By Lynne Scott Jackson
Naomi Hagley was a recent AD/PR graduate who passed away during the summer. AD/PR Professor Lynn Scott Jackson remembers her with this touching memorial.
While the world didn’t get to experience Naomi Hagley’s full impact, she will live on in the lives of those she touched.
During her time in my Corporate Communications class, I recall her wish to possibly pursue a music career; Atlantic Records was a place she could see herself working. She was very knowledgeable about artists at the music label and had the passion and perseverance to get her foot in the door, researching entry-level qualifications for internships and early career opportunities. Well versed about business icons, she read Disney CEO Robert Iger’s memoir The Ride of a Lifetime, and eagerly shared how he reinvented one of the world’s most beloved companies and inspired employees.
Naomi was also an advocate for bringing mental health issues to the forefront in the Black community, helping Gen Z and Millennials navigate life in a post-Covid world. For her final project in support of The News Literacy Project, she explored how misleading information cast a cloud over the issue and revealed how influencers, celebrities, community and religious leaders could be used as spokespersons to keep mental health on the forefront of public consciousness. In her own words,
“Mental Health is a national epidemic that continues to affect Americans; many individuals go misdiagnosed and mistreated. Misinformation in the news regarding mental health in the African American community can have a significant impact on the community. Research has detected that the Black community has a tremendous stigma associated with mental illness. The issue here is how to diminish the misinformation regarding mental health within the African American community.”
In developing her simulated campaign to address this important issue, Naomi suggested programming to educate African American communities about mental illness, including workshops and linking those in need with community organizations who provide counseling and other services.
If her life hadn’t been cut short, she would have undoubtedly used her communication skills to give voice to this important topic, encouraging others to seek help for mental health struggles—without stigma.
Our sincere condolences to her family, friends, classmates and mentors during this tragic loss of an Ad/PR All Star whose bright career was just beginning.
For those who knew Naomi, support resources are available at the Counseling Center. Students can make an appointment by calling (212) 650-8222 or emailing counseling@ccny.cuny.edu. Additionally, they have walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
A memorial for Naomi Hagley is forthcoming from the Advertising/PR department.
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