Black Advertising Agencies (Finally) Unite To Form Industry Group

Some of the nation’s leading African-American advertising agencies have formed a new association to represent their interests and advocate for their continued growth. The Association of Black-Owned Advertising Agencies, Inc. (ABAA) was founded by ten agencies and marketingcommunications companies following meetings late last year. The new group is incorporated in the state of Illinois, and its interim chairman is Eugene Morris, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based E. Morris Communications, Inc.

“The formation of the ABAA was long overdue,” said Morris. “For more than 40 years, the African-American market has been the number one ethnic market in America. With the growing importance of these consumers, we need to find ways to collectively use our expertise and address critical issues facing both the market and our agencies.”

Black-owned ad agencies and marketing communications firms have annual billings of more than $1 billion. They represent clients from Fortune 100 corporations, to major local companies, to leading not-for-profit organizations, and have built the foundation and principles for successful segmented marketing for the entire industry.

“We have launched the association with agencies representing all the geographical areas of the nation,” said Morris. “We look forward to building a membership that is truly representative of all black-owned agencies, of all sizes, wherever they may be based.”

The founding members of the ABAA are:

Anderson Communications – Atlanta, GA / Al Anderson, Chairman
E. Morris Communications – Chicago, IL / Eugene Morris, Chairman & CEO
Equals Three Communications – Bethseda, MD / Eugene Faison, Chairman & CEO
Fuse Advertising – St. Louis, MO / Clifford Franklin, President & CEO
Lattimer Moffitt Communications – Atlanta, GA / Maria Moffitt, Managing
Partner
Matlock Advertising & Public Relations – Atlanta, GA / Kent Matlock,
Chairman & CEO
Muse Communications – Los Angeles, CA / J. Melvin Muse, Chairman &
Executive Creative Director
Prime Access – New York, NY / Howard Buford, President & CEO
R.J. Dale Advertising & Public Relations – Chicago, IL / Robert Dale,
President & CEO
SWG&M Advertising – El Paso, TX / Robert Wingo, President & CEO

According to its by-laws, ABAA’s mission is:

– To advocate for the interests of African-American-owned advertising agencies and marketing communications firms.
– To maintain relations with governmental, industry, consumer and other organizations on matters affecting advertising and marketing communications.
– To engage in, and encourage the development of research that increases the understanding of African-American consumers, their relationship to the marketplace, and the role of advertising and marketing in guiding consumers’ decisions.
– To advise and maintain good relations with associations representing advertisers, media, suppliers and consumers, and with other associations and industries concerned with or related to advertising or marketing communications.
– To establish opportunities for African-American students who desire to enter the advertising profession and related fields of marketing communications through scholarships, internships and mentoring programs.

50 Cent’s ‘The Massacre’ CD to Be Released Early

As a response to recent bootlegging, 50 Cent’s “The Massacre” will now be released on Thursday, March 3, 2005. The new date puts the album in stores five days earlier than the original street date of March 8th.

“Fans want instant gratification, especially when they are fiending for my music. They’ll even risk buying the wrong sh** from bootleggers. I want them to have the real thing as soon as possible,” says 50 Cent.

Notes Steve Berman, Senior Executive, Marketing and Sales for Interscope Geffen A&M: “50 Cent is linked so closely to the streets, that we have to react quickly when his album surfaces illegally. The best way to combat piracy problems is by getting the real version into stores with all the exclusive content and special packaging that comes with it.”

Two hundred and fifty thousand limited edition packages are being manufactured. The set will come in a special Digipack and will include a CD key that will unlock exclusive content including a bonus track, a trailer for 50 Cent’s upcoming video game, Bullet Proof, and many uncensored photographs. In addition, 10 lucky fans will win G Unit clothing and footwear, Formula 50 Vitamin Water, a G Unit dog tag designed by Jacob the Jeweler plus autographed photos of 50 Cent.

“The Massacre” is executive produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent and co-executive produced by Sha Money XL. The album features guest appearances by G Unit, The Game, Olivia and Jamie Foxx.

via PRNewsWire

Xzibit Teams With Cingular, Sony Ericsson and Sony Urban Music

With the curtain closed on the entry phase of the Hip Hop SupaStar contest, Cingular Wireless, Sony Ericsson and SONY Urban Music are pleased to announce the selection of 10 finalists for the unique, national program designed to find the next star of Hip Hop. Hip Hop artist, Xzibit, who kicks off his 10-city tour next month, joins the three companies to encourage all wireless users — regardless of carrier — to use their phones to “text the vote” and determine the next Hip Hop SupaStar.

Cingular, Sony Ericsson and SONY Urban Music kicked off the Hip Hop SupaStar contest in January with an invitation for undiscovered artists to submit an original song to put them in the running to become the next Hip Hop SupaStar. From the scores of applications received, SONY Urban Music executives selected 10 finalists and created ringtones based on their original songs, allowing wireless customers across the nation to listen and vote for their favorite artist.

