Support. Amplify. Celebrate: Spotlighting Black Communicators

As we celebrate Black History Month, we would like to honor Black professionals in the public relations industry by highlighting the incredible work of Black-owned public relations firms and superstar Black public relations professionals. These firms and individuals have accomplished inspiring work for a range of clients and deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to public relations. 

Beaman Inc., located in Chicago, Illinois, was founded by Robin Beaman. Beaman worked for Black Entertainment Television (BET) and on Oprah Winfrey’s team before deciding to venture on her own and open her firm. Now, Beaman Inc. works with impressive clients to create meaningful narratives and cultivate relationships between brands and their audiences. Some of Beaman’s notable clients include Coca-Cola, the Illinois Bureau of Tourism and the National MBA Association.

Carol H. Williams Advertising was founded by Carol H. Williams, the firm’s president, CEO and chief creative officer, in 1986. The firm, based in Oakland, California, with offices around the country, prides itself on employing a diverse staff and providing clients with its expertise on brands, media and consumers. Williams has led her staff through multiple award-winning campaigns for large corporations, such as The Walt Disney Company, Hewlett-Packard, General Mills and Procter & Gamble.

Burrell Communications Group is a collection of diverse individuals who use their years of experience to advise clients on advertising, strategic planning, brand identity and more. Notable clients include American Airlines, Olay, McDonalds and General Mills. The firm prides itself on doing work that advocates for diverse communities. The agency launched “Black is Human,” an initiative that calls attention to the violence that affects Black boys. Now, the agency is utilizing this movement to shed light on the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on Black communities. The movement highlights Jason Hargrove, a bus driver who tragically lost his life to COVID-19 after spreading messages of civic duty.

The Garner Circle Co. strives for diversity and inclusion in everything it does. The firm, founded in 2005, specializes in delivering positive results for its clients by developing positive relationships with target audiences. In 2020, the agency was awarded Best Company for Diversity and Inclusion Communications by Comparably. Some of Garner Circle Co.’s impressive clients include Ne-Yo, Ciara, the Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Foundation and AIDS Atlanta. 

Beyond 8, founded by Brittney Escovedo and based in New York, is an international production and brand strategy agency. The firm works with clients in the fashion, technology and music industries to create memorable experiences that push boundaries and promote inclusivity. Beyond 8’s commitment to multicultural awareness is at the forefront of every experience and relationship that the agency cultivates. Beyond 8 has worked with Adidas, Atlantic Records, Gucci and Universal Studios among others.

There are also a number of Black public relations professionals who are doing incredible things, two of whom were recently celebrated by Mogul Millennial. 

Nepherterra Best is an award-winning professional with an entrepreneurial spirit. She founded the widely successful Pride Public Relations, Mosaic Communications and NewsReleaseNow. Now, she is focused on expanding Pride Public Relations, a full-service agency that values precision, passion and results, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her advice to incoming PR professionals: “get as much experience as you can, build authentic relationships with media and other PR professionals and make sure you can write.”

Candice Nicole is the owner of Candice Nicole Public Relations in Charlotte, North Carolina. She decided to spread her wings and open her firm after years of working at BET. She recently worked with Chevrolet on a campaign that will allow aspiring journalists who attend HBCUs to intern at Black newspapers. In the future, she hopes to continue to lead her team to success and fulfill her personal goal of growing Candice Nicole PR into a seven-figure agency.

These agencies and professionals represent the best of our industry. Remember to highlight and amplify Black voices not just during the month of February, but every day. 

To expand your knowledge on more Black-owned public relations agencies that are doing incredible work, check out this list from Agency Spotter.