I can’t believe it’s already September! I love this time of the year for many reasons, including the US Open in New York. This year diversity is well represented both on the courts and on the creative front. Chase and Nike launched inspiring Serena Williams ads and American Express is running its ad with Lin Manuel Miranda. If you are not a fan, there are some great storylines this year. There is of course Serena. You also have two players from Japan making history Kei Nishikori on the men’s side and Naomi Osaka on the women’s side. And Nike posted this in response to the French Open’s decision regarding Serena’s catsuit.
This week Nike has captured most of the headlines with its decision to have Colin Kaepernick as the face of its current campaign. There has been extensive coverage and analysis on this decision – just do a quick Google search. If you haven’t seen the ad that will run during the NFL season opener, the US Open and other sporting events, you should. Here’s a link. I agree with Patrick Rishe – for Nike “the reward will exceed risk because it knows its demo.”
Other news I am following includes that the term “Latinx” has been added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. I’ve written about the debate on using this term before. Adrienne Trimble took the helm at the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Nielsen released a report stating that Hispanic consumers over-index on cause-related purchases. Backstage Capital announced it is launching “an accelerator in four cities to promote underrepresented founders.” I am voting for Miami as the fourth city. WarnerMedia unveiled its diversity policy – congratulations to the team leading this effort! Also here is this good read from The Wharton School titled “Why Diversity Is About Much More Than Numbers.”
ICYMI watch Sylvia Acevedo’s interview on CBS This Morning. Proud to say I’ve known her for years, she’s inspiring!
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
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