Voting for the next Hip Hop SupaStar kicked off this week and will last through April 10th. Unlike traditional voting contests that incorporate a text messaging component into their overall voting platform, Cingular has introduced a contest where the only means of voting and determining the winner is via text messaging — text SUPA to HSTAR (47827). There’s no limit to the number of times wireless customers can vote from their phone.

“Now, for the first time, wireless customers exclusively will be able to choose the next big thing in Hip Hop,” said Jim Ryan, vice president, consumer data services, Cingular Wireless. “With programs like Hip Hop SupaStar, we are leveraging the vast power of wireless text messaging to give people a real voice and a real choice. That’s the beauty and tremendous potential behind wireless technology-anytime, anywhere interactive access to the people and the events that matter most.”

Musical compositions from each of the finalists’ original songs have been converted into ringtones and are available to listen to and download at http://www.HipHopSupaStar.com and, for Cingular customers, via the Cingular MEdia Mall directly from their handset. The cost for downloading the Hip Hop SupaStar ringtones is $2.49 per ringtone.

The mass-culture phenomenon of cell phone ringtones and text messaging has grown into a $4 billion dollar industry with 42 percent of that revenue generated from the 15 – 25 year old demographic. With Hip Hop leading the pack in the custom ringtone industry, the collaboration with Hip Hop SupaStar and Xzibit makes perfect sense.

“It’s exciting to be a part of an innovative program that links technology and entertainment so seamlessly,” said Frances Britchford, vice president of marketing for Sony Ericsson. “We are proud to join with Cingular and host Xzibit on a nationwide tour where consumers can experience the ultimate in Hip Hop, as well as mobile technology at its finest.”

We continue to be excited about the positive impact that the convergence of music and wireless devices brings to our industry,” said J.J. Rosen, General Manager, Digital Music Products, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, who works with the company’s U.S. labels to develop digital music offerings. Mr. Rosen continued, “In 2004, we led the industry in music personalization products, like ringtones, voicetones, and screensavers. Hip Hop SupaStar is the pivotal event that will help move mobile music beyond personalization and towards entertainment. Combining the broad reach of the mobile platform with consumer input is an incredible opportunity for a major music company like ours to help find talent that resonates with our audience.”

Meet the Finalists
Which one of these 10 finalists will be the next Hip Hop SupaStar?
– Sole Profit – Visalia, CA
– Kendrala Watkins – Oakpark, MI
– Nicholas Seward – Dayton, OH
– OL’ Green Eyes – Tempe, AZ
– Swann Notty – Pawtucket, RI
– Ty Henderson – Huntsville, AL
– Dre Yung – Madison, WI
– Banky Wellington – Bronx, NY
– Texacal – Beverly Hills, CA
– Crisis – Providence, RI

Taking it on Tour
During the tour, where Xzibit will perform songs from his latest album, Weapons of Mass Destruction, consumers will have the opportunity to try out the Sony Ericsson Z500a by visiting the Hip Hop SupaStar car kiosk. Concert- goers also will have the opportunity to take part in a three minute interactive experience, during which they will listen to the top ten finalists’ ringtones and cast their vote. Available at Cingular stores nationwide, the Z500a is offered with a limited-edition Hip Hop SupaStar faceplates, available with a mail-in rebate, and a downloadable ringtone card.

Xzibit’s 10-city tour includes the following markets:
– San Francisco at the Fillmore (3/18)
– Los Angeles at the House of Blues (3/20)
– San Diego at 4th and B (3/21)
– Houston at Numbers (3/24)
– New Orleans at the House of Blues (3/25)
– Atlanta at the Roxy (3/26)
– Miami at The Mansion (3/28)
– Washington DC at Dream (4/1)
– Detroit at St. Andrews Hall (4/2)
– Chicago at the House Of Blues (4/4)

Visit http://www.HipHopSupaStar.com to hear excerpts from the finalists, get more information on voting, download the latest Hip Hop SupaStar ringtones, sign-up for Hip Hop SupaStar alerts and purchase Xzibit concert tickets. Also find out how your vote counts as an entry for the Hip Hop SupaStar Flyaway sweepstakes. The Hip Hop SupaStar winner will be announced in mid-April.

Usher, Ice Cube, and Ciara Honored By Upcoming Soul Train Awards

The legendary program Soul Train hosted a gathering on February 1st, 2005 to release a list of nominees for its annual awards ceremony honoring the best and brightest in contemporary r&B, hip hop, and gospel.

Special Award Recipents include Ice Cube who will receieve the 2005 Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievements in the Field of Entertainment. Other special award recipeints include Usher and newcomer r&b singer Ciara.

