Representation in Media: Storytelling and its Impact

72andSunny in Brooklyn hosted an inspiring evening celebrating storytelling, diversity, and the power of representation in media. Titled Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made, the event featured a dramatic reading of works by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders and creators. The evening highlighted the importance of telling stories that reflect the real-world experiences of underrepresented communities, particularly women and people of color. The event explored the role of media in shaping culture and driving social change, with a focus on how far we have come—and how much further we need to go.

Speakers and Panelists

• Madeline Di Nonno: President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
• Virginia DeBerry: New York Times Best-Selling Author
• Donna Grant: New York Times Best-Selling Author
• Dr. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren: Clinical Associate Professor of Marketing; Director of Industry Relations and Experiential Learning, Baylor University
• Yolonda Brinkley: Founder, Diversity in Cannes
• Harry Lennix: Actor, The Blacklist
• Tracey Kemble: President, Tracey Kemble Productions

Event Highlights

The evening began with a powerful reading of selections from Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made and other works by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant. The readings addressed a variety of relevant issues, from overcoming personal challenges to navigating societal expectations, which resonated deeply with the audience. Madeline Di Nonno then took the stage to provide context, sharing data from the Geena Davis Institute’s research on gender and racial representation in media. Afterwards, Di Nonno emphasized the importance of ensuring that storytelling reflects our diverse society.

The panel discussion that followed explored the personal and professional journeys of the panelists, shedding light on their experiences in the entertainment industry. Topics ranged from the power of female friendship, as demonstrated in DeBerry and Grant’s novels, to the importance of intersectionality in media. Panelists shared insights into their work and the barriers they’ve faced, but also the progress they’ve seen in their respective fields. Actor Harry Lennix spoke passionately about his advocacy for representation in film and theater, while Yolonda Brinkley discussed her efforts to elevate diverse voices at the Cannes Film Festival.

The evening concluded with an open Q&A session, during which attendees asked thought-provoking questions about the future of diversity in media. The panelists shared their hopes for a future where more stories, like Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made, would be told, celebrated, and normalized in the media landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Representation in media is essential, not just for reflecting diverse experiences, but for empowering marginalized communities by giving them a voice.
• Data shows that films and stories featuring women and people of color can be highly profitable, dispelling the myth that these narratives are not commercially viable.
• Personal stories of perseverance and resilience, like those of DeBerry and Grant, inspire others to pursue their own dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.
• The intersectionality of race, gender, and identity must be at the forefront of storytelling in media to reflect the complexity of real-world experiences.

Actionable Insights

1. Elevating Underrepresented Voices: Media creators should actively seek to tell stories that reflect the diversity of today’s world. This includes creating platforms and opportunities for women and people of color to lead projects and share their stories.
2. Challenging Industry Norms: Hollywood and the entertainment industry must move beyond outdated perceptions that female-led or minority-centric films won’t succeed financially. The data shows that diverse stories resonate with audiences and drive box office success.
3. Supporting Diverse Creators: Institutions and production companies need to invest in talent from underrepresented communities, not just in front of the camera, but in key roles such as writers, directors, and producers.
4. Encouraging Mentorship and Collaboration: Industry professionals should mentor and collaborate with emerging creators from diverse backgrounds to foster a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.

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