Judge Sotomayor

Let's hope Judge Sotomayor does not become the 'Judas' that Clarence Thomas turned out to be. Ironically, Thomas, the only African American on the Supreme Court and its most conservative member, is, sadly, the least qualified to serve at the same time. Which is precisely why he perpetuates the stereotype he actually believes he spent his life breaking. On the other hand, while Sotomayor's 'rags' to 'riches' story parallels many aspects of Thomas' story, Judge Sotomayor's legal acumen is as impressive as that of any member of the present Court. Those skills will serve her well in the passionate debates with her colleagues on the Court over so many important issues in the years to come.

Targeting the African American Consumer

The most effective use of client resources is to develop emotional messaging that touches the heart of the targeted consumer YET crosses over and resonates with the general market as well. That can only happen when you dig deep and find those universal truths that are applicable to all of us. The key is to leverage the commonalities and celebrate the differences.

Multicultural Marketing

Multicultural advertising agencies, especially those targeting the African American market, must constantly reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant in today's changing world. It's always been difficult to educate clients and get them to see the business opportunities for their brands in the African American market, even in the best of times. In this economy it's that much more difficult as multicultural budgets are often some of the first to be cut. Admittedly the new business opportunities are even fewer and farther between as a result. But those agencies who are smart and have strategy at the heart of everything they do will be the ones to survive. And those agencies who understand the multicultural market is now really the general market, and who continue to produce smart, inclusive yet carefully targeted work as a result, will thrive and prosper.