As predicted, the trade journals spotlighted lots of original executions and splashy campaigns from White advertisers and White advertising agencies celebrating International Women’s Day. Why, the publications even created their own gushing tributes. A single day inspired endless and expensive propaganda for women—while 28 days generated a handful of half-hearted nods for Blacks.
MultiCultClassics is often occupied with real work. As a result, a handful of events occur without the expected blog commentary. This limited series—Delayed WTF—seeks to make belated amends for the absence of malice.
As mentioned with the Steve Stoute perspective published by Adweek, it seemed like the advertising industry was delegating diversity celebrations during Black History Month. That is, lots of Black executives filled lots of content and column space discussing the dismal dearth of diversity in adland.
Why?
Sure, diversity is an important discussion topic. And it certainly gains relevance in the month of February. But isn’t the purpose of Black History Month to honor accomplishments, contributions and heroic figures? And wasn’t the BHM 2019 theme on Black Migrations?
International Women’s Day is happening on Friday, March 8. Does anyone expect to see a focus on the prevalence of sexual harassment, gender pay gaps and mansplaining in advertising agencies?
No, it’s more likely the industry will excrete a barrage of big-budget big ideas to globally salute sisterhood for 24 hours—a stark contrast to the royalty-free stock images used to crummily commemorate Blacks for 28 days.
Adweek published a perspective from Translation Founder and CEO Steve Stoute, who declared, “Fixing Advertising’s Diversity Problem Shouldn’t Fall to Minorities.” Agreed. Yet it appeared that Black History Month presented lots of delegating diversity opportunities, as Blacks were seemingly tasked with commenting on the lack of industry inclusion. Meanwhile, the Whites ultimately perpetuating the problem were conspicuously silent.
Fixing Advertising’s Diversity Problem Shouldn’t Fall to Minorities
Doing this additional work isn’t in their job descriptions
By Steve Stoute
Let’s talk about what diversity is not.
Diversity is not hiring a person of color or a female executive to save a predominantly white company from public backlash.
Diversity is not recruiting culture creators from different ethnicities to serve as global ambassadors of top companies in exchange for checks that represent only a fraction of the profit their influence will generate.
In regard to preeminent awards shows, diversity is not just appointing a few prominent people of color to the jury.
For instance, there are 27 juries at Cannes Lions this year, and I am one of only four persons of color serving as a jury president. So while I’m proud to play my part in pushing culture forward at the festival, I recognize that there is still a long way to go.
Setting the benchmark for best-in-class communications across many forms, Cannes also has a responsibility to set a benchmark in diversity. Cannes, like the advertising industry at large, has no diversity legacy. As a result, too many talented young men and women don’t believe there is a space or potential for them in the business.
The only true way to reflect the world you’re aspiring to shape is to embrace diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It’s the only way to understand cultural codes, tap into a range of emotions, grasp the issues impacting different communities and understand how messages are best communicated across different groups.
Advertising is rooted in developing a deep understanding of the shared values that define a generation. It’s about being authentically tuned into an ethos that transcends demographics.
This understanding is expressed through stories, conversations and experiences that translate the relationship between culture and commerce. A win in the new economy isn’t measured by clever campaigns or units purchased; it’s measured by authenticity and cultural equity.
This thinking also applies to an awards jury. Standing at the forefront of an industry with such tremendous global influence and power, it’s critical for Cannes to embrace diversity in all its forms.
Leaders everywhere must see value in doing things differently and do what it takes to change. This is even more true for the ad and music industries because they are businesses rooted in culture, and the culture is demanding change.
However, it’s still difficult to find diverse talent in advertising because diversity is undervalued and misunderstood within an industry that traditionally requires a marketing degree, years of experience and climbing the corporate ladder. For years, it has also required assimilating into a uniform industry culture.
That structure needs to change. The same talent that has been shut out, overlooked or, frankly, intimidated must now drive it: the storytellers, the design thinkers, the artists, multi-hyphenates, the tastemakers and other unconventional creative leaders.
