P&G/Essence Poll: Black women say they are portrayed ‘worst’ than others in media

(August 7, 2007) Procter & Gamble has announced the launch of My Black is Beautiful, a program designed to ignite and support a sustained national conversation by, for and about black women. The initiative was created to serve as the catalyst for a movement that affects positive change in the way African American women are reflected in popular culture.

Results from a P&G/ESSENCE poll show that 77 percent of African American women are "concerned" about the way they are portrayed in popular media. The vast majority, 71 percent, say that they are portrayed "worse" than other racial groups in the media. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said that teens are negatively influenced by those images. Recognizing that beauty and self-confidence are intrinsically linked, P&G introduced My Black is Beautiful and released the results of the consumer survey during National Association of Black Journalists Convention held last week in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  
"My Black is Beautiful is a celebration of the personal and collective beauty of African American women and encourages them to define and promote a beauty standard that is an authentic reflection of their spirit," said Najoh Tita Reid, P&G Multicultural Marketing Director. "We not only celebrate our own awesome beauty, but we want to empower Black women to challenge those who would see or portray us otherwise."

Key components under development include a multi-city My Black is Beautiful Conversation Tour and the release of a discussion guide to encourage women to facilitate or participate in a conversation cluster in their local communities. Consumers can more learn about the campaign and access the booklet online at www.myblackisbeautiful.com, at select retail store and in national magazines.

Additionally, P&G has created a My Black is Beautiful community trust fund. We will continue to issue actions grants to community-based organizations dedicated to the health, education and empowerment of African American young women. A grant of $50,000, underwritten by Tampax and Always, awarded to and shared by the W.E.B. Dubois Society, GirlSpirit-Women Song Inc. and Urban Academy in June.

"Over our 37 year history, ESSENCE has embodied the strength and beauty of African American women. We proudly stand with P&G as they invite women across the country to come together in their homes, libraries, community centers, schools and churches to share their perspectives on the issues that are important to us," said Angela Burt-Murray, editor-in-chief ESSENCE.

The integrated, multi-brand initiative is supported by Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural, Cover Girl Queen Collection, Olay Definity, Crest, Secret, Tampax and Always brands and will be sustained through comprehensive brand communications, including public relations, advertising, retail promotions, event marketing and grassroots efforts.


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New Buying Power report shows more spending by black consumers on 'necessities'

Thanks to economic gains in the past two years, black households across the U.S., especially middle-class families, are increasing their purchases of lifestyle and leisure items.

According to the newest edition of “The Buying Power of Black America,” there are indications that black households are feeling more confident about making purchases that...
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