THEY CHANGED THE FACE OF ADVERTISING FOREVER! Amid the surging Black Power and Civil Rights Movements in 1970s Chicago, a young black advertising genius, Tom Burrell ignited a revolution in the advertising industry, one known for failure to reflect positive images of Black culture in national television commercials. Tom emerged as a catalyst for change, championing his concept of "Positive Realism” a reflection of positive images of Black consumers with the bold assertion that "Black people are not dark-skinned white people," he revolutionized the positive portrayal of black culture in mainstream media. WHAT’S BLACK ABOUT IT? BURRELL: ADVERTISING REVOLUTION" is a vibrant documentary that dives into Tom Burrell's revolutionary impact on the advertising industry. Burrell had to fight against the status quo: racism. The documentary is a celebration of his push for authenticity, diversity, and inclusion on Madison Avenue which sparks a dialogue on the viability of the newly-discovered black consumer purchasing power.

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Friday, October 4, 2024 ⋅4:45 – 6:00pm

Location: Scarritt Bennett Center   (Laskey Welcome Center. Great Hall)