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Celebrating Black History Month: Why Representation in Media Matters

Hannah Williams

Black History Month is here, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on why representation in the media matters so much. Whether we realize it or not, the images we see (or don’t see) shape how we understand the world and each other. And let’s be real—finding authentic, diverse visuals often feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack.


At ryco.io, we’ve hit this wall too many times to count. Whether it’s creating classroom content or marketing materials, stock footage that truly reflects diverse communities can be shockingly hard to find. That’s why we’re so excited about the work Black Stock Footage is doing to change the game.





Why Black Stock Footage Matters

Led by Imani and Zebrina Lee, their platform fills a critical gap in the stock media industry, offering high-quality, authentic visuals that celebrate Black culture, identity, and experiences.


"We created Black Stock Footage to empower creatives, leaders, and organizations with centralized access to unlimited downloads of stock videos of Black cultures, helping them save time and money when creating content. When we saw the lack of Black representation on existing stock media platforms, we knew it wasn’t just a content gap—it was an opportunity to spark real change and reflect the world as it truly is—diverse, dynamic, and authentic. We built this platform for Black culture to be preserved, celebrated, and easily accessible in a range of projects, from social media content to educational video programming. We are bridging the gap between Black representation and creative storytelling for everyone."


The Struggle with Representation

For too long, stock footage has either leaned into harmful stereotypes or ignored diversity altogether. The result? Creators are stuck with visuals that feel off, inauthentic, or just plain wrong. As Imani stated:


"Representation in media is transformational for industries across the board. The videos and images we see can greatly influence what we believe about ourselves and others. When those visuals are incomplete or inaccurate, they could create misleading or biased gaps in understanding. At Black Stock Footage, we’re here to fill those gaps with visuals that show the beauty, complexity, and range of everyday experiences of different Black communities. When students, teachers, and creators see diverse representation, it helps shape a future where we’re all seen more authentically."


Black Stock Footage is flipping the script by offering a growing library of high-quality, authentic visuals that celebrate Black culture in all its richness and variety. Their work makes it easier for creators, educators, and businesses to tell stories that are as diverse as the people they’re meant to reach.





Get Involved: Be Part of the Movement

Imani and Zebrina invite organizations, creators, and businesses to join this mission by becoming beta customers or featuring their work on Black Stock Footage. If this resonates with you, there are a few easy ways to get involved:

  1. Create a Free Account: Visit Black Stock Footage and sign up to explore their growing library of visuals.

  2. Subscribe to the 4K Annual Plan: You can directly support their work while gaining access to their premium content.

  3. Feature Your Organization: Complete this Google Form to share your story and be featured on their platform, showcasing your commitment to diversity.

  4. Share the Mission: Receive a custom 10% discount code to share with your network, encouraging others to support this vital initiative.


Making Black History Month Count

Representation in the media might seem like a small thing, but its impact is enormous. When we celebrate diversity authentically–we’re changing perspectives, building bridges, and encouraging understanding.


At ryco.io, we’re honored to amplify the Lee’s work and share the tools their team is creating to enrich representation. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s use this time to support initiatives that make a difference.


"As the world shifts and conversations about inclusion evolve, it’s clear that meaningful change won’t happen by waiting—it’s being driven by creatives, leaders, and organizations like Black Stock Footage who make diverse representation a part of its core ethos. Our role is empowering the current and future generations of creatives with a platform that creates a deeper connection and awareness of the global diversity of Black cultures. Together, we’re building a future where media representation creates a lasting foundation of inclusivity, visibility, and cultural understanding for generations to come."

(Imani & Zebrina Lee, Founders of Black Stock Footage)


Together, we can build a future where everyone’s story is seen, valued, and celebrated.


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