Jonah Bryson

Jonah Bryson is an experienced political communications strategist, currently serving as a press secretary and on-the-record spokesperson for the NAACP and its President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, the leader of America’s flagship civil rights organization. Previously, he worked with Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, for 2 years. Bryson's work spans from grassroots campaigns to national politics, and often intertwines local, regional and mainstream media strategies to maximize impact.

While working with MLK III, Bryson directed the King family's 2020 filmed address, live from the UN General Assembly, for the anniversary of Dr. King's 1968 assassination. It was released by NBC News.

After joining the NAACP, Bryson conceptualized, directed, and shot a PSA with Morgan Freeman for the 2020 presidential election. It first aired on The Rachel Maddow Show, urging Americans to vote.

To commemorate Joe Biden's first day in The White House as president, Bryson worked with Richard "Mouse" Smith—the Delaware NAACP President who has been lifelong friends with Biden—on a story that shines a light on the 46th President's lifelong commitment to civil rights. It was published by Time Magazine and covered by CBS Evening News on Inauguration Day.

At the NAACP, Bryson coordinates national press strategies on the frontlines of the movement, from voting and reproductive rights, police accountability, gun reform, environmental justice and student debt relief, among other issues, and manages an extensive network of relationships with members of the press. During the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act negotiations on Capitol Hill, Bryson was quoted in The Washington Post, NBC, CBS, and other national outlets. Bryson also joined NAACP leaders at The White House for a meeting with Vice President Harris ahead of the 2022 midterms.

In 2021, Bryson spoke on designing, delivering, and circulating newsworthy soundbites that make an impact and result in favorable headlines at the PR News conference. He then hosted a media strategy workshop with Georgetown Professor Matt Charles.

Bryson's work has been favorably highlighted on CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, AP, Reuters, NBC, ABC, CBS, BBC, The Guardian, Time Magazine, Politico and Axios.

 

In 2022, following Russia’s cruel invasion, Bryson directed a piece featuring more than 200 musicians from around the world in support of Ukraine. It aired in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, South Africa, India and the US, and features a Ukrainian violinist performing inside a bomb shelter in the city of Kharkiv, and Judith Hill, a former lead singer for Michael Jackson.

For the 2018 midterms, Bryson directed a production with survivors of the Parkland high school shooting. It reached #1 on the Rolling Stone's trending list on election day. Sir. Paul McCartney, Reps. John Lewis, Elijah Cummings, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and countless others supported his project.

​

Currently, Bryson is a volunteer with the Humane Rescue Alliance, a Washington DC animal shelter, where he fosters and rehabilitates rescued dogs. In 2014, Bryson also partnered with Mission Blue – an NGO working to preserve and protect our oceans – founded by Dr. Sylvia Earle, the first woman to serve as Chief Scientist at NOAA.

WATCH

Election PSA voiced by Morgan Freeman 

Directed, written, produced, shot, edited, pitched by Jonah Bryson for NAACP

Aired on the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC

2020

Martin Luther King III reflects on the day of his father's assasination

Directed, filmed, produced, scored and edited  by Jonah Bryson

Produced for the King Family

2019

Parkland shooting survivors encourage Americans to vote

Directed, produced, co-written (music), edited, pitched by Jonah Bryson

Released by People Magazine and The Rolling Stone

2018

Ukrainian violinist records anthem with 200 musicians from around the world

Directed, produced, written (music), edited, pitched by Jonah Bryson

Released by Reuters (TV) and The Associated Press (online)

Aired in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, South Africa, India and the US

2022