrate the rich history of this culture in just one month?  There has been ongoing criticism about black history – that it is American history as well and therefore should be celebrated year-round as there are other opportunities to celebrate this community.

It seems like everyone’s getting their DNA ancestry tested now, and how we define ourselves has become so much more intricate. Identity goes beyond one’s ethnicity and race, it can be multidimensional, and that is more evident now than ever before. With the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall celebrated in June and LGBTQ rights at the forefront of America’s shifting landscape, minorities are becoming the majority in an ever-changing country.

While there were several events that led to the eventual creation of the modern-day Pride Month – the formation of the Society for Human Rights in Chicago in 1924, the creation of The Mattachine Society in Los Angeles in 1950, and the Compton Cafeteria riot of 1966 – it was the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village, New York City that began the movement of change for the LGBTQ community. And we haven’t looked back since.

As we close Black History month this year, we reflect on the progress that's been made when it comes to diversity in the entertainment industry. In the past decade, we have seen a larger push from the Black/African American community for the inclusion of Black perspectives in mainstream media. We are now seeing evidence of Black cultural contributions in music, television, and film more than ever before. While the entertainment industry has certainly come a long way, there is still a need for Black perspectives in other entertainment categories.