History

In 1989, the very first Black Public Relations Society chapter was established in Los Angeles. Two years later, in February of 1991, the Black Public Relations Society-New York (BPRSNY) Chapter was founded with the support of the United Negro College Fund and an advisory committee of seasoned African- American professionals in media.

At its founding, the mission of BPRSNY (also known as Beepers New York) was to increase the active participation and employment of African Americans in the public relations industry by providing professional development, scholarships and networking opportunities. The organization’s founders felt that such an increase in the number of African-American professionals in the industry, and those pitching stories, would help address the problems relating to the portrayal of Blacks in the media.

Under the current leadership, the group’s founding goal of bringing greater diversity to public relations has been maintained and advanced through well-attended seminars, events honoring the accomplishments of African American trailblazers in the industry and the work of dedicated media professionals on its committees.

Presidents: BPRSNY

• Teresa Holmes
• Carol Lynn Paterson
•  Sheila L. Thorne
• Alicia Evans
• Lynne Scott Jackson

Co-Presidents: BPRSNY

• Gordon Balkcom
• Renee Foster