Adrianne C. Smith, founder of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective, remains committed to pushing for inclusion despite rising political and financial challenges. At this year’s Cannes Lions Festival, Smith led the fifth Inkwell Beach activation even as some sponsors reduced support amid national rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Smith acknowledged the shift but said it only deepened her resolve. “There will always be a space and place for this type of work because people know the power of it,” she told The Root. She added that defunding does not lessen the importance or impact of the work.
Since 2018, Smith’s organization has worked to increase Black presence at the Cannes Lions. Of nearly 20,000 attendees, she noted that very few are Black, and those who are often serve in support roles. Through Inkwell, many Black attendees said it was the first time they felt like they truly belonged at the festival.
For Smith, labels may change, but the mission doesn’t. “When their noise dials down, our noise has to pick up,” she said.
