Wunderman Thompson in collaboration with their employee resource group “Noir,” opened its doors during Black History Month 2023 to celebrate Black excellence with a unique event called “Young, Gifted and Black.” This special occasion offered Global Academy students who identify as Black the opportunity to immerse themselves in a day filled with enlightening panels and creative workshops focused on advertising opportunities.
Yunus Dauda, a Year 12 Content Production student had the privilege of attending this remarkable event. He shared his insights into the experience, highlighting the inspirational journey he embarked upon during the day.
The event commenced with engaging conversations with three outstanding employees, one of whom was Chloe. Chloe’s success story resonated with me as she shared her achievements and challenges within the advertising industry. She proudly mentioned her experiences of working in various countries across Asia and around the world. “Doing what I love while traveling the world,” Chloe exclaimed. Her story served as a source of motivation for us, demonstrating the possibilities within the industry.
Following these discussions, students were tasked with expressing their thoughts on Black culture through media. My group decided to create a TikTok video that showcased their individual experiences as young Black individuals. Their choice of background music was ‘Black,’ a song performed by Black-British rapper Dave at the Brit Awards in 2020. This song garnered significant attention for Dave’s outspoken criticism of the British government’s response to the Grenfell tragedy, including accusations of racism against the then-Prime Minister Theresa May. The TikTok sparked important conversations about accountability and activism.
The event also introduced the attendees to a transformative program called Catalyst Academy. This innovative initiative equips tech-savvy individuals with the knowledge and skills required to break into the competitive marketing industry. It provides a unique opportunity for young people to forge meaningful careers both before and after university, ultimately helping them make their mark in the field.
As the day neared its conclusion, the students had the chance to take a tour around the company’s offices. This hands-on experience allowed them to gain valuable insights into the daily workings of a professional office environment.
Wunderman Thompson’s event was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and gain new perspectives,” shared Yunus Dauda.
“It was an inspiring celebration of Black excellence and a journey into the world of advertising that I’ll never forget.”
The event served as a testament to the commitment of organizations like Wunderman Thompson and their employee resource group “Noir” to empower and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals in the advertising industry. It was a day that not only celebrated excellence but also planted the seeds for a promising future for young talents in the advertising industry echoing the sentiment that being young, gifted, and Black holds the promise of limitless possibilities.
