Black communications leaders, executives, creators and students from across the country came together at PRSA ICON 2026 in Orlando, Fla., from Oct. 18-20. Nearly 100 attendees united for an evening celebrating community, connection and the power of Black voices in the profession.
Hosted by the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group, the reception and fireside chat on Oct. 19 brought together members and allies for an evening of networking, conversation and celebration. Since its launch in 2022, Black Voices has worked to build community, foster inclusion, and create opportunities for members to network, exchange ideas and collaborate.
ICON has become an important part of that mission. What began as a member meet-up grew this year into a dedicated reception and executive fireside chat, creating a larger platform for Black professionals to connect with one another and hear directly from leaders shaping communications, media and culture.
“We wanted to create an evening that reflected the caliber, influence and range of the Black professionals who are helping lead this industry,” said Thomas Bennett III, co-chair of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group. “When you bring dynamic Black professionals into one room, you create opportunities for relationships and ideas that can extend well beyond one evening at ICON. That sense of community has guided Black Voices from the beginning, and seeing it come to life at this scale was incredibly meaningful.”
A Room Filled With Black Excellence
The reception welcomed professionals from across the communications ecosystem, including C-suite executives, corporate communications leaders, agency professionals, entrepreneurs, creators, journalists and emerging talent.
The evening reflected the community Black Voices has built over the past four years and the relationships that continue to fuel its growth across career levels, industries and geographies.
Navigating Communications and Journalism as a Black Professional
At the center of the evening was a fireside conversation, “Navigating Communications & Journalism as a Black Professional,” featuring three influential leaders whose careers span journalism, corporate communications, entertainment and sports:
- Kim Godwin, Former President, ABC News
- Eric Ryan, Chief Communications Officer, NASCAR
- Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer, Procter & Gamble
Drawing from their experiences leading within some of the country’s most recognized media and consumer brands, the speakers shared candid perspectives on navigating their careers as Black professionals, leading with authenticity, building strong networks of mentors and sponsors, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
The conversation also explored representation at the highest levels of the industry,and gave attendees an opportunity to hear from leaders who have navigated consequential moments, and helped shape how millions of people experience consumer packed goods, sports, media, and culture.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Organizations and leaders made the evening possible by investing in the Black Voices community and its mission.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our 2026 sponsors:
- BDC Strategy Group
- Chuck Wallington
- EGAMI Group
- Highwire PR
- HUNTER PR
- Images & Ideas
- KQ Communications
- M Booth and M Booth Health
- MikeWorldWide
- Padilla
Their support helped Black Voices create an elevated experience for members while extending the impact of the evening beyond ICON. Any net proceeds from the reception will be donated to the National Juneteenth Museum, connecting the gathering to an institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Passing the Baton
The evening also offered a glimpse at the next chapter of PRSA Black Voices.
Incoming Black Voices leaders Bernadette Davis, Renee Malone and TaQuinda Cylar joined members in Orlando as they prepare to assume leadership of the affinity group in 2027.
Their presence carried particular significance as Browne and Bennett prepare to conclude four years of leadership and pass the baton to a new team.
Black Voices will share more about Davis, Malone and Cylar, their leadership journeys and their vision for the community in an upcoming PRsay feature.
Black Voices, Together
Throughout the evening, the strength of the community could be seen across the room: longtime members reconnecting, new members introducing themselves, senior executives exchanging ideas with emerging professionals and Black communicators building relationships across companies, agencies, industries and generations.
That community is what Black Voices was created to foster.
“Since 2022, we’ve grown Black Voices from a single member to a thriving national community of 200 communications professionals. We’ve created a platform that champions Black excellence, expands access to industry leaders and opens doors for the next generation,” said Sabrina Browne, co-chair of the PRSA Black Voices Affinity Group. “Seeing our members come together at ICON was a powerful reflection of that vision in action. As we look toward 2027, I’m excited to see Black Voices continue expanding its influence and creating new pathways for Black professionals to thrive.”
As another ICON comes to a close, the reception celebrated how far Black Voices has come while making room for the leaders, ideas and relationships that will shape its next chapter.
Photos by Albert Chau
