As public relations professionals, it is important for us to acknowledge and honor those who paved the way in the industry before us- especially those who are often not acknowledged enough. In honor of Black History Month, we want to reflect on some of the most influential African Americans throughout the history of public relations. While we want to shine light on these important trailblazers right now, it is important to celebrate all of history every month of the year.
Joseph Varney Baker: Jacob Baker, a South Carolina native, opened the first black-owned PR agency, Joseph V. Baker and Associates, in 1934. Before entering the world of PR, Baker paved the way for diversity in the Journalism field, as he was the first African American to write for The Philadelphia Inquirer and went on to become the city editor for the Philadelphia Tribune. After leaving the publication, he worked as a PR consultant for the Pennsylvania Railroad, which is where his passion for public relations was sparked and was what ultimately led him to open his own firm. Aside from a remarkably impressive client list throughout his career, Baker went on to achieve many big milestones outside of his firm. In 1958, he became the first black chief of the Philadelphia Chapter of the PRSA. In 1960, Baker was the assistant to Vice President Nixon’s campaign staff and later went on to become the director of Negro Work for the Republican State Committee. His determination and passion continued to inspire many for years to come and his mentorship supported many young African Americans, especially women, entering the PR field. Learn more here.
Debra A. Miller: Debra A. Miller has no doubt made a strong impact on the public relations world and has created a legacy that inspired many along the way. Not only was she appointed the president of PRSA in 1997, but she went on to become the first woman of color to win the 2006 Anvil Gold Award. This award is considered a highly respected lifetime PRSA achievement and is given to professionals who made a large impact on the public relations field as a whole. Miller, a public relations leader, strategist, counselor, researcher, educator, and advocate, attributes her success to continuously asking herself the question, “What is your deepest fear?” She uses this question to motivate herself and her mentees to continue to overcome personal fears and she believes that it is the key to success. Learn more here.
Ofield Dukes: After serving in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, Ofield Dukes earned a journalism degree from Wayne State University and went on to become a pioneer in the world of public relations. Dukes started his career off as a journalist struggling to find employment at any of the white-owned newspapers he applied to. After becoming an award-winning writer with The Michigan Chronicle, he was appointed as the deputy director of the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity & Plans for Progress by President Lyndon B. Johnson. One year later, he became the deputy director of public affairs for the White House Conference to Fulfill These Rights and held that position until 1969. Following his work for the White House, he established Ofield Dukes & Associates as a public relations firm. With Motown Records as the first client, Dukes’ firm still exists today and serves Sony Music Entertainment, RJR Nabisco and many other big-name clients. His trailblazing accomplishments were rightfully recognized as he was inducted into the Washington, D.C. public relations Society Hall of Fame.
Leaders of Today: A celebration of African-American influence in public relations would not be complete without an ode to the leaders of today. Dr. Rochelle Ford is one of the industry’s most influential leaders. A 2018 PRWeek Hall of Fame inductee, she is currently the dean of the Elon University School of Communications. Through award-winning research and the advancement of diversity leadership, Dr. Ford has truly pushed our industry forward. You can find her most recent book here: Ofield: The Autobiography of Public Relations Man Ofield Dukes.
One, of many more, African-American industry leaders is APCO Worldwide’s Senior Advisor for Equity and Justice Charlene Wheeless. Before deciding to start her own firm, Wheeless worked as the principal vice president of global corporate affairs for Bechtel Corporation and is credited with transforming the reputation of the 120-year-old company. Along with being inducted into the PR Hall of Femme, PRWeek magazine named her one of the 50 most influential PR professionals for multiple years. You can learn more about Charlene Wheeless here.
As 2021’s Black History Month continues, we encourage all public relations students and professionals to seek out stories of pioneers that have crafted our field into what it is today. From Joseph Varney Baker to Charlene Wheeless, the effects of their great work can be seen and felt every single day. That is certainly not exclusively in February.