Ambré: It came from wanting to celebrate Black culture and New Orleans culture specifically. That’s something that I always pride myself on. So it just kind of worked out that way. But I definitely support the message AT&T is putting out.

What do you look for when partnering with brands?

Mýa: The mission statement [of a brand] is very much the focal point and making sure that it’s not some ego-driven [partnership]. It’s about passion, empowerment, of course, and community. I love the arts and any way to bring people together from all ages and backgrounds. It’s also important to represent culture. But it’s always been about the mission statement for me.

Ambré: That’s something that I am definitely trying to be very intentional about: doing the research and making sure I do my due diligence and [know] what certain companies represent. I look for things that stand on integrity and mean something. It should come from a place that they have something they’re trying to share besides just selling. It can be a product, but what’s the message behind the product?

We are living in a moment where brands are getting called out for shallow advocacy. What is your advice to brands when it comes to genuinely supporting Black stories and culture?

Mýa: It’s all about being on the ground, or at least being connected to those that are from the culture so that the stories, the challenges and the lives are being represented correctly. [Make sure] it’s not just a check or exploitation or something that “looks good.” Be very authentic in what you’re trying to convey. Who are you trying to inspire? Even for fundraisers. We see it all the time. Are [the funds] really getting to people in your target audience? Or is it exploitation? There’s responsibility for brands.

Ambré: There’s no “one way.” Behind these companies, there are thousands of employees. It’s not just one person necessarily endorsing something or one person pulling the strings. Mistakes are going to be made when it comes to that because you can’t really cater to everybody. But it’s just more about knowing the integrity of the brand. I’m not an expert. But I personally feel it’s just reaching out to the community that you cater to.