Tom Burrell, acclaimed adman, author, and self-taught cultural anthropologist, established Burrell Communications in 1971, leading the company through 2004. Recognising the unique qualities of the African American Market and coining the phrase, "Black people are not dark-skinned white people," the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Fame inductee created some of the most memorable campaigns in advertising history. A reel of Burrell's Advertisements for Coca-Cola is currently archived at the Library of Congress for its historical significance. Today, Burrell Communications bills close to US$200m annually and is one of the top advertising companies in the United States, specialising in marketing communications targeted to multicultural, urban and youth markets.
The NYF Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals who have had a profound impact on the advertising industry at large. The award recognises prominent industry luminaries whose personal excellence and extraordinary contributions have advanced the field of advertising, made a lasting impression on the creative community, and who continue to influence the profession in a significant way.
"I left the industry 7 years ago, but I'm gratified that the industry has not left me," said Burrell.
During his career he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including
Advertising Person of the Year, the Albert Lasker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Advertising, DuSable Museum's HistoryMaker Award, and the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in Journalism. Advertising Age named Burrell one of "50 Who Made A Difference" in its special issue, "50 Years of TV Advertising." In "The Advertising Century," issue, the publication designated him among the "Top 100 Advertising People" who have shaped the course of advertising history. In 2004, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Advertising Hall of Fame.
Burrell retired from the advertising industry in 2004 to pursue his career as an author and activist. His highly acclaimed first book, BRAINWASHED: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority, has sparked a lively and international conversation on race and the role of advertising and other media in the perpetuation of racism and race-based self-esteem issues.
New York Festivals will host an in-depth interview with Burrell at the New York Show on Thursday, May 3rd at 1PM.
The New York Show is a 2-day festival that begins on 2 May, and will feature creative panel discussions, keynote speakers, networking events, the 2012 Executive Jury Press Conference, and will culminate with the annual International Advertising Awards ceremony taking place on May 3rd. All New York Show events and the 2012 awards gala will take place at the landmark New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building located at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street.
To purchase tickets for the New York Show go to http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/main.php?p=4,4. Ticket prices: Full Access Pass to all events, including keynote speakers, panel sessions, screenings and award show - US$295; Award Ceremony - US$85.
To view the 2012 Executive Jury and Grand Jury go to: http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/main.php?p=2,10,3.
For more information, or to enter go to: http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/main.php?p=2,10
All winning entries in the New York Festivals International Advertising Awards competition will be featured at www.newyorkfestivals.com.
