The PR Whisperer

Author, Crisis Communications Expert, Strategic Communications Advisor

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I’m a Crisis Communications Expert: Here Are Six Mistakes Shannon Sharpe Made

Some people spend their lifetimes trying to get rich. Persons who are wealthy and wise spend their time thinking about how to protect what they’ve amassed. For this reason, what good is wealth without wisdom? At his level, Sharpe should have spent more time – at the front end – thinking about how his actions …

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We Should Not Give in to Despair

When I read about the civil rights movement as a teen, I often marveled at the courage of freedom fighters. I tried to place myself in the shoes of those who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Rides, Mississippi Freedom Summer, or other campaigns for justice. I thought about the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, …

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The Two Most Stressful Parts of a Church Service

For a lot of people, there are two particularly stressful components of a church service: the offering and the altar call. For people who have been members of churches that were aggressive when it came to raising funds or an offering, the offering can be stressful. There are also people who want to give, but …

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Jess Hilarious and Loren LoRosa: There’s Room for Us All

Comedian and radio personality Jess Moore, publicly known as Jess Hilarious, went viral after publicly hashing out concerns with her co-hosts on The Breakfast Club (TBC). In an Instagram live, Moore compared the eponymous morning show to high school. Chief among her concerns was returning from maternity leave and realizing the person whom she selected …

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DEI Reversals a Reminder that Companies Will Do What’s Convenient

Companies who value equity must also stick with marginalized communities even when the wealthy oppose their doing so. A number of people are in an uproar over major corporations’ decision to roll back policies that advance diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, a prominent Atlanta pastor, Rev. Jamal Bryant announced a 40-day boycott of Target …

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Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show Was Pure Genius

I’m not a football fan. I’m not necessarily a fan of the NFL. The only thing I cared about with respect to the Super Bowl LIX was Kendrick Lamar. He is a conscious rapper who passionately advocates for the African American community. In social justice movements, his lyrics have long been a soothing balm on …

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Beware of the Pitfalls of Lengthy Media Interviews

When Seeking to Raise Your Profile, Understand the Pitfalls of Long Form Interviews In today’s media landscape, many podcasts offer long-form content. It is not unusual for some podcasts to broadcast for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Podcast hosts love this and some viewers do as well. However, I caution clients that the …

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Attacks on D.E.I. Will Undermine Experience

A key predictor of success is experience. When people have a vast amount of experience they are primed for more opportunities. When people are locked out of opportunities to gain experience, they miss out on the building blocks that can support their success. I think about this in the context of the media. Whenever there …

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Appreciate, But Don’t Deify Bishop Mariann Budde

I was stunned into silence as I listened to Bishop Mariann E. Budde’s humble appeal for President Donald J. Trump to have mercy on the many people who are in fear over his words and actions. Her voice was soft yet firm. Her gesture, loving, even if it took many by surprise. The New York …

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Wealth is a Veneer: It Presents a Covering but Doesn’t Reveal What’s Beneath

The past year has been marred by unbelievable scandals. I never considered him to be a profit but comedian and actor Katt Williams rightly predicted that lies would be exposed in 2024. He was right. From faith to entertainment to politics and even real estate, some of the wealthiest people we know have been imbued …

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