• by Larissa Faw , February 25, 2020

With only a few more days left in February, agencies continue to recognize Black History Month with activities and celebrations.

Doner’s “Give Tribute” initiative is represented by a 18 foot wide/ 9 foot tall Baobab Tree, or African Tree of Life, made of LED string lights erected in Doner’s Detroit lobby. This tree is designed to serve as a reminder that today’s generation stands on the shoulders of those who have sacrificed and struggled. 

More than 20 Doner employees participated in the celebration by submitting stories of who shaped them, with a particular focus on black figures, and how they promise to give back to their communities. 

These stories are showcased on thebaobabtree.doner.com and are shared on the monitors throughout the Detroit office including meeting rooms, the main lobby and breakrooms.

Chemistry’s “Off The Rails” culture series and the Atlanta Ad Queens partnered on a panel featuring African-American industry leaders discussing Black America’s influence on advertising, marketing and global creative culture. The “Experience, Influence, and #Facts” event featured speakers from JWT, High Museum of Art, TILA Studios, and BBDO Atlanta.

Each day during the entire month, The AD Club has celebrated “Icon Rock Stars and Innovators” by profiling a select ad industry professional across its social platforms to acknowledge his or her contributions, accomplishments and successes. Mixed Company signed on to expand this platform into podcasting and the campaign culminates in a reception held Feb. 26 in NYC that enables guests to network and intermingle.

Colle McVoy is grouping all of its month-long events under the “State of Black Business” platform which is centered around local and national entrepreneurs and the successes they championed despite prejudice or racial bias. Initiatives include a poster campaign showcasing two entrepreneurs — one local and one national — each week through the month.
In addition, every Monday, the agency posted an open-ended question prominently around the office meant to inspire people to reflect on the implications of race.

Questions included how has race/ethnicity played a role in successes and failures as well as what do people do when they hear others make biased comments around race?

This week, the MDC Partners-owned agency is hosting four local entrepreneurs to hear their first-hand experience and offer advice.