The 18th annual ADCOLOR convention, held at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles, brought together over 600 passionate attendees determined to amplify their voices and protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Despite the unseasonably cold winds in Southern California, the warmth and love radiating from this gathering offered a comforting embrace to the Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community, especially in the wake of a disappointing election. This event served as a powerful reminder to “GO OFF MUTE” stand resolute make some noise in the fight for DEI.
Tiffany Warren, ADCOLOR’s founder, and her dedicated team crafted an inspiring agenda that resonated as a call to arms for BIPOC professionals. The conference was filled with intriguing conversations and enlightening discussions that aimed to fortify the community’s commitment to DEI. Kicking off the festivities was a cocktail reception and screening of the documentary “Never Too Much,” celebrating the life and legacy of the late R&B singer Luther Vandross. Welcome remarks from Sheereen Miller-Russell of Warner Bros. Discovery and Katie Hinman of CNN set the tone, followed by behind-the-scenes insights from award-winning director Dawn Porter.
Day one commenced with a powerhouse panel featuring DEI champions and advertising heavyweights, including Emily Graham from Omnicom, Christina Pyle of Dentsu Americas, Channing Martin from Interpublic, LJ Louis from WPP, and Geraldine White of Publicis Groupe U.S. The atmosphere was electric, with DJ George energizing the crowd as Warren led the opening discussion. Together, these leaders encouraged attendees to reclaim the narrative surrounding DEI, emphasizing that initiatives to increase the representation of Black professionals in advertising are more vital than ever.
From the opening session to the breakout discussions, participants were treated to practical knowledge and confidence-building programming designed to empower them during these challenging times. A standout feature of the conference was a Hackathon, where early-career professionals passionately presented innovative solutions aimed at “going OFF MUTE” in sectors like real estate and healthcare—areas where the Black community often faces disadvantages. The fervor displayed by these young talents was a testament to the resilience and determination that fuels the movement for change.
The conference offered a wealth of sessions designed to nourish the mind and spirit. Highlights included:
- Reclaiming the Narrative: The Power of Black Representation in Media: Featuring the cast of Amazon’s *Harlem*—Meagan Good, Jerrie Johnson, and Grace Byers—who discussed how brands can create inclusive programming that authentically reflects the evolving power of Black consumers.
- Power of the People: A discussion led by content creators MJ DePalma from Microsoft, Allyson Hughley of LinkedIn, and Sybil Grieb, focusing on the impact and responsibility of creators in shaping narratives.
- ADCOLOR in Music: A captivating conversation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton, exploring the intersection of music and advocacy.
- Telling Stories and Creating Million-Dollar Brands: Entrepreneurs Luvvie Ajayi Jones and Eunique Gibson Jones shared insights on leveraging storytelling to build impactful brands.
- Navigating the Corporate Ladder as a Woman of Color: A private screening of SEED’s media project “The Memo,” featuring Kyla Pratt, provided valuable lessons on career advancement.
- Creating Growth Through Inclusivity: A conversation with Queen Latifah and P&G, discussing the partnership with the Queen Collective and the strides made since its inception in 2018.
- Barbershop Talk: A lively discussion on *The Shop* with Paul Rivera, featuring Los Angeles Dodgers 2024 World Series-winning pitcher Jack Flaherty, Jon Batiste, Google’s Darryl Butler, and Luvvie Ajayi Jones.
Inclusivity was a cornerstone of the event, with presenters encouraged to share self-descriptions to accommodate visually impaired attendees, and sign interpreters present at all sessions. This commitment to accessibility ensured that everyone could engage fully in the experience.
The conference culminated in a star-studded awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions across various categories, including Beacon, Catalyst, Advocate, Change Agent, Tech, MVP, and Rising Star. The evening was made even more special with a performance by emerging Latina hip-hop star J Noa, as Queen Latifah took home the Music Icon award, affirming her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.
As the ADCOLOR conference came to a close, attendees left not only with a renewed sense of purpose but also armed with the strategies and support necessary to continue the battle for representation and equity in the advertising world. In a time when the call for change is louder than ever, ADCOLOR has ensured that the voices of BIPOC professionals will never go OFF MUTE.
All Photos courtesy of ADCOLOR
