Engagement manager
Black Public Media, Denton, Texas
Age: 30
In three words: “Collaborative, persistent, thorough”
What colleagues say: Eboni consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to Black Public Media’s mission and values. Her passion for amplifying diverse voices and narratives within the African American and global Black community is palpable in everything she does.
Eboni possesses a remarkable blend of creativity and strategic thinking. She’s not afraid to think outside the box, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. At the same time, she’s adept at navigating the complexities of the engagement landscape, making informed decisions that further our organization’s goals. Her ability to build strong relationships externally is instrumental in advancing Black Public Media’s mission and expanding our reach.
What Eboni says
Decision to work in public media: I first connected with Black Public Media as a filmmaker and built relationships with some of the staff during my time with the Denton Black Film Festival. With my skills in event organization and professional development education, I was excited by the opportunity at Black Public Media to serve creators across the country. Initially, I did not realize Black Public Media’s integral connection to the public media system, but it has been an affirming path to support a sector of media that continues to democratize access and content for all.
Key accomplishments: As part of PitchBlack, over the past few years we have hosted retrospectives in conjunction with our Trailblazer Award. We honor the recipient with a limited showcase of their creative work. In my first year, we honored Orlando Bagwell; last year, Yoruba Richen; and this year, Sam Pollard.
This project has been my personal responsibility each year for PitchBlack, and I am thrilled to witness its growth annually. For 2024, we transitioned to a hybrid presentation, showcasing Mr. Pollard’s work in person with screening partners in New York City, Baltimore and Los Angeles as well as online for PitchBlack registrants.
Inspired by: Opportunities to create community. During my time in this position, I’ve come across many organizations that are doing fantastic work to support filmmakers and creative projects, or even community organizations working to incorporate art and media as a means of social engagement. When I see overlaps of our mission and service, I’m excited to build partnerships and develop inroads towards a higher impact.
Advice for young public media professionals: Public media needs your talent, insight and creativity. We are in a critical transition period in both public media and media in general, where we are reevaluating traditions and systems that no longer serve our communities. Our generation includes the first tech-native populations who seek to see their experiences represented in the content they consume. We have a tangible relationship with the innovations happening around us, and we can help navigate the landscape of our democratized future.
Advice for public media leaders: Stay open to intergenerational perspectives. As public media faces new challenges and growing pains, it’s crucial to involve young professionals in shaping the evolution of our industry.
Profile photo: Ari Raphiel