I started in the music business, which has more diversity in relation to artists, yet like advertising, it needs more diversity at the top. Coming from music and specifically working within hip-hop culture, it was always understood that these diverse groups were invaluable contributors.
Embracing diversity forces companies out of comfort zones, out of silos and breaks them out of every other narrow way of operating that leads to the missteps and failures we’ve repeatedly seen companies make. Every creative industry is evolving to take on a new identity in the digital era, so now is the perfect time to stop being trapped in tradition, terrified of transferring power, and open the door for more diversity across the board.
Otherwise, to quote Shuri in Black Panther, advertising becomes “another broken white boy for us to fix.”
Steve Stoute founder and CEO of UnitedMasters and Translation.
Advertising Age spotlighted “Five groundbreaking campaigns that moved the needle on black representation in ads”—presumably to honor Black History Month. Can’t help but wonder if the well-intentioned report displays unconscious revisionist history.
Spotlighting the Michael Jackson Pepsi campaign as groundbreaking for Black representation in advertising is true on certain levels, mostly in regards to crossover appeal and big-budget endorsements. Yet the article failed to mention the campaign was really initiated by the Jacksons, their managers and Entertainment Marketing & Communications International CEO Jay Coleman. Apparently, Coleman first proposed the deal to Coca-Cola. So it’s not like BBDO—Pepsi’s White advertising agency—originally hatched the inclusive innovation. Plus, the campaign is arguably not Pepsi’s most groundbreaking example of Black representation in advertising, as Edward Boyd produced pioneering campaigns that targeted and depicted Blacks about 30 years before the Jacksons arrived for the soft drink brand.
Spotlighting the Michael Jordan-Mars Blackmon Nike campaign—like the Michael Jackson Pepsi campaign—is questionable too. In this case, White advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy tapped “She’s Gotta Have It” and Academy Award Winner Spike Lee. Not sure, but didn’t Lee post the Nike campaign on the SpikeDDB website when first launching his agency?
Don’t mean to overreact, but the Pepsi and Nike campaigns are examples of White advertising agencies hijacking Black culture, which is hardly groundbreaking. And how Ad Age saluted the campaigns is not exactly the best way to celebrate Black History Month.
Spotlighting the “My Black Is Beautiful” campaign is a decent move, but the Ad Age presentation felt clumsy and culturally clueless. The trade journal wrote, “When Procter & Gamble began developing ‘My Black Is Beautiful’ in 2006, exactly what the campaign would do wasn’t fully thought out…” Really? The concept was thought out quite nicely. However, like most Black-focused initiatives, “My Black Is Beautiful” was financed by crumbs. To declare “the program was catapulted to new prominence in 2017 with the video ‘The Talk’ from BBDO” sounds insulting, especially when the White advertising agency likely enjoyed a budget and resources that Black advertising agencies never see. Plus, BBDO needed to “partner” with a Black consultant for the key insight (an insight that is common knowledge for nearly every Black family in America).
Perhaps someday Advertising Age will go beyond spotlighting groundbreaking Black representation in advertising to spotlighting groundbreaking Black representation in advertising agencies.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest. Bonus points for entrants who spot the typo in the promotional advertisements.
The NBA and Nike teamed up to honor Black History Month with warmup shirts described as follows:
During Black History Month, all NBA teams will wear custom Black History Month warmup shirts designed in collaboration with players. This Nike Dri-FIT T-shirt features words selected by players that reflect black history and culture, and our collective commitment to equality and diversity: Activate, Believe, Dream, Empower, Engage, Equality, History Inspire, Justice, Lead, Listen, Love, Perseverance, and Unify. All NBA proceeds will go to the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, AL.
AgencySpy celebrated Black History Month by posting on the continuing financial woes of GlobalHue and its founder, Don Coleman—or more specifically, the financial woes of the former employees still seeking payment from a class-action lawsuit filed in 2016. AgencySpy used to be the place for adland’s best trolls. Now it seems to be the place for former GlobalHue employees to troll their ex-employer, as no other trade source is interested in reporting on the sad spectacle.
