The Opportunity Agenda crafted messaging advice for changing media coverage and public perceptions of African-American men and boys based on existing research and years of work at the intersection of media, communications and racial justice.

This memo is intended to assist those working to reduce stereotypes and expand opportunity for black males as well as those concerned with journalistic excellence and socially responsible entertainment media.

Change is needed in these areas because research and experience find persistently distorted media depictions of black males that contribute to negative stereotypes, unfair treatment, and unequal opportunity in areas ranging from employment to education to criminal justice and beyond.