Clay Cane is a New York City-based, award-winning writer and media consultant. His work covers various topics such as pop culture, sexuality, race, religion, social networking and personal branding. Raised in both Washington State and Philadelphia, his diverse racial and socio-economic background has delivered thought-provoking and edgy commentary, which has garnered a strong following on his social commentary website, www.ClayCane.net, a 2007 and 2008 Black Weblog Awards nominee.

Clay is a graduate from Rutgers University, Phi Beta Kappa, with a B.A. in English and African American Studies. He is a contributor for numerous print and online publications such as The Root, AOL and The Advocate. He has interviewed various celebrities, including Beyoncé Knowles, Denzel Washington, Hilary Swank, Rihanna and Jodie Foster.

 

On the speaking circuit, Clay spoke at the opening reception for the National Association of Black Accounts on personal branding and social networking, Newark's Academy Street Firehouse (an organization for youth who are directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS) on goal settings, the City College of New York on African American film and panels at various universities. Other topics include racial identity, pop culture, sexuality and religion.

Clay has provided commentary for media outlets such as TV One, BET (Black Entertainment Television), WVON 1690 AM (the largest black talk radio station in Chicago) and KPFK FM radio in Los Angeles. Currently, Clay is the Entertainment Editor at BET.com and a member of New York Film Critics Online.

Topics:
Social Networking and Personal Branding: Clay addresses social networking etiquette and how to effectively use this new media to build your brand. As a journalist who started as a blogger and is now the Entertainment Editor at BET.com, Clay offers expertise on building a career, tips on social networking and how to turn a common Facebook and Twitter account into a vehicle to earn you a career.

Sexuality, Religion and the Black Community: Whether it’s the "down low," HIV/AIDS, or homophobia, Clay offers a unique perspective that is informative, but also entertaining. In November of 2008, Clay wrote a piece on gay marriage and the black community for The Advocate titled "An Unpopular Opinion: Blacks, Gays, and Prop. 8". He combines his personal stories with history and politics.

Racial Identity: Coming from a diverse background and a student of African American Studies, Clay has always been vocal about racial identity. Recently, Clay wrote a controversial article for The Root (owned by The Washington Post), titled, “Halle Berry and the Resurgence of the Tragic Mulatto,” which tackles the myths of biracial identity.

Pop culture: As the Entertainment Editor at BET.com, Clay is constantly in the mix of all things entertainment. Clay talks about the effects of pop culture on American culture, especially for the African American community.

Gender Identity: Clay has extensive experience in the ballroom scene, a LGBT subculture that was popularized by the 1991 documentary Paris Is Burning. Clay is a former member of the House of Latex, a community project with Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and has a written a fictionalized account on the ballroom scene titled BALL-SHAPED WORLD.

Tips for Writers and Journalists: As a professional journalist for over six years, Clay offers advice for aspiring writers of all backgrounds. Having written for mainstream, gay and urban publications, he gives tips on how to get published and expand your career.

 

 

Clay Cane Reel from clay on Vimeo.

 

 

Topics:
Branding, Entertainment, Diversity, Social Networking/Media, Gender Issues

Links:

Website

Twitter

 

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