Black America And The Advertising Industry

It’s a perfect storm. There’s the Jena Six, OJ going back to jail, Isiah Thomas’ sexual harassment trial (which he lost), Michael Vick, the anniversary of Arkansas’ school integration, and, and, and… all this high media level activity has seemed to get folks thinking about Black Americans. This includes advertising. There’s been a recent onslaught of conversations around the internet about Blacks and the advertising industry. Here’s a quick recap:

- Eugene Morris talks about the evolution of Black advertising agencies in AdWeek. Read it here.

- Who’s responsible for the stereotypes in advertising? Read it here.

- There’s a new high school for advertising, which is to be set-up in deep Brooklyn with the hope of attracting minority students. Read it here.

- Which racial group looks best in print? Read it here.

- The Democrats are calling on the government to spend more dollars with minority agencies. Read it here.

- We talked about this few weeks ago, but for those who missed it – Why minority employees really leave. Read it here.

- P&G is gearing up to launch its “Black Is Beautiful” campaign. Read it here.

- A new documentary called “What Black Men Think” might help guide you as you develop your next campaign. See video above. Read it here.