Former GlobalHue Employees Have Not Seen Any of the Money Owed to Them in Class-Action Lawsuit
By Patrick Coffee
Multiple former employees of GlobalHue, the multicultural agency that closed in 2016 amid a series of lawsuits filed against founder, CEO and former NFL star Don Coleman, say they have not received any of the money awarded to them in a six-figure 2018 settlement.
In August 2016, we reported that 10 onetime staffers filed a class action suit against Coleman in Manhattan federal court after going more than three months without pay. At the time, Coleman attributed that gap to a “dispute” with his own bank. He then claimed everyone would be paid soon and that none of his agency’s offices would be closing.
Less than two months later, Manhattan’s Filosa Law Firm filed suit. GlobalHue’s offices in New York and Detroit later closed.
More than a year after the suit was filed, Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker ordered Coleman to pay $231,250 plus interest, with that amount consisting of a $185,000 settlement and a $45,350 penalty over a failure to pay the previous total. In late 2017, the judge had granted a motion to reopen that case in order to enforce the earlier settlement.
Today Gregory Filosa, head of the law firm that represented those 10 employees, told AgencySpy, “I can confirm that none of my clients have been paid.” We also reached out to several of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, none of whom agreed to comment on the record.
Coleman faces ongoing legal and financial challenges outside the GlobalHue business. The board of his condo at 45 Park Avenue filed suit against him early last year, claiming that he owed just under $29,000 in common charges and late fees, and the IRS later issued a federal tax lien on the property that amounted to $470,484.44 as of May, 2018.
When reached for comment, Coleman wrote that “all involved in lawsuit were paid in full last month” and referred to a Michigan-based lawyer who later stated that he is Coleman’s court-appointed receiver in a case involving Comerica Bank that is not related to the class-action case.
That matter stemmed from Walmart Stores, Inc. v. Don Coleman Advertising Inc. In mid-2017, Walmart, which was a former client of GlobalHue, filed an interpleader complaint “to avoid multiple liability and unnecessary suits and costs” over $281,2500 owed to the then-shuttered agency. The retail giant had placed the money with the bank because the agency was no longer in business, and its suit sought to force all involved parties to resolve the dispute.
Two days ago, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division issued a judgment sending that money to Comerica Bank, which was then told to pay $15,000 to production company Ringside Creative.
When asked for clarity regarding the individuals behind the New York suit, Coleman wrote, “You should have their attorney give you more details. I’m no longer involved.”
Comcast Xfinity celebrates Black History Month with media, music and more. No word if Byron Allen will be tuning in.
Adweek presented a perspective from VCU Brandcenter Executive Director Vann Graves, who argued for the imperative for diversity in the advertising industry. It’s slightly ironic that Graves ultimately left the business to lead VCU Brandcenter, effectively decreasing adland’s overall diversity.
Graves declared, “[B]rands should make an active commitment to diversity for the sake of positive change.” Um, guess he missed the latest ANA report showing advertisers are struggling with diversity. And Graves hopefully doesn’t need a report to prove things are worse at White advertising agencies serving the advertisers. Happy Black History Month.
Brands Still Have a Lot to Learn About Diversity and Creating Inclusive Work Environments
It’s 2019, and we’re still seeing what should be obvious racially insensitive missteps
By Vann Graves
In the past week, the Commonwealth of Virginia was the focus of many heated discussions across the nation. Of course, the attention this ongoing discourse has attracted has been a source of significant embarrassment and shame. However, the use of blackface is not new to Virginia, the South or even our country as a whole. Almost certainly, yearbooks have featured folks in blackface and Klan robes both above and below the Mason–Dixon line, but I don’t want to attribute geographic blame here. I believe this collision of insensitivity has presented us with an unexpected chance to improve (at least in part) this situation.
It has not been lost on me and many others that the revelations in Virginia are occurring in February, which marks Black History Month. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson established the first-ever Negro History Week to celebrate Black Americans for their achievements and contributions to U.S. culture and the financial accomplishments of the nation. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14. This week should be a week of celebration.
