-A free Black History Month Webinar on February 19th-

(Black PR Wire) Miami, FL – Implementing effective media and communication strategies is essential to succeed in a competitive market. In celebration of Black History Month, Business Wire in partnership with Black PR Wire will present Plugged In: Communication Tools for Black Brands, an engaging webinar, focusing on empowering Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.  The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. It is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“A strong communication strategy is the backbone of any successful brand,” said Bernadette Morris, CEO and founder of Black PR Wire. “This webinar will be a game-changer for Black entrepreneurs, offering practical insights to thrive in today’s competitive market. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this free opportunity to learn, grow, and elevate their brand to new heights.”

Panelists for this dynamic event include:

Dexter Bridgeman, CEO of MIA Media Group and founder of Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)

Dexter A. Bridgeman is the CEO and founder of MIA Media Group, the largest distributor of media content highlighting the success and achievements of Florida’s Black community. Established in 2004, his company has more than one million readers bimonthly and publishes Legacy Miami, Legacy South Florida, and M•I•A Magazine. He is a graduate of Hofstra University and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Andre Kay, founder of Sociallybuzz

Andre Kay is an acclaimed entrepreneur and innovator, best known as the founder of Sociallybuzz, the world's first social media agency launched in 2008. His visionary leadership has seen the company listed among Entrepreneur Magazine's best entrepreneurial firms in America. Always forward-thinking, Andre is currently delving into the emerging technologies of the Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain, anticipating their transformative potential in the digital landscape.

Nicole Kirby, CEO of Carver Communications Group

Nicole Kirby is one of the most impactful and sought-after public relations strategists with more than two decades of service in the corporate communications, philanthropic, and diplomatic sectors. She is the Principal and Founder of CarVer Communications. Kirby has a proven track record in leadership roles, creating national public relations campaigns, running point for corporate and influencer crisis-reputation issues, leading strategists for national marketing and branding campaigns, and being a project manager for high-end special events from start to finish.

Candice Nicole, founder of Candice Nicole Public Relations

Candice Nicole is an award-winning publicist with 17 years of experience. She has collaborated with some of the industry's most renowned names, including Spike Lee, Wyclef Jean, Tika Sumpter, and Musiq Soulchild, as well as small businesses, corporate brands, expos, and conferences. Clients under Candice Nicole’s leadership have been featured in top-tier media outlets such as Forbes, The Today Show, BET, Essence, The Huffington Post, Women's Health Magazine, Black Enterprise, and more.

Danesha Smith, McDonald’s Franchisee and president of Shine2Inspire

Danesha Smith is an Atlanta-based business owner, philanthropist and president of Shine2Inspire, a 501(c)(3) organization.  Danesha owns multiple McDonalds restaurants and has been featured in Rolling Out, Facebook Live, 11 Alive, Essence GU, the Atlanta Voice, SHINE Enthusiast, One Take LIVE with Monica May, Atlanta CW69, Fox 5 Atlanta, The Top 100 Magazine addressing the need for mentorship, business ownership and giving back. An alumna of Clark Atlanta University, she credits her HBCU experience with helping to drive her life’s work and purpose through exposure.

The session will be moderated by:

Bernadette Morris, CEO and Founder of Black PR Wire/Sonshine Communications

Bernadette Morris is a dedicated community leader and successful business owner/executive. Bernadette owns three companies: Sonshine Communications, founded in 1993; Black PR Wire, Inc., founded in 2000; and Women Grow Strong, founded in 2007. Black PR Wire is an online newswire distribution company providing key news and information to Black media in the U.S. and the Caribbean 24/7.

In addition to listening to the insights from the stellar lineup of panelists, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.  To register for this insightful event, visit https://services.businesswire.com/resources-education/communication-tools-for-black-brands.

Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Investor relations, public relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX Network. Business Wire has 18 newsrooms worldwide to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media.

Black PR Wire is the nation's first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. Black PR Wire delivers its clients' press releases, video and audio news releases and newsletters to key reporters, writers and influential grassroots, social and civic community leaders throughout the country. Black PR Wire also provides specialized services, including direct media calls and product placement pitching, as well as audio, video and e-newsletter development and distribution. The company's service center has compiled and owns a comprehensive and continuously updated database of Black media and organizations throughout the country and the Caribbean and has direct contacts with hundreds of Black and minority media outlets, community, social and civic groups and affiliates nationwide. The company's database holds a comprehensive listing of over 1,200 Black-owned publications and media and includes a comprehensive listing of key Black journalists throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

Black PR Wire delivers to the very core and pulse of the Black community. It is dedicated to providing service that is second to none with its state-of-the-art wire transmission process and technology, its experienced media planners and its commitment to quality, substance and style that guides every component of its client service philosophy. Services can be purchased online anytime, anywhere 24/7; or by simply calling the newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR. For more information, visit BlackPRWire.com and follow @BlackPRWire on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.