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Each year in February, we celebrate Black History Month to commemorate and promote the achievements of African- Americans and their role in United States history. It's a special month where we highlight the accomplishments of Black figures from yesterday and even those of present day who’ve advanced us as people.
Each year we pay respect to historical icons, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Huey P. Newton, Madame C.J. Walker and those currently making history, such as Vice President Kamala Harris. However, this year it’s important to celebrate and pay respect to those who aren’t always in the forefront that impacted our society. Black publicists and communications strategists have shaped Black history in several ways, and it’s important to recognize their impact in our culture.
Whether it’s a known thing, there were many public relations professionals who helped lead the charge in history defining moments that set the stage for equality and rights for our people.
There is a major importance in recognizing PR professionals this month along the names of those mentioned regularly, as they have contributed to the shift in history. Without the strategy of a pioneering Black publicist, there would be no MLK holiday. Icons such as Bayard Rustin, Ofield Dukes, Ida B. Wells and Judy Smith are some PR icons to name a few. Many may have not heard these names; however, they have helped change history as we know it.
Did you know a Black strategist created campaigns to abolish lynching? In a time during the early 1900s, when Black Lives were considered unequal to their white counterparts and women had no voice compared to men, a Black female publicist and journalist named Ida B. Wells used her skillset in communications to develop strategies to end the lynching of Black people.
From the start of the century through the civil rights era, there were key Black publicists who used their brain power and execution skills to shape iconic moments and alter history as we know it.
The March on Washington was a shift in American culture, but did you know a Black publicist by the name of Bayard Rustin organized the event? When we think of the March on Washington, we think of the iconic, “I have a dream” speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Over 250,000 attendees from all over the country were there to hear it. With such a large event, one would imagine it would take months or years of planning. This iconic figure, Rustin, spent eight weeks organizing the event, scheduling the logistics of the event and buses for thousands to attend. It’s impressive, as he didn’t have the technology and access we have today.
This year as we celebrate those who’ve helped influence Black culture, learn about and celebrate Black publicists who have helped shape and continue to develop society.
Video credit: Adey J Produxions
