4A's Black History Month Celebration

At the 4A's, we see DEIB as integral to our culture and as a business imperative, never missing an opportunity to encourage our members to do the same. We are proud and delighted to celebrate our amazing teammates all through February in honor of Black History Month, and remain grateful for their contributions all year long. Through this feature, we hope you enjoy getting to know more about some of our colleagues as much as we did. Each personal anecdote, favorite quote and inspirational call to action is worthy of reflection and appreciation, and we thank everyone who participated by sharing their stories, and everyone who followed along and engaged with our month-long celebration.

Meet Our Colleagues

Jacquelyn G. finds joy in connecting people and helping others thrive, embodying the "big sister"/mentor she never had.

🌟 Advice to my younger self: 

The opportunities are endless...go after them, apply for that scholarship or internship. Silence that inner voice that makes you doubt your abilities. Trust that your dreams, community and opportunity are all working together for your good.

How I would like the industry to recognize Black History Month:

By continuing to develop and foster the safe spaces and opportunities created in 2020 for Black people to thrive, despite economic uncertainty. Just as the 4A's Foundation continues to evolve with the industry while sustaining our programs, I'd like the industry to follow suit.

🌟 Role model/inspiration:

My mom will forever be the blueprint. She is intelligent, poised, witty, kind and down to earth. The greatest life lesson she's taught me was to "follow the thread." Following the thread meant exploring my curiosity in pursuit of my goals in both big and small ways.

Kiarra Elliott draws strength and inspiration from the women in her family.

Advice to my younger self:

Trust the process, listen to your intuition and pay attention to what flows towards you.

👏🏿 What Black History Month means to me:

It opens up a space to learn, understand, and dig deeper into Black stories and the many creative developments across music, art, dance and medical and technological innovations. This celebrates and uplifts Black voices and spotlights those who have made and continue to make a difference.

🌟 Role model/Inspiration:

The woman in my family! They have each taught me how to show up for myself even when in doubt, never forget where I come from and the true meaning of the power I hold in my passions and skills. These phenomenal women I am proud to share my DNA with have always been my source of strength and inspiration.

David-Anthony Powell, aka DA believes providing opportunities for BIPOC professionals in the advertising industry to thrive includes fostering a more inclusive workplace, cultivating and embracing ideas from and supporting initiatives that promote diversity in leadership roles. In his words, it comes down to "Being Seen…Being Heard…Being Valued!"

Three slogans that sum up my experience in the industry:

💪🏿 “Be All That You Can Be” 

💼 “The Real Thing” 

✔️ “Just Do it”

Advice for my younger self:

💥 Embrace Failure 

🚀 Stay Curious and Keep Striving 

🌟 Trust Your Intuition 

🌱 Live in the Present Moment

Examples of positive change I've seen in the DEIB area in our industry:

🏢 Elevation of Danny Robinson to CEO at The Martin Agency 

🌟 Jason White being installed as President of Wieden + Kennedy

One thing I would like to change about representation and belonging in the industry:

💬 Honest transparent conversations – Keeping it Real

How I would like the industry to recognize and honor Black History Month:

💼 Invest in Black Talent 

📚 Education and Awareness 

🤝🏿 Collaborate with Black-Owned Businesses

Inspirational quote:

🌟 “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Gregory T. Walker was on the 4A's Foundation MAIP committee in the 1980s and is amazed at how far the program has come in 50 years, placing hundreds of diverse professionals in the industry. He appreciates the ongoing role that MAIP, Vanguard, Face of Talent and our diversity training and guidance materials provide to agencies.  "We keep taking away the excuses, and need to continue to do so. " 

⭐A little known fact about me

I'm an avid golfer and have won 10 trophies in tournaments at my club. 

⭐Three words that sum up my experience in the industry 

Opportunity, Preparation, Tenacity

⭐Advice for my younger self

Never lose confidence in yourself. God didn't bring you this far to fail.

⭐One example of positive change I've seen in the DEIB area in our industry 

The announcement of Danny Robinson as the CEO of The Martin Agency is this year's highpoint so far.

⭐One thing I would like to change about representation and belonging in the industry  

Make it real. Embracing diversity is much more than representation. It's providing an environment that encourages and enables employees to bring their "whole selves" to their company. Also, it doesn't tolerate those who won't accept or model that perspective.

As a recent graduate, Awa Badiane often worried about the future, Over the years, she has realized how needless this worrying is,  to be patient, and trust "greatness will find me."

A few little-known facts about me

🌟 President of the Black Student Union, sophomore year at Lawrence University

🎳 Professional bowler in high school

✨ Growing up, I wanted to be Oprah (still do!)

