Breaking Barriers: The Story of Blavity's CEO
Morgan Debaun
From Basement Brainstorms to Breaking Barriers: The Story of Morgan DeBaun and Blavity
Morgan DeBaun isn't your typical CEO. Forget glass towers and corner offices; her story begins in a humble Auburn University basement, fueled by frustration and the unwavering belief that Black voices deserved a platform. This is how a young woman's dream evolved into Blavity, the leading digital media company for Black culture and millennials, reaching over 100 million readers with its robust brand portfolio.
Born in 1990, DeBaun grew up surrounded by the richness of Black culture. But navigating the media landscape often felt like stepping into a different world, where stories like hers – stories of young, ambitious Black professionals – were rarely reflected. The tragic death of Michael Brown in 2014 served as a turning point. The media coverage, she felt, missed the mark, failing to capture the nuances of the community's grief and anger. This dissatisfaction became the spark that ignited Blavity.
The basement became their think tank. DeBaun, joined by fellow alumni Aaron Samuels, Justin Robinson, Jordan Ward, and Bre Johnson, huddled around laptops, their collective frustration morphing into a vision. They yearned for a platform that spoke to their generation, showcasing Black excellence, tackling challenging issues, and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Black experiences. Thus, Blavity was born, initially a curated video newsletter delivered to a small but engaged audience.
Their passion, however, was more than just a newsletter. It was a movement. Blavity evolved into a dynamic website featuring original content covering news, entertainment, lifestyle, and career advice as it grew. Soon, they launched niche brands like Blavity News for in-depth reporting, 21Ninety for Black women creators, AfroTech for innovators and entrepreneurs, and Travel Noire for adventurous spirits. Each brand served a specific community within the broader Black demographic, fostering a sense of belonging and validation.
But Blavity wasn't just about content. DeBaun understood the power of community building. She organized workshops, partnered with local organizations, and created mentorship programs, empowering aspiring Black entrepreneurs and media professionals. Blavity became more than a platform; it became a hub for connection, inspiration, and growth.
DeBaun's leadership, however, wasn't always smooth sailing. Early on, they faced skepticism and doubt. Advertisers weren't initially convinced of the market for Black-focused content. But DeBaun and her team persevered, their resilience fueled by their mission and the growing loyalty of their audience. In 2018, a $9 million grant from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund gave them the boost they needed, further validating their vision and solidifying their place in the media landscape.
Today, Blavity stands as a testament to DeBaun's unwavering dedication. With over 100 million readers across its brands, it has become a powerful voice for Black communities, challenging stereotypes, amplifying unheard narratives, and fostering a sense of cultural pride. Its success has paved the way for other Black-owned media companies, creating a more diverse and equitable media landscape.
DeBaun, however, isn't resting on her laurels. Her ambitions extend beyond digital media. She envisions Blavity as a multi-platform enterprise, offering financial management tools, educational resources, and even venture-capital support for Black entrepreneurs. Her ultimate goal is to empower Black communities and close the wealth gap through storytelling and tangible economic opportunities.
Morgan DeBaun's journey is far from over. It's a story of audacious dreams, unwavering resilience, and a commitment to empowering a generation. From that basement in Auburn to the helm of a media empire, DeBaun has broken barriers and built a platform that reflects Black stories and paves the way for a brighter future. Blavity is more than just a company; it's a movement, and Morgan DeBaun is its fearless leader, ready to rewrite the narrative of Black media and Black success itself.
Key Points:
She founded Blavity in 2014 to create a platform for Black culture and millennials.
Grew from a curated video newsletter to a significant digital media company with over 100 million readers.
Launched niche brands catering to specific needs within the Black community.
Empower Black entrepreneurs and media professionals through workshops, partnerships, and mentorship programs.
She pioneered a more diverse and equitable media landscape for Black voices.
Has ambitions to expand beyond media into financial services, education, and venture capital for Black communities.