Anyone can perform a quick Google search to glean the basic historical context of blackface. As such, I will refrain from attempting to educate you on the topic or explain why some people think it isn’t worthy of national concern.
This issue isn’t confined to the past. Today, racial bias remains embedded in the landscape of the marketplace and the homogeneity of upper management and other leadership factions. It underscores the fact that we consistently fail to heed the timeless warning of “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”
Think about it. We once supported brand characters like the Lever Brothers’ (now Unilever) Gold Dust Twins and continue to have Aunt Jemima (now owned by Quaker Oats), Uncle Ben’s (Mars Food) and Cream of Wheat’s Rastus (B&G Foods). It is clear that race continues to be infused in many of today’s business practices and can lead to the success or failure of brands. Even the most cynical, who care only about the bottom line, should acknowledge that it’s smart business to recognize the importance of diversity and the need to develop well-trained, diverse teams.
I am simply shocked by Gucci’s blackface sweater and Adidas’s all-white sneakers to “Celebrate Black Culture.” Let me clarify: I am shocked by our inability to understand that brands and agencies need to have diverse decision-making teams to prevent this from happening. It’s not enough to have people of color “in the room.”
Diversity isn’t about headcount; it’s about heads that count. When people of color and other underrepresented groups hold positions of power, they can prevent this type of horrifying decision from ever impacting the marketplace.
I don’t mean that this task should fall on the shoulders of one or a few, but we need to establish a new workplace norm that embraces a culture of diversity. Diversity shouldn’t enter the conversation only after a brand or an advertising campaign offends people; brands should make an active commitment to diversity for the sake of positive change. We create this diversity—not to the exclusion of anyone, but the acceptance of everyone. Until the demographics of our business leaders resemble the demographics of our marketplace, we will be doomed to repeat history’s mistakes.
Just last year, H&M put a young black boy in a “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” T-shirt, Prada displayed unabashedly racist imagery in their storefront window and Dove released an ad in which a black woman became white. Clearly, we have yet to grasp the idea that our talk about change isn’t enough. Some changes happen through revolution and others through evolution, but both processes require more than lip service.
This country is so fortunate to be characterized by a beautiful patchwork of people from different backgrounds, cultures and communities. When treated with the respect and honor it deserves, this gift of diversity can help us avoid repeating past mistakes and reflect more proactively on our present and future. We must be committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining diversity in the workplace, not only because it’s good for business but because it’s the right thing to do. Period.
Vann Graves is executive director at VCU Brandcenter.
GMR Marketing proudly celebrates Black History Month by honoring Black leaders throughout history. Okay, but it would have been nice to see even one Black leader on the GMR team.
Adweek reported on the BHM initiative from brown & browner Founder Derek Walker, spotlighting talent of color via his social channels.
Agency Owner Derek Walker Uses Social Media Accounts to Spotlight Talent of Color Each Day of Black History Month
He hopes the list will spark conversation and industry-wide change
By Doug Zanger
Derek Walker, founder of Columbia, S.C. agency brown & browner, is hard to miss. Whether it’s his Twitter, LinkedIn feed or some of his blog posts, Walker has carved out a significant niche as a steadfast voice on issues related to diversity, inclusion and race in advertising. During Black History Month this year, Walker decided to focus on some of advertising’s most overlooked talent, so each day in February, he is highlighting talent of color on his social channels.
“In previous years, I would highlight black inventors, scientists and famous people who weren’t known,” said Walker. “But I thought this year I would introduce talented black industry talent to the world that otherwise would not get the recognition they deserve.”
So far, Walker has featured the Mixed Company podcast team; art directors Khalid Robertson, Edwina Owens Elliott and Castro Desroches; Society Redefined founder Deadra Rahaman; creative director Kevin Miles; professor Douglas Davis and brand powerhouses Gwen Kelly and Aja Smith.
“I’ve watched their careers,” said Walker. “I have 28 [people to highlight], but could almost do 200.”
That idea brings up a critical point to Walker: Why is it that February is the only month when talent of color seemingly gets the spotlight?
