CHANNEL CHANGERS...A DOCUMENTARY

IDEA:

The story of the first Blacks hired in Chicago’s biggest advertising agencies from the early 1960s through the late 1980s...and how it relates to Black influence on media and culture today.

RATIONALE:

As a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement, corporate America was first pushed to recognize Blacks as consumers, citizens, and professionals. Previously focusing almost exclusively on white Americans, advertisers began to be made aware of the full humanity, cultural significance, and profitability of Blacks as both consumers and professionals.

GOAL:

To raise awareness of the contributions Blacks in Advertising in Chicago brought and still bring to the cultural fabric of the advertising industry, the nation, and the world.