African American Marketing Committee

The African American Marketing Committee helps members unlock growth by advancing strategies that authentically engage Black consumers as a driving force in culture, innovation, and economic influence. It serves as a collaborative forum for senior marketers to learn, share, and connect around approaches that translate cultural understanding into measurable business impact.

The committee operates at the intersection of cultural leadership, marketing effectiveness, and brand growth. Black consumers continue to shape mainstream culture across music, sports, media, and technology, influencing broader consumer behavior and brand expectations. Marketers who understand how to engage this audience with authenticity and consistency are better positioned to drive both relevance and long-term growth.

Designed for marketers, agencies, media companies, and brand leaders, the committee brings together those with established strategies and those seeking to build or refine their approach. Members gain leadership visibility, exchange best practices, and help define how brands invest in and grow through Black consumer engagement.

The committee convenes virtually five to six times per year, with opportunities for in-person engagement, providing a consistent forum to align priorities, share insights, and advance strategies that drive sustained business outcomes.

• Co-Chair: Barry Macon, Director Audience Strategy, AARP
• Co-Chair: Brie Boles-Marshall, Responsible Media, GM
• Co-Chair: Cedric Harville, Director, Cf Ps, Purchasing Brand Building, P&G
• Co-Chair: Erica Hughes, Senior Director, Sports, Consumer & Lifestyle Public Relations, Ally
• Co-Chair: Kirstie Turner, Sr. Director Brand Engagement-Multicultural Business + Equity Development , PepsiCo
• Co-Chair: LaToya Wharton, Senior Marketing Manager, St Jude’s
• Co-Chair: Marissa Brock, Director, Marketing Strategy - Immunology/Sjögren's Disease, Novartis
• Co-Chair: Mwanza Lumumba, Sr. Brand Director Whiskey Portfolio, Moet Hennessy

Contact the ANA staff managing the African American Marketing Committee:

• Bernice Veloz , Senior Director, Multicultural Marketing

Discussion Topics:

• Marketer-led case studies
• Cultural influence across music, sports, and entertainment
• Authentic storytelling and representation
• Community engagement and brand trust
• Media investment strategies and ROI
• Creator and influencer partnerships
• Economic impact and consumer insights
• Organizational models and internal capability building

The African American Marketing Committee is open to all client-side marketer and solutions provider members.

Request to Join