“I’m more than happy for someone to borrow this idea,” he said. “Do it once a week, once a month. … There are organizations designed to do this well. There are so many black, brown, Asian and Hispanic creatives who are being overlooked.”
Part of the issue, in Walker’s mind, rests with the substantial number of organizations dedicated to talent yet unable to come together for the greater good.
“I think that someone like the 4As should pull all of us into a room and figure it out,” noted Walker. “There are many programs, all vying for the same amount of space and time on the issue. Why can’t we just drop the barriers?”
Barriers are a consistent theme for Walker, who started his career at Cramer-Krasselt and had stints as a successful copywriter at Falgren, Temerlin McClain, TBWA\Chiat\Day and Berry Brown working on brands such as McDonald’s, Subaru, Morningstar Farms, Nationwide Insurance, Nissan, American Airlines, Master Lock and others before ultimately becoming in-house creative director for RadioShack.
“At one of my last two agencies, I was told that I could never be anything more than an ACD or creative director,” recalled Walker. “The other agency said I wouldn’t even become a CD. The fact was that I was never going to be in upper management because of the color of my skin, and this was despite glowing evaluations.”
Going back even further, Walker was the president of the University of South Carolina ad club and in the top 10 percent of his class, yet while his white classmates ended up getting industry jobs, Walker, after 11 interviews in Atlanta, was unable to find work. After going to portfolio school, Cramer-Krasselt (specifically, Paul Counsell) was his first opportunity.
“[Paul] was the first person to tell me, ‘Don’t you ever stop reminding us that you’re black.’”
Counsell told Walker that he saw the world differently because of Walker’s experiences. Also, in a meeting to discuss client work, Walker found the creative to be offensive, yet tended to keep it to himself.
“[Paul] could see in my face that I was upset,” said Walker. “He said, ‘Tell us what you’re thinking.’ After that, I did, and he said, ‘Don’t ever hold your tongue again or I’ll fire you. Because if we had done this work, it would have gone out in the world and been much worse for the client and us.’”
A couple significant parts of the issue today, as Walker sees it, is that the industry hasn’t looked at inclusion as an advertising assignment and that talent of color have been left behind while others have been elevated.
While Walker stresses the importance of recent movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, he wants to know: “Where’s the enthusiasm for race?”
“[The public is] all-in for everyone else but race?” he posed. “The thinking is, ‘We’ll leave that alone for a while and get to it when we get to it.’”
Another factor that Walker feels is holding talent of color back are the agencies where they begin their careers.
“If you work at a black agency, as a black person, you might as well count on staying there because general market agencies are slow to hire them away,” said Walker. “There are some brilliant people at the black and Hispanic shops, but the system put in place, with smaller budgets and assignments, aren’t helping. Some of these agencies are more than worthy of pitching an entire account, … so the clients and brands have some blame as well.”
To further highlight talent, Walker has been quietly working on organizing what is called the Creative Kumite, a three-day competition where creative teams of color work on a big-budget brief that will result in real work for a brand. While the goal is to generate output, the bigger mission is for talent to get the exposure needed to take their careers to the next level.
“I’ll use a basketball analogy,” said Walker. “The rule is, if you show up at the court, you have to be able to play. No one cares what you look like, the only question is ‘Can you play?’ And the only way to prove that is to get out on the court. I think we can do this in advertising and those that are recruiting will see that there are plenty of people who can do well. All they have to do is see it for themselves.”
Adweek reported on nine brands saluting Black History Month with promotions and patronizing propaganda. While a handful of companies have been consistent supporters over the years, the story underscores the industry’s overall lack of interest for Black History Month—which is rooted in the overall lack of interest for Blacks. While events like International Women’s Day inspire endless campaigns with big budgets and big hopes of landing awards, the 28 days of February typically feature single-shot shit with crumby budgets and hopefully royalty-free stock images.