Other nominees include…

Best R&B/Soul Single, Female
“Naughty Girl” Beyoncé
“Goodies” Ciara Featuring Petey Pablo
“If I Ain’t Got You” Alicia Keys
“Golden” Jill Scott
———————————————————-
Best R&B/Soul Single, Male
“Charlene” Anthony Hamilton
“Let Me Love You” Mario
“Call My Name” Prince
“Confessions Part II” Usher
———————————————————-
Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo
“Lose My Breath” Destiny’s Child
“Hot 2Nite” New Edition
“My Boo” Usher & Alicia Keys
“The Closer I Get To You” Luther Vandross Duet with Beyoncé Knowles
——————————————————–
Best R&B/Soul Album, Female
“Afrodisiac” Brandy
“Goodies” Ciara
“The Diary of Alicia Keys” Alicia Keys
“Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2″ Jill Scott
———————————————————-
Best R&B/Soul Album, Male
“Happy People/U Saved Me” R. Kelly
“Soulstar” Musiq
“Musicology” Prince
“Confessions” Usher
———————————————————-
Best R&B/Soul Album, Group Band or Duo
“Hot & Wet” 112
“Throwback” Boyz II Men”
“Destiny Fulfilled” Destiny’s Child
“One Love” New Edition
———————————————————
Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist
“Goodies” Ciara Featuring Petey Pablo
“I Believe” Fantasia
“Tipsy” J-Kwon
“Used To Love U” John Legend
———————————————————-
The Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video
“99 Problems” Jay-Z
“Jesus Walks” Kanye West
“Roses” Outkast
“Yeah!” Usher Featuring Ludacris & Lil Jon
———————————————————-
Best R&B/Soul or Rap Dance Cut
“Goodies” Ciara Featuring Petey Pablo
“Headsprung” LL Cool J
“Drop It Like It’s Hot” Snoop Dogg Featuring Pharrell & Uncle Charlie Wilson
“Yeah!” Usher Featuring Ludacris &; Lil Jon
———————————————————
Best Gospel Album
“The Heavens Are Telling” Karen Clark-Sheard
“Live From Another Level” Israel and New Breed
“The J Moss Project” J Moss
“I Owe You” Kierra Kiki Sheard

Federal Agency Backs Discrimination Suit Against Nation’s Largest Uniform Provider

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed papers in federal court Tuesday supporting a discrimination lawsuit against Cintas Corp. Cincinnati based Cintas is the country’s largest provider of work uniforms.

“After a review of the available evidence, EEOC has determined that there is sufficient and reasonable basis to believe that Cintas discriminates against women in the recruitment and hiring of sales drivers,” EEOC General Counsel Eric S. Dreiband stated in the agency’s motion to intervene in the suit, Ramirez et al. v. Cintas. Filing the motion means that EEOC, a federal agency whose members are appointed by the President, is certifying that the suit is of general public importance.

Several Cintas employees filed the suit last year in U.S. District Court in San Francisco charging that Cintas has a company-wide pattern of discrimination against African American, Hispanic, and women employees.

More information concering this release can be found at the following website:
http://www.uniformjustice.org

Rapid HIV Testing Campaign Targets African American and Latina Women

A free, Rapid HIV test that allows people to get results in 20 minutes rather than two weeks is the focus of a year-long, $2 million advertising and public awareness campaign designed to encourage more people to get tested.

The television, radio and bus advertising campaign builds on the success of a pilot campaign the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) conducted last year between July and September. That campaign resulted in a five-fold increase in the number of calls to the HIV Helpline (1-866-HIV CHECK) and a nearly 48 percent increase in testing at the height of the campaign.

“The sooner you know your HIV status, the sooner you can get treatment. More than 32,000 people in New Jersey are living with HIV/AIDS and nearly half of them are unaware of their status,” said Acting Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D.

“We have to reach these individuals so they can be tested and that is why we are repeating last year’s successful marketing campaign,” the Commissioner said.

The Rapid test overcomes a major obstacle in HIV testing. Getting the results in 20 minutes means people no longer have to wait one or two weeks and return to the testing site to get their results.

In 2003, before Rapid testing was available, New Jersey’s publicly funded counseling and testing sites performed 67,941 HIV tests. Of those, 23,230 people — or 34 percent — never returned to the testing site for the results.

In contrast, more than 99 percent of the 10,600 people who have taken the Rapid HIV test since it became available in November of 2003 learned their HIV status before they walked out the door.

“The Rapid test is a less stressful, more convenient way for people to learn their HIV status,” Commissioner Jacobs said.

“The 20-minute test” campaign targets African American and Latina women because women of color are disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS is the number one killer of African American women between the ages of 18 and 34. Sixty-three percent of women living with HIV in New Jersey are African American and 18 percent are Latina.

More than 10,600 people have already taken the test in one of 51 locations in 14 counties around the state. The Department first began offering the test in November 2003.

via PRNEWSWire