Advice for my younger self

☀ Calm down, be patient, and trust greatness will find you.

What Black History Month means to me

🌠 It's a time to learn about and celebrate Black accomplishments and liberation. It is also a time to further amplify Black people working to overcome repression today.

Kennedy Studdard believes diversity shouldn't be a nice-to-have, especially in an industry where we're talking about culture and perspective. "Now more than ever is a time where the commitments, accountability and proactive efforts to walk the walk matter."

🌟 A little known fact about me:

I have a huge passion for food, cooking, and the culinary world. I've attended several food festivals and hope to get to more this year! Moreover, I'm hoping to start a garden 🌱 and grow my own produce starting this year.

🌟 Three words that sum up my experience in the industry:

Memorable, Challenging, Impactful

🌟 Advice for my younger self:

Your timing is YOUR timing, so bet on yourself the first time. Also everything will turn out just fine so trust the process!

🌟 What Black History Month means to me: Black History Month is a celebration of culture, community, identity, creativity and joy. It's a month-long reminder of the pride and brilliance that comes with being Black. It's a reflection of our history, the good and the bad, and it encourages what's possible for the future. Black pride lives all year long.

🌟 How I would like the industry to recognize Black History Month:

Honor and recognize those who embody this identity – elevate and raise them up; support, sponsor and provide access, resources and opportunities. This industry can do more, and it starts with inviting folks to the table (or letting them build their own and fully supporting that process). Invest in programs like 4A's Foundation MAIP and continue the commitment even after the summer ends – we can do so much more when unified! ✊🏿✨

Tangie Murray walks the walk, always showing up authentically and inspiring others to do the same.

Three words that sum up my professional experience and personal values:

🤝Culture, Connection, Impact

Advice for my younger self:

☀️Comparison is the thief of joy. Never be afraid to show up as your authentic self - there is only one you!

Role model/ inspiration: 

❄️When I was an Account Executive at Grey , working on P&G Downy, Esi Eggleston Bracey was my Brand Manager. Esi was smart, but more importantly, kind. She was always approachable and willing to share her time and talents with me as a young Black woman beginning her career. Representation has always mattered, even before it was an industry buzzword. Esi continues to inspire me, not only as a working mom but also as a brilliant industry leader who is making history and boldly living out her legacy.

Gayle Koonce 's message is short, sweet and impactful, just like the library sign she draws inspiration from.

Three industry truths I strive to live by: 

🌺 I need to be authentically me. After all, no one else can.

🌺 When you mess up, acknowledge it. 

🌺 Be strong, courageous and do the work.

Advice for my younger self: 

🌟 Trust and follow your intuition. 

🌟 Be empathetic by listening to more than a person's words.

🌟 Continually strive to grow in how you think. 

🙌🏿 Thoughts on DEIB:

It is important to continue to shine a spotlight on Black History because we've come a long way to get here today, with a long way yet to go. A sign in my local library sums this up:🎶 "Diversity is being invited to the party; equity is planning the party; inclusion is choosing the music." Daniel Juday, M.Ed, C.D.P.

Dorienne Brown, aka Dorie's pride in her Black identity and her creativity shined through even as a child when she tactfully navigated the lack of Black History Month celebration at her school with an initiative of her own!

Fun facts about me:

🏊I grew up swimming competitively and was so committed to the sport that I missed my 8th grade graduation to go to a swim meet! 

🎒My elementary school did not have a Black History Month celebration. So with the permission of my after-school care program, I wrote a play and had students perform and celebrate after school. My dad loves to tell this story.

Advice for my younger self:

🌻You're exactly where you are supposed to be. Trust your gut.

How I would like the industry to honor Black History Month:

🌟It's a time to celebrate the achievements of Black people and their culture. The industry should amplify and honor their work and continue to invest in the Black community.

Maiyah J. Rushing aka MJ channels and exudes her mentor Ericka's spirit of uplifting others with positivity.

A little-known fact about me: 

🎾I grew up playing Squash in Harlem, at a non-profit organization called StreetSquash.

Advice for my younger self:

🌻Take up space, then take up some more.

What Black History Month means to me:

🌟To me, Black History Month is a celebration of the roots and creators of what is largely today's pop culture.

How I would like the industry to recognize and honor it:

✋🏾 I would like to see continued and more intentional promotion of black professionals into leadership roles.

Role model/Inspiration:

Ericka Riggs was my supervisor and mentor during my initial days at the AD Club of NY . A lifelong friend, Ericka constantly uplifted me and everyone around her, always reminding us that we are inherently magical and capable of breaking barriers, if we just believe it.