How These 9 Brands Are Commemorating Black History Month This Year
Hulu, Lyft and more rolled out new initiatives this February
By Diana Pearl
It’s Black History Month, and as the country celebrates black people, black activists and black icons, several brands are joining in to honor the impact they’ve had on culture and society. Here are nine brands who are participating and what they’re doing below.
The social media giant is encouraging its users to #ShareBlackStories with the advent of newly-unveiled creative and camera tools that were thought up by some black employees at Instagram. Additionally, on the platform’s own Instagram account, stories from creators like Tawny Chatmon, Paola “Pao Pao” Mathé and Uzumaki Cepeda as well as short films featuring prominent black figures will be shared throughout the month.
Nike
As per its usual tradition, Nike released a new lineup of sneakers in honor of Black History Month. The brand debuted eight new pairs of kicks for the occasion for men, women and children, including an Air Jordan sneaker and a pair of Converse high-tops. (Fellow sportswear brand Adidas also debuted a pair of Black History Month sneakers this year, but it was pulled after the all-white shoes received social media backlash.)
Target
For the month of February, Target’s monthly beauty boxes will feature products for black consumers from black-owned brands, including Carol’s Daughter and Nubian Heritage. There are three boxes total, one for men and two for women. Additionally, the retailer is selling several products in honor of the month, including T-shirts listing the names of several influential black figures in history, like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.
Hulu
The streaming platform rolled out a new three-part series this month called Around the Way, which features stories from notable black voices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York, including musician Jermaine Dupri, mayor of Compton Aja Brown and Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia Stacey Abrams. Hulu is also rolling out Celebrating Black Stories, a hub centered on “content celebrating black voices and themes on our platform,” according to a statement, which will remain on the platform through the end of February.
At Twitter’s New York City office, the company’s rotating #WallForACause, a cause-inspired art installation, celebrates #BlackExcellence in February. In collaboration with Blackbirds, Twitter’s black employee group, and local artist Keebs, the installation highlights several influential black women throughout history, including Coretta Scott King and Nina Simone, as well as modern figures like Serena Williams and Tarana Burke, founder of #MeToo.
Hennessy
Hennessy is rolling out a video series for Black History Month called We Are. The series will run for four episodes, each one featuring a different lineup of black artists, activists and more. Rapper ASAP Ferg and fashion designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss are among the names featured in the first episode, which is titled “We Are Creators.” It will be followed by three more: “We Are Proud,” “We Are Disruptors” and “We Are Ambitious.”
Coca-Cola
Throughout Black History Month, Coca-Cola is sponsoring a contest called “Share Your Service Story”—where people can share stories about their own military service or their family members’ or friends’—for a chance to win one of four scholarships worth $1,000 to $5,000. Participants can enter by sharing a photo or video on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ShareYourServiceStoryContest. The contest, done in partnership with the USO, is held in memory of Charles B. Hall, who was the first black service member to take down an enemy plane during the Second World War.
Lyft
Lyft is giving away free rides to “black history museums, memorials and relevant cultural sites, as well as to black-owned businesses” during Black History Month, according to the company. Lyft will provide up to $10 in credit for people to ride to these significant landmarks and has listed all eligible spots on its website.
SoulCycle
Across the country, SoulCycle is hosting rides to benefit the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, with an ultimate goal of raising $20,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds from each fundraising ride throughout the month of February will go to the Defense Fund.
Coca-Cola allied with the USO and Mondelez to salute Black History Month via the Share Your Service Story promotion—featuring a chance to win a $5000 or $1000 scholarship.
AT&T’s Dream In Black 28 appears to be an evolution of the annual 28 Days promotion with a bigger production budget, calling up a bunch of Black celebrities.
Publix presents Publix Aprons® recipes for Black History Month.
The culinary collection does not include any dishes from Annie the Chicken Queen.
Not sure why Bill Cosby chose to make his first public statement from jail during Black History Month. Definitely not sure why he positioned himself as a “political prisoner” alongside historical figures including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Dr. Benjamin Chavis. Not aware of any protest rallies with marchers chanting, “Free Cliff Huxtable!”
