TOP 8 - MEDIA IMPACTS 2018

Black Panther’s box-office record-breaking release

The release of the hugely anticipated Black Panther film created a major social buzz around the celebration of black culture. The star-studded cast of largely black talent, both on and off screen, resonated with the audience, and particularly ethnic minority viewers who finally saw Marvel create a black superhero. Black Panther acknowledged everything from traditional African society to the power of black women, and the preservation of identity.

EastEnders coverage of real-life knife crime, featuring young BAME actors

​Enninful became the first black male editor of British Vogue in 2017 and immediately set about celebrating diversity in the publication. His first issue shone the spotlight on diversity in politically art and culture with features on model Adwoa Aboah, Sadiq Khan and Naomi Campbell. During a stint at Italian Vogue, Enninful led the magazine’s first “Black Issue” which featured only black models. ​​

Edward Enninful's appointment and work to diversify British Vogue

According to Emily Weiss, Glossier’s founder and CEO, “Inclusivity is really our number one value.. we want to inspire, but we also want to be realistic and show beauty in real life.” The brand’s newest ad campaign elegantly shows an inclusive range of women’s bodies as they are in real life.

By showcasing several women with different body types who work in a variety of professional fields, the brand makes its message clear: anyone can have glowing, dazzling skin! Their slogan, “Skin first. Makeup second.” illustrates clearly the brand positioning.​

Jordan Peele’s Oscar win for Get Out

When director Jordan Peele received four Oscar nominations, he was only the fifth black director in 90 years of academy history to be acknowledged. Get Out was seen and much-loved by many as it welcomed rave reviews in the wake of its release, and depicted a plot explicitly driven by racism, whilst also entwining humour, horror and gore.​

Oprah Winfrey’s inspiring speech at the Golden Globes

Oprah Winfrey delivered a rousing acceptance speech when she became the first black woman to win the lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes in January. The star used the opportunity to reflect on her astonishing media career but significantly spoke up for the women and the “me too” movement.

The most diverse Royal Wedding in British History

All eyes were on Windsor Castle in May when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tied the knot at a lavish ceremony that had the world watching. 500 million television viewers tuned in to see global superstars and political leaders attend the service which was described as a breakthrough moment for women of mixed race heritage. ​

Sikh guardsman becomes first to wear turban during Trooping the Colour

​More than 1,000 soldiers took part in the Trooping of the Colour parade to mark the Queen’s 92nd birthday but it was the first-ever Sikh Coldstream Guards soldier to take part in the ceremony that attracted headlines. “I hope that people watching, that they will just acknowledge it and that they will look at it as a new change in history,” said 22-year-old Charanpreet Singh Lall before the parade. ​

Stormzy’s Brit Awards performance

The grime artist pulled out all the stops to create an epic show for his Brit Awards performance in February. The impressive set started with a powerful rap in the rain and went on to include a 40-piece symphony orchestra, 100-foot flames, and giant video screens. The musician also scooped two major awards and used his platform on the night to call for justice for those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster. ​