Cîroc, The University of Illinois, and Chicago’s own WTTW are utilizing our network of digital billboards to celebrate Black business owners, encourage social change through education, and raise awareness of modern inequalities.
Iconic vodka producer Cîroc is proud to shine a light on Black-owned businesses and the incredible forces behind them as part of their #BlackExcellenceMonth celebrations. According to NBC News, the number of Black business owners increased by 38% from February 2020 to August 2021 - and this number is expected to continue its growth in 2022 and beyond.
Chicago’s historically Black neighborhoods remain vibrant centers of culture and commerce in large part due to businesses like these that both serve and inspire the communities in which they reside. Fortunately, our large-format billboards allow Cîroc to showcase this message to the largest possible on-the-move audience.
Also observing Black History Month on our Chicago Digital Network is The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), which is highlighting the power and importance of education when it comes to achieving societal change and socio-economic equity.
To institutions like UIC, Black History Month is more than just a time to celebrate Black accomplishments. February stands as a valuable opportunity to commemorate and raise awareness of the obstacles that Black communities in the United States continue to face in the 21st century.
As part of a multiplatform initiative focusing on firsthand perspectives of critical city-wide inequalities, Chicago’s own WTTW is tackling the issue of modern segregation with their FIRTSHAND: Segregation series, being promoted on our high-profile digital screens across key traffic corridors.
Chicago remains one of the most segregated cities in the United States, and the consequences of this reality are evident in disparities of income, education, crime, and overall access to public services.
Through this thoughtfully compiled assortment of expert talks, community discussions, articles, and documentary reports, WTTW provides viewers an opportunity to explore the very real impact that racial division has on both the individual and the city.
Overall, these campaigns speak to the importance of sharing Black stories as told by Black community members. It’s for this reason that purpose-driven advertisers look to Out-of-Home when presenting their most valuable messages and exceptional stories.