Bill Cosby says he won’t feel remorse because he’s a ‘political prisoner’
By Nicole Chavez, CNN
(CNN) In his first public statement from prison, Bill Cosby said he will never have remorse for his crimes and called himself a political prisoner.
“My political beliefs, my actions of trying to humanize all races, genders and religions landed me in this place surrounded by barb wire fencing, a room made of steel and iron,” the comedian said in a statement released through his press spokesman, Andrew Wyatt.
Cosby, 81, also noted that his cell at SCI Phoenix, the prison outside Philadelphia where he is serving his sentence, “resembles the quarters of some of the Greatest Political Prisoners—Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Randal Robinson, and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.”
Cosby’s statement was made public Wednesday after Wyatt spoke with WCAU in Philadelphia for a TV interview and revealed new details about the comedian’s time behind bars.
Cosby, once known as “America’s Dad,” was sentenced in September to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his home in 2004.
He’s being held at SCI Phoenix, a maximum security prison outside Philadelphia, and was recently moved to the prison’s general population. He spent a few months in a single cell in a unit adjacent to the infirmary, said Amy Worden, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
‘He did nothing wrong’
Wyatt and Cosby’s attorneys have been visiting the comedian in prison. They’ve seen Cosby smiling and taking the time to develop new projects, Wyatt said in the NBC10 interview.
“When I visit him it’s nothing sad about it,” Wyatt said. “He’s not sad, he’s not remorseful because he did nothing wrong.”
“The sheer volume of people coming forward making an accusation doesn’t mean that it’s true. And what America has said is that women don’t lie. Women do lie,” Wyatt added.
In his statement, Cosby agreed with Wyatt’s comments and argued that he was convicted even after authorities decided not to press charges against him in 2005 and when he reached a multimillion-dollar settlement for a civil lawsuit filed by Constand, one of the dozens of women who have publicly accused the comedian of sexual assault.
He believes it was the political aspirations of a district attorney and a judge that landed him in prison, according to the statement.
Cosby’s lengthy path to conviction began in 2004 when Constand accused him of sexual assault. A decade later, dozens of women came forward with accusations that Cosby had drugged and assaulted them in similar incidents over his career as a powerful media figure.
He was arrested in 2015 after a new team of prosecutors took up Constand’s case, which was the only case that occurred within the statute of limitations.
CNN’s Steve Forrest, Kristina Sgueglia and Eric Levenson contributed to this report.
Adweek published a lengthy report on Black History Month celebrations at White advertising agencies. Guess the trade journal couldn’t find a single Black advertising agency to feature. Whatever. The patronizing highlights include:
• Deutsch will host a panel discussion on Black women in corporate America, along with a workshop, dance class and exhibition by Black artists. According to Adweek, a Deutsch mouthpiece declared the core of the agency “is in its talent and that ‘creating an inclusive place for our employees is our number one priority.’” Okay, but the statement is coming from an exclusive place that fired its Diversity Director, who later claimed, “I was told that the agency was no longer going to invest in diversity.”
• TBWA\Chiat\Day appears to have delegated the festivities to Chief Diversity Officer for North America Doug Melville.
• Havas is regurgitating its #BlackAtWork propaganda for all the Blacks who fucking love working there.
• Forsman & Bodenfors will screen a movie—either The Hate U Give, Selma, Black Panther or Coming to America. Adweek didn’t probe on how the Sweden-based agency arrived at selecting the film finalists.
• Allen & Gerritsen CEO Andrew Graff said, “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past and inspire A&G’s commitment to consistently evolve and bravely challenge ourselves to be inclusive.” Sorry, but a peek at the agency leadership displays a lack of bravery and an abundance of culturally clueless cowardice.
Given the many art and music events planned at White advertising agencies, it’s safe to say that saluting Black History Month in adland is a bunch of song and dance.
Macy’s celebrates Black History Month by honoring lasting legacies—which looks a lot like last year’s lollapalooza.
It’s February 12 and Mickey D’s 365Black has not yet acknowledged Black History Month. Time to cut a few digits from 365?
