Blackweek Presents: Seven for Seven with Joe Anthony

Seven for Seven is a new profile series hosted on Little Black Book with the founders of Blackweek, a new economic forum and marketing conference coming to NYC October 15-18th.

Seven questions that dive into the minds behind the economic forum, and what’s in store. A little bit about them, a little bit about Blackweek, and a lot for everyone to think about.

The series continues with Joe Anthony, CEO at Hero Collective.

1. What did you want to be when you were 7?

Joe> A professional football player.

2. An example of someone throwing a line back to you in your career?

Joe> I wish I could say something different, but it’s been an uphill battle. I’ve had moments where folks have imparted advice, but I haven’t had that big moment where it’s been profoundly impactful in my career. 

3. Words to live by?

Joe> Hard work equals results–you can’t get away from the reality of having to work for what you want.

4. What made you get involved with Blackweek?

Joe> I think that if you want to see change happen you have to participate in it. The more immediate reason is that diversity in America is at a tipping point. If we don’t do anything about it we are going to start seeing our lives more directly impacted by the policies that will be enacted that further perpetuate forms of bias that impeded our success and upward mobility of Black and Brown people.

People have been led to believe that human nature is inherently good and just, but we are in an era of self preservation fuelled by a political narrative that is reinforced by legislation that has hindered our progress for the past 50 years. If people of colour don’t recognise this and white allies don’t. Reality requires us to take action to preserve our place in society.

5. What aren’t people talking about? What aren’t they saying out loud?

Joe> That we should just be happy with employment. Employment doesn’t always equate to equity or empowerment. Employment is important but it’s not the only form of equal opportunity. Not enough people are talking about ownership and equity and what we deserve as owners and creators. They are basically trying to appease us with the lowest hanging fruit. It’s not enough.

No one is talking about what we deserve, they are talking about what we should be happy with.

6. Who can benefit most from attending Blackweek? Who needs to go?

Joe> Everyone. There is something in Blackweek for everyone. Obviously white executive decision makers who need more information on how to value diverse audiences, Black leaders and executives who need insights on how to have the conversations to empower themselves to create more opportunities. It’s a yin and yang.

7. Where’s your industry a year from now?

Joe> There is no acute solve for fighting unconscious and conscious bias. This will be an ongoing dialogue in change management that unfortunately will be a function of patience and being content with stringing together a series of small wins. I am hopeful that a year from now there will be leaders who will be enlightened to advocate for more programs, policies, and deals that positively impact communities of colour.