Tom Burrell
A reel of Burrell’s Advertisements for Coca-Cola is currently archived at the Library of Congress for its historical significance.
An award-‐winning adman, Tom retired in 2004, rewiring his career to become an author and lecturer focusing on media, pop culture, social sciences and American history. His highly acclaimed first book, BRAINWASHED: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority, has sparked a lively and international conversation on the powerful role media messaging plays in affecting attitudes and behavior.
BRAINWASHED received many notable reviews including being named one of the “65 Greatest Books About Race” in Ebony Magazine’s 65th Anniversary issue.
Meet the Architects of Black Advertising
Tom established Burrell Advertising Agency in 1971 and led the company through 2004. His initial team of Advertising Architects in the ’70s recognized the unique qualities of the African American consumer market; they spearheaded some of the most memorable campaigns in advertising history, establishing black advertising during that era. This creativity persisted through the decades, with the creative team continuing to innovate from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Their work garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Clio Award, often regarded as the Oscars of the advertising world. The award-winning campaigns, featuring prominent figures and newcomers, made Black people feel a sense of pride, capturing trends and raising awareness of our creativity throughout American culture. “What’s Black About It? Burrell: Advertising Revolution” offers an inside look at the genius of Tom Burrell and the creative team responsible for classic jingles, hook lines, and branding that have revolutionized consumer spending today.
Architects:
Andrew Bozeman
(VP of Creative Services)
Sarah Burroughs
(VP Director of Marketing Services and Research)
Tony Gregory
(Art Director)
Anna Morris
(CLIO award and CEBA award-winning Copywriter)
Eugene Morris
(CLIO award -winning Account Supervisor and Media Director)
Alvin Hawkins
(CLIO award-winning Sr. Art Director)
Bill Mason
(CLIO award-winning Director)
Don Woodson
(CLIO award-winning Art Director)
For the first time, the story of Burrell Advertising will be told. The documentary film What’s Black About It? Burrell: Advertising Revolution examines the journey of a brilliant man who broke new ground in advertising with a positive African American reality and the power of black music. Burrell’s partnership with several blue-chip clients such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Toyota and the connection with Chicago’s Grammy Award-winning black music producers; helped infuse Burrell’s creative ideas with soul, permanently shifting the landscape of American advertising.
