Race and Ethnicity in Advertising

Jean Kilbourne Papers, 1918-2014

Jean Kilbourne is a feminist author, media critic, and documentary filmmaker based in Massachusetts. This large collection spans 1918-2014 and contains over 100 boxes of material. The collection includes correspondence, advertisement clippings and tearsheets, research reports, slides and slide presentation texts, audiovisual materials, book drafts, production materials, and research files. Of particular interest might be the “Research Files,” which contain alcohol marketing reports focused on alcohol marketing to minority populations, specifically Hispanic and African American populations (Boxes 21-23). The collection also contains information on alcohol advertising techniques (Boxes 25-30) and alcohol advertisement clippings (Boxes 67-71). Much of the material related to alcohol marketing to minorities focuses on government regulation, research regarding the adverse effects of alcohol impresses on minority populations, and criticism of advertising firms for targeting minority groups.

The Jean Kilbourne Papers also contain numerous reports focusing on the tobacco market, as well as 22 boxes of general print advertisements spanning 1930-2011. These advertisements include a vast array of commercial products, with a particular focus on female fashion and beauty products, cigarettes, and alcohol. Of particular interest might be Boxes 77 and 79, which feature advertisements depicting minority women. These advertisements have been culled from multiple sources, including magazines directed towards minority markets. Magazines represented include Ebony, Latina, People, and Vogue, among others.

View the Collection Guide

The John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History is part of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Duke University. Established in 1992, the Hartman Center holds an extensive collection of print and television advertisements, market research, industry reports, multimedia materials, and more, and facilitates the research of scholars and students interested in a diverse array of topics related to advertising and media.

This project seeks to showcase materials related to race and ethnicity in advertising in America. Focusing particularly on underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, this website serves as a research resource that highlights relevant materials through item and collection descriptions, images, and featured exhibits. Researchers interested in studying race and ethnicity in advertising can learn about and locate specific documents and collections by browsing this website. You can also find out how to search for related materials through our “Research Tips” page.

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