"Black is Beautiful"

Pride in African Culture

The idea of taking pride in African culture also manifested itself in advertising campaigns such as PepsiCo's 1980s series of posters celebrating African American history. Each poster features a portrait of a prominent African American figure and a short biography. These biographies highlight the successes of these individuals using empowering and laudatory language.

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"Paul Robeson: Above All." NAACP Posters, 1980s.

African American history marketing and promotional posters, Pepsi-Cola "The Black Presence" Series.

"Paul Robeson was many things... athlete, scholar, actor, write, publisher folklorist, and above all, his own man."

Lizzie-Pepsi

"Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter." NAACP Posters, 1980s.

African American history marketing and promotional posters, Pepsi-Cola "The Black Presence" Series.

"More than just a freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman was truly a freedom winner!"

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"Charlie Christian: The Man Who Electrified Jazz." NAACP Posters, 1980s.

African American history marketing and promotional posters, Pepsi-Cola "The Black Presence" Series.

"A downhill struggle with tuberculosis ended a short but dynamic career. Charlie Christian was only 23. But his music still lives. And so does the electricity he created - modern jazz."

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