Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Lawson and Twanita Dozier.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kimberly and Twanita. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Kimberly – I am the descendant of slaves and survivors of Jim Crowe who dreamed of changing the world. I was born and raised in a small farming community in Southwest Georgia. After high school, I attended the illustrious Albany State University, where I graduated cum laude with a degree in Psychology. In 2018 my company, Lawson Learning Academy, LLC, was founded, which is a consulting firm. Through Lawson Learning Academy, I help budding and novice entrepreneurs build a thriving business, ultimately creating a legacy for their families. I am also an International Best-Selling Author. LLA prompted me to reboot my internet radio show, but as a podcast, Real Talk: The Podcast.
Twanita – I am a Chicago native that has been fortunate enough to apply all of my opportunities and experiences into all that I aspire to see and become. I attended Bradley University and initially started my career path in the Education and Social Services field of work, which allowed me to empower and influence those I served. These experiences actually sparked my interest in entrepreneurship. In 2017, I created and built the multimedia platform, Boss Up Magazine which not only allowed me to empower and celebrate entrepreneurs, but it allowed me to bridge the gap of representation and media of emerging entrepreneurs.
Twanita and I are both moms to black boys, the injustice we saw repeatedly in America created unrest in our souls. We had to do something! Our background in media would prove useful. The media controls the narrative. It was our time to rewrite the story within the black community. It was time to ensure equity for black media personalities. So in September 2020, we officially launched The National Black Media and Press Association.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We have not have obstacles starting the association. We are happy to answer another question in its place.
The National Black Media and Press Association – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The National Black Media and Press Association was formed to represent Black Professionals in the Media Industry. We strive to recognize and celebrate those in many entities of media, such as magazines, bloggers, YouTubers, Podcasters, Television Shows, and Photography. Our mission is to ensure equity for media platforms that are owned and/or operated by Blacks. It is also our mission to ensure local, national, and international events include Black media entities to bridge the gap of representation of Blacks in Media.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As founders of an association and businesswomen, we define success as thriving and growing professionally while serving the community. Profit is short-lived, but when you give back, you create a never-ending chain that will hold strong long after your life-span.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nbmapa.org
- Email: info@nbmapa.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thenbmapa
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/thenbmapa
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/nbmapress
Image Credit:
Lindria Dockett (photo of all photos Twanita Dozier and Kimberly in black dress)
Delacia Tolbert (photos of Kimberly only)
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