Comms

PROFESSIONAL

THE TOP TEA

The Top Tea is a Black pop culture blog I launched in July 2014 (rebranded to The Top Tea in January 2015). By the end of my first run, I’d strategically amassed 350K+ followers (across socials) and hit 7M+ weekly impressions.

I meticulously curated informative and entertaining content that leaned towards creating a positive digital ecosystem. Our coverage made it across several online publications from Harper’s Bazaar to Hello Beautiful.

To further the brand’s identity, I fostered relationships with publicists, managers and celebrity followers (e.g. Ellen Pompeo). I also produced and hosted an Instagram live series (avg. 1k+ live viewers) with celebrities like singer/actress Coco Jones and actors Da’Vinchi and Jonathan Daviss.

ENGAGEMENT FROM THE TOP TEA

I’ve worked on several high-scale projects for BET, Essence, EBONY, ASCAP and more managing red carpets and interfacing with talent, management, publicists and press during events.

Pictured: ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards, EBONY Power 100 Gala, BET Soul Train Awards, Essence Black Women in Hollywood

Under ASIL, I’ve also developed and executed campaigns for tech, entertainers and more. I’ve managed various social accounts for films, authors and entertainers increasing views/reach (3000%), engagement (100%+) and following (15%-20%).

I’ve produced premium in-person and digital experiences, written/designed numerous deliverables and secured press.

Professor B.

I’m currently an Adjunct Professor and Lead Instructor at the University of Southern California (USC). I also previously instructed a course in the LAUSD through USC’s Critical Media Project (pictured right). My mother and aunt are esteemed educators, so I consider teaching to be a family gift.

RECENT TALKS, PRESENTATIONS and PANELS

panelist at Cornell University

A panel at Cornell University for students and community members to get the inside scoop on different kinds of producing – covering everything from scripted to unscripted, game shows, docu-series, feature films, award shows and more.

Panelists: Bryant Lydell (myself), Tyler Young and Maura Chanz

guest lecture at Boston University

A guest lecture for Boston University Television and Film Department students on the differences and similarities between the post process is scripted and unscripted media.

Presented by Bryant Lydell (myself)

speaker at Rain the Growth Agency

“An informative [presentation] about the origins of #WomensHistoryMonth, how Black women are portrayed in the media, and how marketers can recognize the intercultural influence of Black women.” - Rain the Growth Agency

Presented by Bryant Lydell (myself) and Kyndall Echols

guest lecture in USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

A guest lecture in LaVonna B. Lewis, PhD, MPH course on the intersection of classism and television and how policymakers can utilize and influence media to ideate and create equitable changes.

Presented by Bryant Lydell (myself)