A note from our founder

While conversations centering representation in media, arts and entertainment are now top-of-mind with the boost in support for diversifying storytelling across all disciplines, the push for inclusive spaces is not new. We — people who deserve equity — wanted this for generations. And we’re still fighting for it. More of it.

Why don’t we — Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian people, etc. — see ourselves in media? It’s a question that sparked what is now SPRHDRS and the space we are building here.

I started this project as a graduate student at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. It stemmed from my experiences as a 1.5-generation Filipino American. I didn’t have many role models growing up to help me navigate a path in any career, much less in media. In fact, a career in media could not be further away from my imagination.

Media, arts and entertainment don’t have a good track record, to say the least, in portraying marginalized people with dignity. Research shows racial stereotypes in television and film have a negative effect on the mental health of people of color and white people’s perceptions of marginalized people. I thought further: why would anyone want to be part of industries perpetuating this problem, and what real action can we take to try and fix this?

SPRHDRS was born out of the idea that more positive influences for underserved and underrepresented people in media, arts and entertainment could inspire a new generation to tell our stories equitably, with more care and less harm. The more of us we can get in front of the camera and behind the scenes, the better chances we have to achieve representation on our own terms.

It’s a long game, and we can’t be the only ones to play. That’s why we want to build this community with you and other groups seeking the same future. Stick with us. We got you!

With gratitude,

Shayne