Black-owned talent agencies unite to form the Black Agent Network (BAN) because Representation Matters.
Century City, CA — theFstate, Makena’s Talent Agency, and The Jackson Agency have partnered to form the Black Agents Network (BAN) to provide a centralized network of Black-owned talent agencies so that talent, advertisers, producers, and studios can easily fulfill their Diversity and Inclusion pledge.
BAN will serve as a virtual directory of vetted Black-owned talent agencies thereby ensuring our entertainment community has the support it needs.
“With over 400 years of disparity and with intentional roadblocks being put in place for the detriment of BIPOC we have been successful in creating global contributions and advancements in multiple industries that benefit society as a whole. How much further along would the world be if we used the very same effort in support of BIPOC rather than a hindrance?” says Ezra Jones of theFstate.
With consistently stale growth in entertainment as it pertains to Black professionals, around 4% of key decision-makers in the content creation arena are Black. Combined with the coded language used by corporations as it pertains to finding “qualified talent pools,” it’s important now more than ever that the leaders in independent entertainment are stepping up and creating a community.
“We believe our people perish for lack of knowledge and misrepresentation. Having a visionary and being able to work with one another, is vital to our individual success. Teamwork makes the dreamwork,” says Diamond Makena of Makena’s Talent Agency.
Advertisers have issued best practices for working with Black Media Professionals, media mogul Byron Allen recently hosted a webinar through Cynopsis entitled: ‘Black-Owned Media Matters,’ and celebrities have echoed the need for support of the Black community on social media; however it seems like actionable resources have been slow to come. Not to mention, Black Talent Agency owners have been completely left out of the discussion.
“With the current state of affairs in America, it is vital that Black-owned businesses lend unequivocal support to one another. The Black Agent Network allows all BIPOC owners of their Talent Agencies to have an interactive community of support and resources for best business practices,” says Tiauna Jackson of The Jackson Agency.
To find a Black Agent to represent you, or to join our network, please visit BlackAgentsNetwork.com
About theFstate:
“Individual Creatives collectively, a state of mind.”
Home to model CITIZENS and artist CRUSADERS that build and protect the state of humanity. Specializing in Fashion PR. The agency represents Black editorial models, diverse creative artists, gender fluid/ neutral brands, and Black celebrities; the millennial and next-generation FASHION, MUSIC & Art icons.
About Ezra:
Ezra Jones is the Founder and CEO of theFstate, “the Creative Connector” branding LOVE, style and culture connecting people in creative spaces. Jones has over 19 years of experience in the fashion industry and is an Internationally published agency approved Photographer and Creative Director. He is also a member of For(bes) the Culture with credits that include Vanity teen among many others.
About Makena’s Talent Agency:
Makena’s Talent Agency was created to build a platform for undeniable talent. Family owned and operated. Licensed, bonded, SAG/AFTRA, WGA Franchised. Established in Los Angeles, California 2017. Some client bookings include; Shameless, Just Roll with It, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Marriage Boot Camp, Mank Movie, Laff Mobb’s Taff, etc.
About Diamond Makena:
Makena is Owner/Agent of Makena’s Talent Agency. She is a college graduate, a record-breaking sales executive, an entrepreneur and an all-around businesswoman. She is the founder and CEO of S.A.V.E. M.E., her organization for underprivileged children. Philanthropy and giving back to her community have always been a true passion of hers.
About Jackson Agency:
Founded in 2014 after seeing a need for underrepresented artists to be given a voice through proper representation. The Jackson Agency exists for those who have been denied opportunities based on an aversion to diversity. The Jackson Agency works tirelessly to combat that by focusing on representing artists of color. Current professional affiliations: ATA, SAG-AFTRA, WGA.
About Tiauna Jackson:
CEO and Agent, Tiauna was profiled by the New York Times and has tirelessly served the underestimated the underrepresented, and the underserved. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the ATA’s Racial Equality Task Force.
For more information about The Jackson Agency, visit http://TJA.agency
Contact:
Nikki Greene
(818) 538-5305
pr@thejacksonagency.com
For more about information Makena’s Talent Agency, visit MakenasTalentAgency.com
Contact:
Mikesha Montgomery
(818) 210-7466
agent@makenastalentagency.com
For More information about theFstate, visit theFstate.com
Contact:
Ezra Jones
(469) 348-8833
culture@thefstatemag.com