People

Inside Change with Alaina Curry

Why did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?

When I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do.  I asked my college advisor what major interacts with people and allows me to be social and he pointed me towards a communications degree with a focus on Public Relations.  I have since gone to work for major companies, celebrities, events and important advocacy campaigns. 

I am proud to be the microphone that brings awareness to hot topics and issues by connecting with the media and it has been incredibly rewarding. 

What is one of the most memorable Change.org campaigns you’ve worked on?

Definitely the George Floyd campaign. I had only been here a week when millions of users turned to Change.org to reckon with racism and their disgust for the incident. It was incredibly rewarding to work with his family to drive forward issues around racial justice and was the biggest project I had ever worked on. 

How do you think your identity has impacted your professional experiences?

The reality is that public relations is an industry that overwhelmingly lacks people of color. In my experience, I have usually been one of the only Black women in the room. While challenging at times it also has been a great way to introduce people to new ideas and culture, and also pave the way for other BIPOC women who are aspiring publicists. 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

For me, Black History IS history. We have played such integral parts in the shaping of movements and change in this country and beyond. But it also is a time for me to reflect on how I can continue to play my part in uplifting and elevating my community. I am proud of my own Black family history. My cousin was part of the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine students who were the first African Americans to attend Little Rock’s Central High School. They were met with much resistance, hatred, and even had to be escorted to class by the Arkansas National Guard but prevailed and paved the way for my family to attend and graduate – including my mother. 

How can folks honor BHM while socially distancing?

Most importantly, seek knowledge and have tough conversations. Come with an open mind and heart that you may learn something new that will shatter your perception of BIPOC stories and what you may have learned in history class.

What do you think will be the biggest topics in the media this year?

Anything around COVID-19 and the economy will be huge stories but I also suspect that travel and entertainment will take headlines as the world strives to get back to normal. 

Written by
amustafic
February 17, 2021 4:08 pm